APMcFadden scored on a 1-yard run with 4:53 remaining, pulling Arkansas within a field goal. But Gordon Ely-Kelso punted Arkansas back to its own 7-yard line with just more than two minutes left, and Georgia’s defense held. Will Thompson had a big sack to help finish off the Razorbacks.
Shockley, who waited three years behind David Greene for his chance to start, came into the game as the top-rated passer in the SEC and 13th nationally. He also provided a threat with his running ability, but that’s what got him in trouble when he took off up the middle on a third-and-15 play, went down awkwardly on the tackle and twisted his left knee.
Shockley hobbled to the bench and was in obvious pain as the training staff worked on his leg. Just before halftime, he limped to the locker room to a standing ovation from the Sanford Stadium crowd, done for the day, though he did return to the sideline on crutches to watch the second half. From time to time, teammates came over to console him.
Tereshinski, normally used in mop-up roles, had a couple of crucial mistakes, botching a handoff (leading to a fumble that was recovered by Arkansas) and throwing an interception. But Georgia remained unbeaten, which was the main priority.
“I didn’t feel nervous,” Tereshinski said. “I just focused on what I had to do out there. Everyone stepped up when they had to for us.”
McFadden took advantage of an injury depleted Georgia defense, setting Arkansas freshman records for rushing yards in a game — he broke the old mark by the end of the third quarter — and a season, with four more games to add to his mark.
Chris Balseiro kicked a pair of field goals for Arkansas, but also missed a 45-yarder early in the fourth quarter that might have altered the outcome.
“Well, it’s good to win,” a relieved Richt said. “We certainly could have lost it.”
Miami coach Al Golden says the worst is behind him, but his headaches figure to continue now that former booster Nevin Shapiro, now in jail, says his involvement with the Hurricanes program will result in stiff penalties.
CFT: Jordan Jefferson makes it clear he wasn't happy with LSU's game plan in the Tigers' BCS Championship Game loss to Alabama.
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