January 18, 2025
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — When Georgia cornerback Javon Bullard left Texas Christian University wide receiver Derius Davis all alone for a 60-yard catch in the first quarter, it seemed as if the Bulldogs’ secondary was in for another long night.
Instead, led by Bullard’s standout performance that earned him defensive most valuable player honors, the defensive backs for Georgia smothered quarterback Max Duggan, wide receiver Quentin Johnston and the Horned Frog's high-octane passing game on Monday night.
“Man, we hold ourself to a high standard,” Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo said. “In the past, there’s been kinks in certain parts of our game that we haven’t been able to do that, and I feel like today we were able to do that.”
Georgia allowed 152 yards through the air in its 65-7 win that secured a second straight national title. Duggan was 14 of 22 passing, finding Johnson for one reception for three yards. Davis had five catches for 101 yards and most of it came on Texas Christian’s lone play longer than 25 yards.
Ringo said the breakdown occurred when the defense tried to adjust to an audible but didn’t communicate the new call in time. How they responded to the gaffe is what stood out to Ringo.
“That just shows how short-minded we are, and we had an excellent mentality,” he said.
Bullard had two interceptions and recovered a fumble in the first half. The sophomore had never picked off a pass in his previous 27 college games.
“Javon, he’s a baller, man,” Ringo said. “He showed flashes of that throughout the entire year consistently, and I’m glad he was able to show more of that today.”
