Of course Green’s catch was the highlight, but I think this third quarter completion was the most important play of the game:

3rd-8, UGa22 6:35 M. Stafford passed to M. Massaquoi down the middle for 12 yard gain

Here’s the situation. Georgia had just given up the lead and trailed 24-21 after Kentucky converted their blocked punt. The Wildcats had just scored 10 straight points out of the locker room. Remember that this Georgia team saw the game get away from them in the third quarter last week, and it was starting to happen again. Georgia had a net -3 yards so far in the third quarter. Knowshon Moreno had just been stuffed on first and second down, setting up Georgia with 3rd-and-8 from their own 22 and the momentum completely on the other side of the ball.

Massaquoi started as one of three receivers split out right. The line protected well and Massaquoi was able to get separation from cornerback Shomari Moore and in front of safety Ashton Cobb across the middle. Stafford planted and drilled a pass across the middle right to the open Massaquoi.

The completion turned out to be the first of four consecutive completions by Stafford on the drive. The longest was a 22-yard strike to Michael Moore down to the Wildcat 25. Two plays later, Knowshon Moreno took it in from 20 yards out for his second score of the day. Georgia was back ahead 28-24.

Kentucky would score again (twice more, actually) and take the lead back, but the significance of this play and drive was in Georgia’s ability to answer and avoid getting run out of the game in a repeat of the Florida game. Instead of contributing further to the meltdown, the Georgia offense passed a big test and responded. With more sloppy defense and special teams play yet to come, the offense would need this kind of fortitude several more times down the stretch.