The Georgia Bulldogs, representing the University of Georgia, had a notable 2009 football season. The team, led by head coach Mark Richt, showcased a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the 2009 team stats, highlighting key performances, and examining the season's overall trajectory.
2009 Season Overview
The 2009 Georgia Bulldogs football team finished with a 8-5 overall record, marking a decent but not spectacular season. They secured a 4-4 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), placing them fourth in the Eastern Division. Despite not meeting the high expectations set by their loyal fan base, the team demonstrated resilience and potential for future growth.
Offensive Statistics
The Bulldogs’ offense was led by quarterback Joe Cox, who completed 159 out of 261 passes for 2,061 yards, with 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The running game was spearheaded by Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, who combined for over 1,000 rushing yards. The receiving corps was anchored by A.J. Green, who caught 53 passes for 808 yards and 6 touchdowns. The team averaged 28.9 points per game, which ranked them sixth in the SEC.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Offense | 379.4 yards per game |
| Passing Offense | 218.1 yards per game |
| Rushing Offense | 161.3 yards per game |
| Points Per Game | 28.9 |
Defensive Statistics
The Bulldogs’ defense, coordinated by Willie Martinez, faced challenges throughout the season, particularly in the secondary. They allowed an average of 26.4 points per game, ranking them eighth in the SEC in terms of defensive scoring average. The team was led in tackles by linebacker Rennie Curran, who amassed 115 tackles, and in sacks by defensive end Justin Houston, who recorded 7.5 sacks.
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Defense | 358.4 yards per game |
| Passing Defense | 214.5 yards per game |
| Rushing Defense | 143.9 yards per game |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 26.4 |
Special Teams and Notable Performances
The special teams unit, led by kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler, played a crucial role in the team’s overall performance. Walsh connected on 20 out of 23 field goal attempts, while Butler averaged 48.1 yards per punt. A.J. Green’s 175-yard receiving performance against Arkansas was one of the season’s highlights, showcasing his potential as a top-tier receiver.
Season Highlights and Lowlights
The Bulldogs’ season was marked by significant wins, including a 41-37 victory over Georgia Tech, and tough losses, such as the 45-19 defeat at the hands of Tennessee. The team’s performance against ranked opponents was a concern, as they went 1-3 in such games. Despite these challenges, the Bulldogs managed to secure a bowl bid, participating in the Independence Bowl against Texas A&M, which they won 44-20.
- Won the Independence Bowl against Texas A&M 44-20
- Defeated Georgia Tech 30-24 in the regular season finale
- Lost to Florida 41-17, highlighting the need for improvement in the rivalry
Who was the leading rusher for the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs?
+Washaun Ealey, with 717 rushing yards, was the leading rusher for the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs.
What was the Bulldogs’ record in the SEC for the 2009 season?
+The Georgia Bulldogs finished with a 4-4 record in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the 2009 season.
Who was the starting quarterback for the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs?
+Joe Cox was the starting quarterback for the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs.
