SEC Power Rankings: Egg Bowl, Iron Bowl to decide SEC West champ

Nov 21, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) scores the game winning touchdown against the Georgia Southern Eagles during overtime at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Georgia Southern 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Week 12 of the 2015 SEC football schedule was commonly called Cupcake Week because of the weak non-conference matchups with FCS, Sun Belt and C-USA teams across the league. Several of those “cupcakes” proved themselves to be worthy opponents, however, including Georgia Southern, who nearly upset Georgia in Athens before the Bulldogs escaped in overtime.

The Eagles are actually a solid opponent and have a history of upsets, including the 2013 victory over Florida in The Swamp. However, it was a bit strange how exuberantly the Bulldogs celebrated their 20-14 walk-off victory after Sony Michel’s 25-yard touchdown on the Bulldogs’ first offensive play in the extra period.

Michel was Georgia’s offensive star of the game and finished with 132 rushing yards on 23 carries. Quarterback Greyson Lambert completed 16 of 25 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown (a 12-yarder to diving receiver Terry Godwin), and Isaiah McKenzie scored on a 23-yard run in the first quarter.

However, a fumble by McKenzie led to a Georgia Southern touchdown in the third quarter that gave the Eagles a 14-7 lead. Malcolm Mitchell, who led all receivers with five receptions and 73 yards, also fumbled on a promising Georgia drive earlier in the game.

For the third straight week, the Bulldogs won the game because of a great defensive effort – especially on a critical fourth down stop in overtime. Georgia Southern, whose 364.3 average rushing yards leads the nation by 17.9 yards, were limited to 233 yards on the ground.

Next Game: Saturday November 28 at Georgia Tech

Next: Georgia