ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia’s last three football games had something significant at stake.
A win over Kentucky on Nov. 19 clinched Georgia’s first Southeastern Conference East Division title in six years. A win at Georgia Tech on Nov. 26 resulted in a state championship for the Bulldogs, their 10th in 11 seasons under coach Mark Richt. And a loss to LSU on Dec. 3 denied Georgia the chance to win the overall league title and a trip to the Sugar Bowl.
The next game for the Bulldogs is a Jan. 2 date with Michigan State in the Outback Bowl, which presents a trophy and contains sun and fun for both teams but may not be accompanied by much momentous concern over the outcome.
“It’s not like a typical game,” Bulldogs senior cornerback Brandon Boykin said. “The environment down there is more laid back, and people are kind of just able to enjoy themselves before the game. We’re going to treat it like any other game but try to enjoy it at the same time.”
A win in Tampa would not erase Georgia’s 42-10 loss to LSU in the SEC championship game. Yet a victory over the Spartans would be a plus for the program’s present and future, according to Richt.