University of Georgia - Pandora Yearbook (Athens, GA)

Battle in the Bayou For the Georgia iootball hm, I iger stadium was the place to be on the night of October 3, 1 998. This was a matchup in Death Valley between two unbeaten teams battling for a position in the ranks of the powerhouses in the SEC. The Dawgs traveled to Baton Rouge to take on the tigers, who in the preseason had numerous sportswriters mention- ing their team in the hunt for a national championship. To add to the hype of the game, Sport Maga- nent head coaches, ranked toughest place in college foot- to play. In the streets sur- thousands of tiger fans scream- zine, in a poll of 1 1 promi- Tiger stadium as the ball for an opposing team rounding the stadium the ing " tieer bait " attested to their confidence in their team winning this ballgame. As expected, the game was a nailbiter and victory was not secured for the Dawgs until the final minutes of the contest. Georgia, striking quickly, scored 14 points in the first quarter while LSU scored 7. Georgia never relinquished the lead, but also never led by more than 7 points throughout the game. Entering the forth quarter, the Dawgs were up 28-21. The tigers then added 2 field goals to close in to a 28-27 score. With 4:59 left, the Dawgs regained possession and clung to their 1 point lead. Dawg fans watched nervously when with 4:05 remaining Georgia found themselves with 3rd down and 6 on their own 24 yard line. Then to the rescue, Quincy Carter completed a 21 yard pass to Champ Bailey, advancing to our 45. This clutch play sealed the game and a 4-0 record for Georgia. Sorry tigers, carve up another notch in the loss column for Mike V. When October 10, rolled around, the red and black faithful were hinting at SEC championship possibilities. As Tennessee came to town toting an undefeated record along with them, it was obvious that this was a crucial matchup, and for the winner would likely open the door to the Georgia Dome in the Dec 5, SEC Championship game. This game would also have affects on National rankings and was televised by ESPN. Meanwhile ESPN ' s Gameday show was produced at the Tate Center overlooking Sanford Stadium. However, on this day the Vols proved too much for the Dawgs while rolling to a 22-3 victory and marched on to a national championship. by Brian Corbett 125