Georgia passes September stress test for a change

ATLANTA (AP) — When Georgia trailed Missouri 17-9 in the third quarter Saturday night, it looked like the kind of early season test the Bulldogs have often failed in recent seasons.

Georgia fans don’t have to be reminded of two straight losses to South Carolina, a September road loss to Mississippi State in 2010 or season-opening losses at Oklahoma State in 2010 and to Boise State last season.

Those losses left Georgia in early season ruts. This time, the No. 7 Bulldogs passed their September test with an impressive finish to beat Missouri 41-20.

The win left Georgia with its first 2-0 start in four years and in position to build on that momentum with a stretch of three straight home games that begins with Saturday’s visit from Florida Atlantic.