The Buffs first road game of the season started beautifully, as CU was able to string together an impressive first drive. Junior quarterback Bernard Jackson used the reverse bootleg to his advantage, moving the ball on the first drive with his legs.
The ground game continued working, as Jackson rushed for 28 yards on three carries on the first drive, as well as completing two of three passes for 27 yards. The Buffs used pulling guards, tackles and misdirection plays to keep Georgia off balance during the impressive first drive. The drive ended on a sour note, as Mason Crosby’s short 26 yard field goal was blocked by Georgia, and CU was unable to garner any points out of the drive.
The Buffs defense was equally impressive on their first defensive series, allowing only one first down to a potent Georgia offense and forcing them to punt after only four offensive plays.
Jackson continued his impressive showing on the second drive for the Buffs, throwing nice passes on the run off bootleg play action. The Buffs also brought some spread option offense into the mix, allowing Jackson to read the defensive end and either give the ball to Charles or run. They also threw out of that formation with success. The bootleg worked to perfection with Jackson throwing short to freshman tight end Riar Geer becoming Jackson’s favorite target.
The Buffs second drive again moved the ball inside the 20 of the Bulldogs. The drive stalled at the five-yard line, but the Buffs went for it on fourth down and Jackson threw a touchdown on the play, but it was called back because of a false start penalty. Crosby would come on for another 26 yarder and banged that one home to put the buffs up 3-0 with 3:17 left in the quarter. Scoring drive: 12 plays, 50 yards lasting 5:50.
Georgia went three and out on their second drive thanks to a fumbled snap by Georgia and an incomplete deep pass.
The first quarter saw a sort of role reversal, as the Buffs offense was able to move the ball surprisingly well, while the Bulldog’s offense struggled. The Buffs had plays 23 plays for 160 yards and 9 first downs in the quarter. Jackson and the offense looked very confident, running and throwing at will.
The Buffs averaged only 54 offensive plays per game the first three games of the season and had nearly half that total in the first quarter of the game against Georgia. Penalties were the only thing that derailed the Buffs in the quarter, as their two drives could have easily netted them 14 points.
