What Is 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–3 record and ranked No. 17 in the final AP Poll. They were coached by Mark Richt and played their home games at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

Key Facts

The 2008 Georgia Bulldogs finished the season with a 10–3 overall record and 6–2 in SEC play.
Head coach Mark Richt led the team in his 8th season at the helm.
Georgia played in the 2009 Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2009, defeating the Texas Tech Red Raiders 35–21.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was a key player, throwing for 2,921 yards and 25 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs opened the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll but dropped after a Week 2 loss to Alabama.

Overview

The 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Under head coach Mark Richt, the team competed in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Eastern Division and played its home games at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

Despite beginning the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, the Bulldogs faced early setbacks after losing to Alabama in Week 2. However, they rebounded strongly, finishing the regular season with a 10–2 record and securing a berth in the 2009 Sugar Bowl.

Season Record: The team finished with a 10–3 overall record, including a 6–2 mark in SEC conference play, placing second in the Eastern Division.
Head Coach:Mark Richt was in his 8th season as head coach and led the Bulldogs to their third 10-win season under his leadership.
Season Opener: Georgia opened the season ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll, the first time since 1980 the Bulldogs held the top spot.
Key Loss: A 41–30 defeat to Alabama in Week 2 ended their undefeated start and dropped them to No. 5 in the rankings.
Bowl Game: The Bulldogs capped the season by defeating Texas Tech 35–21 in the 2009 Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2009, in New Orleans.

Key Players and Performance

The 2008 season was defined by standout individual performances and a resilient team effort following early adversity. Quarterback play, defensive consistency, and key recruits shaped the team’s trajectory.

Matthew Stafford: The sophomore quarterback threw for 2,921 yards and 25 touchdowns with only six interceptions, showcasing elite efficiency and arm strength.
A.J. Green: As a true freshman, Green recorded 51 receptions for 769 yards and six touchdowns, quickly becoming a primary target.
Knowshon Moreno: The running back rushed for 1,085 yards and 11 touchdowns on 185 carries, anchoring the ground game.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Rennie Curran led the team with 107 tackles, while safety Reshad Jones recorded four interceptions.
Stafford’s NFL Draft: Stafford declared for the 2009 NFL Draft and was selected 1st overall by the Detroit Lions.
Injuries and Depth: The team struggled with injuries on the offensive line but adapted with improved depth and coaching adjustments mid-season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2008 Georgia Bulldogs compare to the previous season and a notable peer program:

Category	2008 Georgia	2007 Georgia	2008 Florida
Overall Record	10–3	10–3	13–1
SEC Record	6–2	5–3	7–1
Final AP Rank	No. 17	No. 14	No. 2
Passing Yards	2,921 (Stafford)	2,528 (Stafford)	3,071 (Teel/Brantley)
Bowl Result	W 35–21 vs. Texas Tech (Sugar)	L 21–10 vs. Hawaii (Sugar)	W 24–14 vs. Oklahoma (BCS Nat’l)

The 2008 Bulldogs improved defensively and offensively compared to 2007, particularly in passing efficiency. While Florida won the national title that year, Georgia’s Sugar Bowl victory over Texas Tech provided a strong finish and national recognition for their talent.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season remains a notable chapter in Georgia football history due to its blend of promise, resilience, and NFL-caliber talent development. It highlighted the program’s ability to compete at a high level despite early setbacks.

Recruiting Impact: The success of freshmen like A.J. Green elevated Georgia’s recruiting profile and signaled a strong future.
NFL Pipeline: Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno both entered the 2009 NFL Draft, becoming top-10 picks.
SEC Relevance: The team’s performance kept Georgia competitive in the SEC, one of the nation’s toughest conferences.
Coaching Legacy: Richt’s leadership through adversity reinforced his reputation as a top-tier college football coach.
Bowl Prestige: Winning the Sugar Bowl improved Georgia’s all-time major bowl record and restored momentum after 2007’s loss.
Program Momentum: The season laid groundwork for future success, including Georgia’s return to national prominence in the 2010s.

Ultimately, the 2008 Georgia Bulldogs exemplified resilience and talent, marking a season of transition that bridged past challenges with future achievements in the program’s storied history.