|
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Billy Bennett kicked three field goals to become the Southeastern Conference’s all-time scoring leader and David Greene threw for 289 yards to lead No. 6 Georgia past Kentucky 30-10 Saturday.
With the victory, the Bulldogs (9-2, 6-2 SEC) gained at least a share of the East Division title with Florida. Tennessee, which beat Vanderbilt on Saturday, could create a three-way tie by beating Kentucky next week.
Georgia would benefit from that scenario, with the top team in the Bowl Championship Series standings getting a spot in the conference title game. In last week’s rankings, the Bulldogs were sixth, a spot ahead of the Volunteers, with the Gators 13th.
Jared Lorenzen completed 21-of-34 for only 137 yards and an interception for the Wildcats (4-7, 1-6). They were held to 212 yards of total offense.
Bennett now has 382 points in his career. His 80 field goals also set a league record.
It was final home game for outgoing Georgia athletic director Vince Dooley, who won 201 games in 25 years as coach of the Bulldogs. In keeping with his wishes, the school didn’t hold a ceremony, although Dooley was on the field at halftime when Georgia’s equestrian team was honored for its national championship.
Dooley walked to midfield, engulfed by the members of the team. He received a standing ovation, then when he headed to the sideline, a brief chant of “Doo-ley, Doo-ley,” started.
Dooley’s request for a contract extension was declined by school president Michael Adams, so his career will be end in June.
Kentucky used two trick plays to stay close, including a fake field goal on its first possession. Holder Chris Bernard ran 9 yards for a first down at the 1, and Lorenzen powered over on second down to tie it at 7.
Then at the start of the third quarter, Tommy Cook gained 14 yards on a fake punt, keeping the drive alive on fourth-and-4. Taylor Begley eventually kicked a 48-yard field to cut Georgia’s lead to 17-10.
Bennett made his second kick on the ensuing possession, then added another early in the fourth quarter to put it out of reach. Tim Jennings sealed the victory with an interception in the final five minutes, and the turnover led to an 8-yard touchdown run by Ronnie Powell.
