Georgia Football: Ranking the 5 Best Moments for the Bulldogs in 2014

As many Georgia Bulldogs fans already know, there is no game for the Bulldogs on Saturday, and there won’t be another for at least three more weeks.

Despite such a disappointing end to a season with so much promise, the Bulldogs still had more good memories than bad in 2014. In fact, this season had some players doing things that fans will be talking about for years to come.

Let’s take a look at the five most memorable moments from the Bulldogs this season.

No. 5: McKenzie the Human Joystick

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

One of the Bulldogs' better wins came against Kentucky, a game in which they were able to score 63 points, which is the most points the Bulldogs have scored in an SEC game since 1942.

One of the more memorable moments in the game was the play of return specialist Isaiah McKenzie. The true freshman opened the game with a 90-yard kick return for a touchdown, and he scored on a 59-yard punt return in the third quarter.

McKenzie was only one of two players in the conference to have two special teams touchdowns in the same game. This was also the first time since 2006 the Bulldogs had a kick and punt return for a touchdown.

Thomas Brown returned a kick for a touchdown and Mikey Henderson returned a punt for a touchdown in that game against Tennessee eight years ago. 

No. 4: Gurley Dominates Clemson

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

The Bulldogs opened the season with a 45-21 win against Clemson, and one of the big reasons for the domination was the play of Todd Gurley.

Not only did Gurley run for 198 yards and three touchdowns, he also returned a kick for a 100-yard touchdown. The 100-yard kick return was the fifth in school history and his 298 all-purpose yards is a school record.

It’s a shame Gurley was suspended four games and suffered a knee injury later in the season. This was the kind of performance that puts a player in the lead for the Heisman. 

No. 3: Gurley the Quarterback

USA TODAY Sports

The best play Gurley made in 2014 came in the game against Vanderbilt.

It was the second quarter, and the Bulldogs were up 21-7. They needed another scoring drive to put them in the driver’s seat in the second half.

They called Gurley’s number, but not to run the ball. Instead, he threw a 50-yard pass to Jeb Blazevich, which led to a short touchdown pass to Chris Conley from Hutson Mason.

Gurley’s 50-yard pass was his first pass of his career. It was also the longest pass completion for any player this season. 

No. 2: Georgia Shuts out Missouri

USA TODAY Sports

Winning against any SEC team is big. However, when the Bulldogs were able to go on the road and shut out SEC champion Missouri, they made a statement.

This was an emotional game for the Bulldogs because it was the first game they were playing without Gurley, who was suspended. However, they answered the call with Mason and Nick Chubb leading the way. Mason threw for 156 yards and one touchdown while Chubb had 143 rushing yards and one score.

The defense also played well, forcing five turnovers, including four interceptions. It was a huge statement win for the Bulldogs as they went on to win their next two of three games without Gurley. 

No. 1: Bulldogs Take Care of Auburn

USA TODAY Sports

As emotional and important as that win was for the Bulldogs, none of the wins this season compare to the win against Auburn.

This was another emotional contest because it saw the return of Gurley, who did not finish the game because of an ACL tear.

The Bulldogs dominated the Tigers, and they eliminated them from SEC West contention.

Both Gurley and Chubb rushed for over 100 yards, the defense held the Tigers to a season-low seven points and Mason was efficient, going 10-of-19 for 123 yards and one touchdown.

Based on what happened last year when both teams played each other, this win was one of the sweeter victories in Richt’s career. However, it was the last big win of the year for the Bulldogs because they were not able to reach the SEC title game due to two bad losses earlier in the season.