Calling the annual showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and Vanderbilt Commodores a college football rivalry is true by definition, but it usually produces a one-sided result. Whether the game is in Athens or Nashville, the Dawgs almost always prevail. There is one play that pretty much sums it up, too.
Back in 2002, second-year head coach Mark Richt had one of those special teams ready to compete for a national championship. They started 6-0 with ranked wins over Alabama and Tennessee. Then Vandy arrived at Sanford Stadium and things got ugly in a hurry.
What really sparked the 48-17 beatdown is the first play of the second quarter. The box score says UGA quarterback David Greene found wide receiver Terrence Edwards for a 65-yard touchdown. Anyone who watched or remember this game know it was so much more than just a pitch and catch.
David Greene's Play Fake Touchdown Pass
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With the game tied 7-7 to start the second quarter, Georgia was looking to piece together a nice drive and take the lead. It only took one play for that to happen thanks to some phenomenal acting.
David Greene, lined up under center, tapped his foot back to send Terrence Edwards in motion back to the line of scrimmage. It was a Power I formation that just screamed a handoff to star running back Musa Smith. Vanderbilt stacked the box and was ready.
Smith acted like he took the handoff and had several Commodore helmets right there to take him down. Then, all of a sudden, Greene turned around with the ball in his hands before unleashing a bomb to Edwards, who was sprinting downfield and went untouched into the end zone.
The play fake worked. It was so good it even fooled the cameraman, too. The rout was officially on and Georgia fans were in for a party the rest of the way. You better believe Larry Munson was loving it as well.
Georgia went 13-1 that season. The Dawgs' loss to the Florida Gators spoiled a national championship game appearance, but key NCAA wins over Kentucky, Ole Miss, Auburn, Georgia Tech set up an SEC title win over Arkansas in Atlanta and a victory over Florida State in the Sugar Bowl.
It was a fun year, and that play fake by Greene and his touchdown to Edwards is a moment that will never be forgotten.
This post was originally published on September 22, 2020.
