What Is 1987 Georgia Bulldogs football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia during the 1987 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with a 6–6 record under head coach Vince Dooley. They played their home games at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, and competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Key Facts

The 1987 Georgia Bulldogs finished the season with a 6–6 overall record
Head coach Vince Dooley led the team in his 25th and final season
The Bulldogs played home games at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia
They competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and finished 3–5 in conference play
The team did not qualify for a bowl game due to their .500 record

Overview

The 1987 Georgia Bulldogs football team marked the final season under legendary head coach Vince Dooley, who had led the program since 1964. Competing in the NCAA Division I-A football season, the team represented the University of Georgia and played as members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Despite high expectations entering the season, the Bulldogs struggled to maintain consistency, finishing with a 6–6 overall record and a 3–5 mark in conference play. Their inability to secure a winning record meant they did not qualify for a postseason bowl game, a rare outcome during Dooley’s tenure.

Vince Dooley stepped down after 25 seasons, concluding a storied career that included a national championship in 1980 and 201 career wins.
The team played its home games at Sanford Stadium, a 92,746-seat venue in Athens, Georgia, known for its iconic hedges and passionate fan base.
Georgia opened the 1987 season with a 38–31 win over South Carolina, showing promise with a strong offensive performance.
They suffered a key 28–27 loss to Tennessee in October, a close defeat that hurt their SEC standings and bowl eligibility hopes.
The season concluded with a 24–21 loss to archrival Georgia Tech, ending on a sour note and marking Dooley’s final game as head coach.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 1987 campaign was defined by narrow losses and missed opportunities, as the Bulldogs played in six games decided by one possession. Offensive production varied week to week, while the defense struggled to contain high-powered SEC opponents.

Record: The Bulldogs finished 6–6 overall and 3–5 in SEC play, placing them in the lower half of the conference standings.
Offensive Output: Georgia averaged 22.8 points per game, ranking 54th nationally, with quarterback Eric Zeier leading the passing attack.
Defensive Struggles: The defense allowed 23.1 points per game, including four games where opponents scored 28 or more points.
Key Player: Freshman quarterback Eric Zeier started multiple games and threw for 1,516 yards and 8 touchdowns, signaling future potential.
Season Low: The 41–10 loss to Alabama in November exposed weaknesses, as the Crimson Tide dominated both lines of scrimmage.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1987 season compared poorly to previous years under Dooley, especially the national championship season of 1980 and the 10-win campaigns of the early 1980s. The table below highlights key statistical comparisons across notable seasons.

Season	Overall Record	SEC Record	Points For	Points Against	Bowl Result
1987	6–6	3–5	274	277	No bowl
1986	10–2	5–1	308	199	Lost Citrus Bowl
1985	6–5	3–4	232	205	Lost Gator Bowl
1980	12–0	5–0	307	105	Won National Championship
1976	10–2	5–1	289	158	Won Cotton Bowl

The 1987 season marked a decline from the previous year’s 10–2 record and Citrus Bowl appearance. The team’s inability to finish strong, especially in close games, contributed to a disappointing end to Dooley’s era. While the offense showed flashes, defensive lapses and inconsistent quarterback play ultimately derailed the season.

Why It Matters

The 1987 Georgia Bulldogs season is historically significant as the final chapter of Vince Dooley’s 25-year legacy, one of the most enduring tenures in college football history. It marked a transitional period for the program, setting the stage for future rebuilding under new leadership.

End of an Era: Dooley’s retirement after 25 seasons closed a chapter that included a national title in 1980 and 201 total wins.
Leadership Transition: The team’s performance highlighted the need for modernization, leading to the hiring of Ray Goff as Dooley’s successor.
Recruiting Impact: The season influenced future recruiting classes, with increased focus on developing quarterbacks like Zeier.
Program Identity: Despite the losing record, the team maintained strong fan support, underscoring Georgia’s deep-rooted football culture.
Historical Benchmark: The 6–6 record stands as a rare sub-elite outcome in Dooley’s career, used for contrast in program retrospectives.
Legacy Recognition: Dooley was honored post-season with a tribute at Sanford Stadium, cementing his status as a Georgia legend.

The 1987 season may not be remembered for wins or accolades, but it remains a pivotal moment in Georgia football history—a bridge between eras and a reminder of the challenges inherent in sustaining long-term success at the collegiate level.