‘Hurricane Jarvis’ sweeps through Florida’s offense for 17-9 Georgia win
Georgia's Jarvis Jones comes up with one of his two fumble recoveries against Florida. He also caused two fumbles and recorded 13 tackles and three sacks in his first game back from injury. (AJC photo by Bob Andres)
JACKSONVILLE — Never mind all that “soft defense” talk. Georgia had Jarvis Jones back in the lineup.
The Bulldogs’ dynamic outside linebacker, who has missed two games with injuries and been hobbled much of the season’s first half, was feeling good and healthy on Saturday. Just ask Florida, which felt his wrath all night.
The 2011 All-American terrorized the Gators all night, finishing with 13 tackles, three quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Jones wasn’t the only reason, but he was a big reason the No. 10-ranked Bulldogs were able to knock off the No. 2 Gators 17-9 Saturday night at EverBank Field.
The victory gives puts the Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1 SEC) into the driver’s seat to repeat as SEC East champions and represent the division in the SEC championship game in the Georgia Dome. Georgia plays host to Ole Miss (5-3, 2-2) next Saturday and closes out the conference slate at Auburn (1-7, 0-6) on Nov. 10. Since the Bulldogs now own the head-to-head tiebreaker, the Gators need to beat Missouri next week and have Georgia lose one of its final two.
“All we’ve done is give ourselves a chance to play Ole Miss and have it mean something,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said.
It was only fitting that Jones would make the play of the game. With the Bulldogs’ clinging to an eight-point lead in the final minutes, Florida tight end Jordan Reed hauled in a pass and was running inside the Bulldogs’ 5-yard line. But Jones hadn’t given up on the play. Catching Reed from behind, Jones tomahawked the football loose and it bounded into the end zone. There, cornerback Sanders Commings jumped on the ball and cradled it in the back of the end zone for a touchback.
“I didn’t really realize exactly what Jarvis had done until they told me and I looked at the line,” Richt said. “That’s on a bum ankle and I know his groin’s not really 100 percent yet. He really led for us tonight on the field But he was more vocal than I’ve ever seen him. He really wanted this one badly. I’m just happy he’s a Georgia Bulldog.”
Jones emerged from the locker room later than his teammates, who were being interviewed in a ground-floor concourse. He again had to receive post-game medical treatment. But he spoke humbly about what had just occurred.
“I had a good game, but all of us had a big game,” said the junior from Columbus. “We were clicking on all cylinders. We held the No. 2 team in the nation without a touchdown the whole game. That’s a compliment for us as a defense. I just hope we continue to play this way the rest of the season and keep challenging each other week in and week out.”
Jones’ teammates weren’t as modest in talking about him.
“Jarvis Jones is a beast; that’s a beast right there,” senior linebacker Mike Gilliard said. “He’s a hard worker; he’s a passionate, passionate guy; he loves this sport. He came out here and showed up like we knew he would. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games.”
“Jarvis is a great player, an outstanding player, whatever you want to say,” sophomore Malcolm Mitchell said. “To come off an ankle sprain the way he did. That’s not an easy thing to come back from. Then to do what he did, I’d pick him No. 1 in the draft if it was me.”
It was a total defensive effort by the Bulldogs beyond Jones’ play. Georgia held the Gators without a touchdown in this series for the first time since 1988 when coach Vince Dooley’s last team beat them 26-3. Florida had six turnovers – four fumbles and two interceptions – and managed just 266 total yards.
It’s no coincidence that the performance came in the same week that Williams, the senior safety and de facto defensive captain, came out and said the Bulldogs were playing too soft on defense and without the same kind of passion they did the year before. Georgia returned eight starters from last season’s unit, which finished fifth in the nation in total yardage.
“Our guys were very serious about playing with intensity and playing with some physicality,” Richt said. “They had been accused of some things that guys don’t like to be accused of and I think that probably helped motivate them.”
Richt was pretty motivated, too. The Florida series has been one that has dogged his tenure as head coach. Saturday’s win was just his fourth in 12 seasons over the Gators.
A jovial Richt remained on the field for nearly 15 minutes, working his way from the north end of the stadium to the south, giving fans the thumbs-up sign, shaking hands and chatting up hundreds who had come down to the front row.
“You need to enjoy these moments,” Richt explained. “As long as the fans were going to stuck around, I was going to stick around… . When you have a victory like that against a great team and your fanbase is there, I want to stick around and enjoy it with them. I wanted our players to enjoy it and I wanted to enjoy it. We wanted to celebrate.”
Georgia did manage to generate some offense, though it was more timely than prolific. Quarterback Aaron Murray had a season-high three interceptions – all in the first-half after having only four all season – but hooked up with Malcolm Mitchell on a 45-yard touchdown pass with 7:11 remaining in the fourth quarter that have the Bulldogs some breathing room.
And freshman Todd Gurley provided the Bulldogs just the spark they needed in the run game. He rushed for 118 yards on 27 carries and scored on a 10-yard run, his 11th TD of the season. In all, Georgia eke out just 273 yards.
Williams, for what it’s worth, finished with six tackles and a tackle for loss. Bacarri Rambo and Damian Swann each recorded interception.
Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel was sacked five times and was 14-of-26 passing. Mike Gillisee led the Gators with 77 yards rushing.
“I’ve said all season we’re not a team that has a lot of margin of error,” Muschamp said. “Six turnovers, wow, that’s hard to overcome.”
GEORGIA-FLORIDA GAME COVERAGE
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601 comments Add your comment
Coffee Bluff DAWG
October 27th, 2012
9:16 pm
The UGA RBs have really held onto the ball this yr. Murray erratic in the 1st half but came through late to Mitchell.
gunter
October 27th, 2012
9:17 pm
This feels great! All the naysayers were all wet! Big win against a very good Florida team. We physically whipped the team that whipped LSU and South Carolina. I’m very proud for Coach Right, The Team and The University!
#1DawginMississippi
October 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
Well I don’t post a lot on here I just read what all the fair weather fans have to say every week and it makes me sick to my stomach! Well I think that would be considered a BIG WIN against the #2 team in the nation. So to all you bashers on here PLEASE do me a favor and SHUT UP and go find yourself another team to pull for because you are only part time fans. I am BULLDAWG born and BULLDAWG bread and when I die I’ll be BULLDAWG DEAD! Go Dawgs!!!!! GATA
BIGWIN
October 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
You guys are incredible. Richt wins one over a Top 25 team in 3 years, Defense shows up 1 game all year, and a player has to motivate the team and you guys are ready for a 10 year extension to Richt, Bobo, and Todd G. Unbelievable. When we barely edge out Ole Miss on a last second field goal, you will be back to reality.
DirtyDawg82
October 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
Let’s not get too carried away. Our Dawgs played winning SEC football, that is the formula that is needed, tough, physical defense, and not bad on the o line either. Murray had plenty of time to throw but simply couldnt execute. We won because we controlled the line of scrimmage and for that I could not be more proud. Williams comments were needed and his teammates answered the challenge. My only disappointment was how Murray responded to adversity. He looked lost and bewildered, and needs to learn to stop the “deer in headlights” play in these games. Proud to be a Dawg, but much work still to be done.
azdawg
October 27th, 2012
9:18 pm
RJ
October 27th, 2012
9:12 pm
Granted, Murray hit the pass that counted (TD to MM) but the D won this game in spite of Murray’s attempt to lose it. 3 picks that were drive killers. The D won not AM!
Coffee Bluff DAWG
October 27th, 2012
9:20 pm
I thought Driskell was a better runner than what he showed. Shaw for SC had better speed by far.
FL was a one dimensional team except for the occasional pass to # 11.
claytondawg
October 27th, 2012
9:20 pm
A win IS a win IS a win. Let’s celebrate now; but, let’s get back down to business Monday for Ole Miss next week!!!!
Bucknfl
October 27th, 2012
9:20 pm
Now all the Bulldgog whiners and haters can STFU!
icedawg
October 27th, 2012
9:22 pm
Defense played much better, with passion. Caught a break at the end. Could’ve gone the other way but thankfully it didn’t. An ugly win but any win against Gators is fine. Gotta win out.
32 years with no NC
October 27th, 2012
9:23 pm
1980 and counting with no NC and you ain’t gonna get it this year either. Basically you all ain’t done squat in 32 years. Tradition my rear end. Get ready for a beat down in the dome because it’s coming.
icedawg
October 27th, 2012
9:23 pm
Hats off to Malcome Mitchell. He wanted that win.
Coffee Bluff DAWG
October 27th, 2012
9:25 pm
Garrison Smith did a great job filling for Abry Jones – no drop off at all.
Jordan Jenkins also had some good hits.
icedawg
October 27th, 2012
9:25 pm
The high and might Tide has quickly forgotten its period of demise. Glad they’re back up but the way they talk its as if there never was a hiccup. Come on man!
#1DawginMississippi
October 27th, 2012
9:27 pm
@ 32 years with no NC STFU you loser GT Fan who just got your A$$ handed to you by BYU LMAO !!!!
DILLIGAF
October 27th, 2012
9:27 pm
First, I just want to say that I despise The Florida Gators.
Kudos to the offensive line, they held their own against a very good defensive front, opened running lanes and decent pass protection. We should have added more points to the win if not for Murray throwing the pick inside the ten yard line and also the missed field goal.
I’ve always been a Murray fan and still think he can pick you apart when given adequate protection but he does get rattled and makes bad passing decisions and I’ve always believed that he zones in on his primary receivers and doesn’t pick up on developing options as the play breaks down. It showed again tonight but he did have a couple of drops and one interception was off of the receiver’s hands.
The defense played a physical game, flew to the ball, tackled better and there were alot of swamp lizards littering the carpet.
Jarvis Jones is the best defensive player in the country. I would love to see him play at 100% without injury this season.
The players and coaches on this team need to hold each other accountable for their play for the rest of this season. Thaks Shawn Williams, you’re a Damn Good Dog. I wasn’t crazy about the way that you did it but admire your passion for your team and you brothers and I’m sure that right now, your teammates and coaches are thanking you too.
C’mon offense, get it together this week.
And on a serious note, if you believe in prayer, say one for Marcus Lattimore tonight. I’m a huge fan of this guy, he’s a good young man and a huge talent and it broke my heart to see his broken spirit in his eyes.
Go Dawgs!
GATA!
UGA85′
Coffee Bluff DAWG
October 27th, 2012
9:27 pm
Looks like AL cruising over the other Dogs. Will be tough but not many gave us a chance against FL either.
Lonnie
October 27th, 2012
9:27 pm
And this is after last years game! Best game all year!!!!!
Coffee Bluff DAWG
October 27th, 2012
9:32 pm
Pray that Lattimore can come back again next yr. That was a terrible looking injury.
It reminds me of our big O lineman who had either 2 or 3 torn ACLs a few yrs back.
Smitty
October 27th, 2012
9:36 pm
Sweet….win is a win
Fair n Balanced
October 27th, 2012
9:36 pm
1-11 on third dns. 3 picks. 132 in penalties. But….perfect storm! 6 TO by a team leading nation in TO margin. 2 of them in the end zone. Ground game great vs one of nation’s strongest D. FL fails to score a TD. The Dogs can do it when they want to. Intensity was awesome! Every play! Game ball to S Williams! Softness on D now gone! Dogs have a chance ……
hit a single
October 27th, 2012
9:37 pm
CBS must be in love with the Gator cheerleaders. They showed all the time. They never showed the UGA cheerleaders. I heard it mentioned on the call in show DAWG Talk. I thought maybe I was the only one that noticed it.
UGAFANINTN
October 27th, 2012
9:38 pm
Ok..IT IS GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDOG…Murray did look terrible for 3.5 quarters but he did step it up when we needed him to. I think the more he didn’t win the big game, the next big game became that much bigger, and he didn’t win, the next came became that much bigger. I think now the big game is finally off his back and UGA won…I think Murray will loosen up and play much better for the rest of his career here. The big won is finally behind them now they won’t be as tense in the future. Thanks to Shawn and Jarvis…
Smitty
October 27th, 2012
9:43 pm
Did we still win?????
BIG HOLES
October 27th, 2012
9:43 pm
Guys……. Calm Down. We were very fortunate tonight. Never should have even been in the game. Are we talented? Yes!!!!!! Did we deserve to beat the gators? No!!!!! Fortunate but let’s take advantage. Beat Ole Miss! Then we can talk. Phewwww!!!!!
Strat Cat Dawg
October 27th, 2012
9:46 pm
Only thing I have to say is, Murray came back from a terrible first half, gave us a solid second half and threw the pass to Mitchell that put the game away. Come on, fans…
Jonathan
October 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
What time is it in Jacksonville?
17 to 9
hit a single
October 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
Would you rather be like Auburn and Coach Chizik, win a NC and then two years later go 1 and 7 and look as weak as anybody in the SEC or be like UGA and feel like you have a chance every year with Coach Richt. I know I will take Coach Richt any day.
Mike
October 27th, 2012
9:47 pm
I wonder if losing Michael Bennett has had a bigger impact than many think. Murray might miss him and him being on the field probably helped our other receivers get more open too.
hit a single
October 27th, 2012
9:48 pm
Big Holes – Floriday is the one that was lucky to be in the game. UGA could have put it away early.
32 years with no NC
October 27th, 2012
9:48 pm
#1doginmississippi… Get your passport out and get out of the USA and go back to Mississippi. Ain’t no Tech fan you redneck geek.
hit a single
October 27th, 2012
9:49 pm
Run Mitchell Run!
Concerned
October 27th, 2012
9:51 pm
WOW Now that is manning up. Yes the Dawgs needed to be told they were not showing up, and I am glad they were embarrassed enough that they decided to show the Dawg Nation that they had what it took to win a BIG game.
I really liked the up field defensive play, the constant pressure, the blitz packages, and all the turnovers as a result of this aggressive play. Where has this been before makes me wonder if we play better when fear is at our backs. Seems maturity is not of this team. The penalties were off the chart, and personal fouls aside we were luck to win as we played poorly at best. On emotion, as well spunk is what was the difference. So these Dawgs can, and the next question is will they Finish The Drill or will they come down to earth and lay another egg.
Glad to be a Dawg, and this win will go along way until Saturday when The Rebels come into Athens. We will see how mature we really are.
Go Dawgs
dawgs01
October 27th, 2012
9:51 pm
we all know now that is was the injuries holding him back the past couple of weeks. so glad to see grantham finally turn them lose tonight and just let them play. defense does not have to be so complicated. d and o lines played great.
"No means NO, Zach M."
October 27th, 2012
9:51 pm
Karma sucks, doesn’t it Auburn!
Jerry Seinfeld
October 27th, 2012
9:53 pm
HUGE win for the dawgs today. I was expecting Murray to throw a pick or a bad pass on that third down throw, but he delivered and Mitchell did the rest. Jarvis Jones is a legitimate Heisman contender. The defense played really hard and emotional. From the first snap, the team was fired up. Thanks, Shawn Williams. Florida could not have played much worse on offense, but that’s what happens when a young quarterback goes up against a great defense sometimes. Not the Gators’ best effort, but there’s no excuse for their turnovers. Hunker down!!!
BIG HOLES
October 27th, 2012
9:55 pm
First Quarter – Driskell Fumble = Questionable at best.
Jones tackle on Patton (I’m Sorry) = Personal Foul (and the Spot was a First Down for the gates)
The Holding call in the 4th Quarter on the Screen should have not been called behind the line of scrimmage.
Yes, we made our own mistakes, but we are very fortunate to walk out of there with a victory.
We were extremely fortunate to walk out of there with the W.
Disgusted
October 27th, 2012
9:55 pm
Shawn Williams should get a game ball. Kudos for leadership.
And he made a few plays to back it up.
still a dawg fan
October 27th, 2012
9:55 pm
Today’s MVP is Shawn Williams. It finally took someone to speak out in public to finally light a fire under our defense. Thank You Shawn Williams
Jerry Seinfeld
October 27th, 2012
9:56 pm
Nothing is going to bring down my mood tonight. We should not have had so many penalties, but our defense certainly was the difference. Now Alabama is loaded and does not turn the ball over like the Gators did today. And their quarterback may the best one in the SEC. I don’t think we can beat them right now, but I’m very proud of the effort and if we play really hard and well but lose, there’s no shame. Saban’s team beats everyone. Go Dawgs!!!
Disgusted
October 27th, 2012
9:56 pm
Too early to celebrate yet, there is plenty of work to do vs a tough Rebel team.
just sayin
October 27th, 2012
9:57 pm
Is there another “just” in your pathetic reporting chippie?
GATOR CHOMP
October 27th, 2012
9:57 pm
Good game Dawgs and good luck the rest of the way. You guys played one helluva game. GO GATORS!!!!!!
Disgusted
October 27th, 2012
9:58 pm
The game was overofficiated but that goes on both sides.
Hard for the offenses of either side to settle down when the refs throw flags for every little thing.
But we overcame and forced FLA into a big mistake at the end. Thank you Jarvis.
funny...
October 27th, 2012
9:58 pm
Is SSI-Gator around
LOL at you
2 in a row
"No means NO, Zach M."
October 27th, 2012
9:58 pm
Oh, and South Carolina…..SHUT UP!
hit a single
October 27th, 2012
9:58 pm
Well Spurrier, you can’t blame it on our schedule. All you had to do was beat Florida and you couldn’t and we could. Get well Latimore, we are praying for you.
Disgusted
October 27th, 2012
9:59 pm
That was classy Gator Chomp.
You guys are not out of it yet — we have more work to do.
Your program is back on track and running.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
October 27th, 2012
10:00 pm
Do you guys not realize how badly that game was called? the penalties on us do not begin to make up for the awfully called game.
Shut up and do not whisper another word about this game forever.
Tiptoe around the graveyard.
holy cow, we got lucky.
Go Dawgs
funny...
October 27th, 2012
10:00 pm
Georgia travels 65 guys for away games.
64 came ready to play. Aaron Murray has got to figure this thing out. He’s the weakest link