Georgia got the ball first in the second half, but they didn’t have it for long, as defensive tackle George Hypolite sacked Stafford, forced a fumble, and then recovered the fumble, giving CU the ball at the Georgia 32 yard line. The Colorado defense continued to dominate the Georgia offense with the turnover.
The Buffs offense shot itself in the foot again with another holding penalty on their possession after the turnover, and they were unable to overcome the hole the penalty put them in. Crosby came on for a 36-yard field goal and made it, giving CU a 13-0 lead with 11:25 to go in the third quarter. The field goal was the first points for the Buffs in any second half all season.
Georgia got something going through the air as they garnered two first downs with two great catches. However, a screen pass to running back Ware was ripped out and cornerback Chase McBride recovered the fumble, giving CU their second turnover of the half.
CU’s running game got inspired after the turnover, as Jackson rushed for nine yards and Charles for 11 after the fumble recovery. Another holding penalty set the Buffs back 10 yards on second down, and it put them in a third and 16, and Jackson was hit as he threw deep. The pass fell incomplete, forcing a Colorado punt.
Georgia’s next drive saw them continue their offensive struggles and the Buffs defense continue to dominate, as Georgia was forced to punt after yet another three and out, their fifth punt of the day.
The Buffs third drive of the second half was stalled because of another penalty, this one for illegal formation. The long third down situation saw another incomplete pass from Jackson, and CU was forced to punt.
Georgia turned to a new quarterback, Joe Cox, on their next series and he was able to get the Georgia offense working, going no huddle and moving into Buffs territory after three runs. Cox passed complete for a long gain, and dumped another short one for a first down as Georgia moved inside the CU 20-yard line.
CU senior defensive end Abraham Wright and junior linebacker Thaddaeus Washington hit Ware in the backfield for a large loss a few plays later, putting UGA in a 3rd and long situation. On third down, Georgia ran a draw play that almost netted a first down. On fourth and three, another draw play was stuffed by safety J.J. Billingsley and CU would take over on downs, a huge play for the Buffs.
