Georgia's Shawn Williams grabbed a game-ending interception on a Chris Relf pass thrown high across the middle with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter to seal a 24-10 UGA win Saturday afternoon. After a 0-2 start to 2011, the Athens Dogs' third consecutive victory was built with explosive early scoring and a defense that held Mississippi State to 3 points and 213 yards.
A combination of Chris Relf and a debuting Dylan Favre went 19 of 33 for 157 yards, averaging only 4.5 yards a pass. Mississippi State was 4 of 15 on third downs, and running back Vick Ballard was held to 23 yards.
UGA spent most of the fourth quarter running out the clock, but failed to put up insurance points. After one drive was cut off by an Aaron Murray pick-six, the Dogs responded with another run-heavy drive balanced by Isaiah Crowell and Carlton Thomas, but kicker Blair Walsh was wide right on 48-yard field goal attempt.
Walsh was 1 of 3 on the day, but Murray's three interceptions was the most notable issue on Georgia's offense. Murray finished 13 of 25 for 160 yards and two TDs.
Georgia's senior cornerback and return specialist Brandon Boykin left the game with a knee to the back of the head on a tackle on Mississippi State's last possession.