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Georgia wraps up disappointing season vs. Michigan State

Jan 1, 2009 - 2:04 PM (17) Georgia (9-3) vs. (18) Michigan State (9-3), 1:00 pm EST

ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- As the preseason No. 1 team in the coaches' poll, Georgia had visions of playing in a BCS Bowl, if not the national championship game.

But following an up-and-down regular season, the 17th-ranked Bulldogs will face No. 18 Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl on Thursday.

While Georgia (9-3), may look at this game as a consolation prize, the Spartans (9-3) are thrilled to be playing in a January 1 bowl game - even if there are a decided underdog.

"My whole career here, Michigan State's always been the underdog," Spartans quarterback Brian Hoyer said. "I'm sure on paper it probably looks that way. They're a preseason No. 1 team, and we were probably ranked in the 50s in the preseason."

Michigan State earned a berth in its first New Year's Day bowl since 2000 mainly behind the powerful running of workhouse Javon Ringer. The fourth-leading rusher in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1,590 yards, Ringer has rushed for 21 touchdowns this season, tying a school record.

Ringer paced the FBS in carries with 370, but he carried only 17 yards for 42 yards in Michigan State's 49-18 loss to Penn State as the Spartans were forced to play from behind in their regular-season finale.

Michigan State likely will try to get the ball into Ringer's hands as much as possible in an attempt to exploit Georgia's run defense that allowed 409 yards on the ground in a 45-42 season-ending loss to Georgia Tech.

Michigan State is looking to reach 10 wins for the only the fourth time in school history and the first time since 1999, when current Alabama coach Nick Saban guided the Spartans to a 10-2 record.

Conversely, Georgia is seeking double figures in wins for the sixth time in eight years. However, the Bulldogs also suffered lopsided defeats to Alabama (41-30, but trailing 31-0 at halftime) and Florida (49-10).

Georgia junior quarterback Matthew Stafford and sophomore running back Knowshon Moreno will have decisions to make following the game as they could opt for next year's NFL draft.

Stafford has been projected as a top-five pick and Moreno, the Southeastern Conference's second-leading rusher, a mid first-round choice.

Stafford, who had said he will at least consider the draft, passed for 407 yards and five touchdowns - both career highs - in Georgia's loss to Georgia Tech.

Georgia has won five of its last six bowls, including a 41-10 drubbing of Hawaii in last season's Sugar Bowl.