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Georgia survives Mississippi State, snaps two-game slide

Oct 21, 2006 - 9:29 PM ATHENS, Georgia (Ticker) -- Matthew Stafford and Georgia overcame Mississippi State - and themselves.

Stafford threw for a pair of touchdowns to help offset three interceptions as Georgia snapped a two-game slide with a 27-24 Southeastern Conference victory over Mississippi State.

A true freshman, Stafford set career highs in every category, completing 20-of-32 passes for 267 yards as Georgia (6-2, 3-2 SEC East) rebounded from back-to-back losses to Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

While it was the first time this season the team's starting quarterback also finished the game, Stafford did throw three picks and his teammates fumbled twice, leading to Mississippi State's first 17 points.

But Stafford responded with Georgia clinging to a 21-17 lead, leading the hosts on an 11-play, 88-yard drive that fullback Brannan Southerland capped with a one-yard TD run on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Mississippi State answered with a 12-play, 80-yard march that Anthony Dixon punctuated with a three-yard TD run to draw the visitors within 27-24. But MSU quarterback Michael Henig was sacked by Charles Johnson and fumbled in the final minute, sealing the loss.

Henig finished 14-of-31 with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Tony Burks added four catches for 106 yards for Mississippi State (2-6, 0-4 West).