Tampa Bay Football History Network

2005 Outback Bowl

Despite an attractive match-up of ranked teams with 9-2 records, this was the first time the Outback Bowl did not sell out since the 2000 game. Georgia, ranked eighth under head coach Mark Richt, made its fortieth bowl appearance and fourth trip to the Outback Bowl. Wisconsin, ranked sixteenth under Barry Alvarez, made its sixteenth bowl trip and third to Tampa. The only previous meeting between the schools was the 1998 Outback Bowl.

For Georgia, the defense made the difference. The Bulldogs sacked quarterback John Stocco (12 of 27 for 170 with a TD) an Outback Bowl record seven times and doubled Wisconsin in total yards (460 to 230). While freshman running back Thomas Brown ran for 111 yards, and David Greene (19 of 38 for 264 yards with 2 INTs) threw two touchdown passes, the game MVP award had to come from the defensive side. With a record tying three sacks, and a forced fumble which he recovered, Georgia defensive end David Pollack took the honors. An interception return for a touchdown by Badgers linebacker Andy Cook with 4:13 left made it interesting, but Georgia prevailed 24-21.

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