100 Days of Georgia’s Greatest Plays—Day 49

UGASports continues its 100-day countdown to the Bulldogs’ 2026 season opener with the “100 Days of Georgia’s Greatest Plays” series. Today, on Day 49, we examine and relive one of Georgia’s greatest plays in its football history, relating to that specific number. On Day 49, we look back at Garrison Hearst’s 49-yard touchdown run at South Carolina in 1992. The Game: No. 14 Georgia (0-0 record coming off a 9-3 season in 1991) vs. South Carolina (0-0 record coming off a 3-6-2 season in 1991) at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia for the season opener on September 5, 1992. The rivals were meeting after a two-year hiatus, and for the first time ever in a season opener. South Carolina was playing in its first game as a member of the SEC. Both teams were celebrating their 100th season of football. The Bulldogs were considered 8-point favorites over the Gamecocks. “Get the Picture”: Georgia’s supposedly high-powered offense was stagnant in the first half, turning the ball over three times and punting on four of its seven drives. Meanwhile, South Carolina capitalized on excellent field position, kicking two field goals after beginning each drive deep in Bulldogs territory. Trailing 6-0 to open the second half, Georgia took over at its own 29-yard line. Garrison Hearst gained 15 yards on the first play, followed by a 7-yard run from Mack Strong. With the ball at the Gamecocks’ 49-yard line, the Bulldogs faced second-and-3 in desperate need of points. The Play Sophomore quarterback Eric Zeier took the snap and handed off to Hearst. The junior scatback burst through a gaping hole into the South Carolina secondary before sidestepping a diving defender. Hearst reached the 35 and broke free down the right sideline as linebacker Hank Campbell and safety Norman Greene gave chase. Near the 10-yard line, safety Rocky Clay made one last desperate dive for Hearst’s ankles, but Hearst skipped clear and high-stepped into the end zone. Hearst’s 49-yard touchdown run—the Bulldogs’ first points of their centennial season—followed by Todd Peterson’s PAT gave Georgia a 7-6 lead with 13:52 remaining in the third quarter. Georgia cruised from there, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five second-half drives to spoil South Carolina’s SEC debut, 28-6. Hearst finished with 134 yards on 17 carries, including the 49-yard touchdown. Strong added 118 yards on just eight carries and two touchdowns, while sophomore transfer Terrell Davis, formerly of Long Beach State, rushed for 37 yards on eight carries, including Georgia’s fourth and final touchdown.