Practice report: Georgia rallies to defeat ‘Boise State’ 38-34

ATHENS – Down 31-0 at halftime, Georgia rallied in the second half and scored a touchdown with 11 seconds remaining for a dramatic 38-34 win over Boise State Wednesday in Sanford Stadium.

OK, so it wasn’t the real Boise State. It was the Bulldogs’ scout team posing as the No. 5-ranked Broncos and going against Georgia’s varsity offense and defense in a practice game at Sanford Stadium.

Georgia coach Mark Richt said he spotted “Boise” the 31 points — they only played one half –  to “create some drama.” And it did.

The Bulldogs were trailing by three inside the Boise 5-yard line late in the fourth quarter when Quantavious Harrow, playing the role of a Broncos’ defensive back, flew in and forced a turnover. But Boise was unable to run out the clock and had to punt the ball back.

Georgia won when Hutson Mason hooked up with Tavarres King on a fade route on third-and-goal.

“We had a great second half and just rolled right through them,” quarterback Aaron Murray quipped.

Richt was happy with the final result and the overall play of the defense but otherwise wasn’t particular thrilled.

“We would not have been ready today,” Richt said. “Even our pregame warmup left a little to be desired.”

Georgia’s defense was particularly resourceful, creating six turnovers and “at least” four interceptions, Richt said. Two of those picks were returned for touchdowns by cornerback Brandon Boykin.

“It was interception mania there for a minute,” Richt said. “But their offensive line didn’t protect very well and that’s the main reason why.”

UGA kept “unofficial official” stats for the scrimmage. Tailback Isaiah Crowell had six carries for 54 yards and a touchdown, Ken Malcome added 11 for 61 and a TD and Brandon Harton had five for 26 and a score for the Georgia offense.

Murray was 5-of-9 passing for 79 yards and Mason 7-of-9 for 98 and a TD. Tight end Orson Charles had three catches for 31 yards, King added three for 21, tight end Aron White had two for 46 and Harton ripped off 49 yards on one reception.

“I actually think it was the best we’ve done in one of these kinds of games” Murray said. “The offense was pretty sharp.”

Defensive end Abry Jones was the defensive star with three tackles and two sacks, cornerback Jordan Love had three stops, a sack and forced a fumble and safety Shawn Williams had an interception and pass break-up.

“As a defense, we took it as our first chance to attack what Boise does,” Abry Jones said. “I think we did a good job. Now we’ve got to go back and look at the film and see what we can do better.”

Also, place-kicker Blair Walsh nailed a 56-yard field goal in his only attempt.

Captains named

Georgia coaches appointed captains for the Boise State game before Wednesday’s scrimmage. They are center Ben Jones, defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, punter Drew Butler and Boykin.

Boykin said he was particularly proud of the honor.

“It means a lot,” he said. “Playing in the Dome in my hometown in the first game of my last year, I really appreciate it.”

Missing in action

Most of the players who have been out the last few days remained sidelined with injuries. Among them was TB Richard Samuel (quadriceps), FB Bruce Figgins (hamstring), TB Carlton Thomas (ankle) WR Malcolm Mitchell (leg muscle) and WR Marlon Brown (ankle).

Etc. . . .

Afterward, Richt said the tailback’s depth chart going into the final week is Samuel first, then Crowell, Harton and Malcome. . . . Georgia will hold a special teams practice today, then a closed situational scrimmage on Friday.