UGA's Moreno sports a new 'do, but it doesn't help

ATHENS - Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno went with a new 'do for a critical game against Alabama.

He gladly would have traded it for a different score.

The sophomore shaved down each side of his head before Saturday night's game, leaving himself with a modified Mohawk. But he got to carry the ball only nine times in the Bulldogs' 41-30 loss, stifling some of the Heisman Trophy talk that grew out of his spectacular play in the first four games.

``It was just something new,'' Moreno said with a shrug, clearly not in the mood to discuss his hairstyle.

The third-ranked Bulldogs (4-1, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) fell behind 31-0 by halftime and didn't have many opportunities to run the ball over the final two quarters. Moreno finished with a season-low 34 yards, though he did manage his 10th touchdown on a short run late in the third.

STAFFORD BANGED UP: Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford took a blow to the head in the third quarter, which left him woozy though he did manage to play the rest of the game.

Stafford skipped out on post-game interviews, apparently to get further tests. Coach Mark Richt said it doesn't appear to be anything serious, and the quarterback has an off week to brush away any cobwebs.

It was tough night for the junior, who was under constant pressure from Alabama's massive defensive line. He completed 24-of-42 for 274 yards and two touchdowns, but both of those came late in the game when the outcome wasn't in doubt.

Stafford also threw his first interception of the season.

Of more concern to Georgia: linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (knee) and receiver Kris Durham (ankle) went down and could miss some games, though neither injury is considered season ending.

ANOTHER BLOCK: Zach Renner sure has a knack for blocking punts.
For the second game in a row, the redshirt freshman managed to get his hand on the ball. This time, it was a partial block that put the Bulldogs in good field position and led to their first touchdown of the night.

``Personally, I feel like anyone can do it,'' Renner said. ``I just try to get to the ball every time.''

GREEN'S MISCUE: A.J. Green followed up his big night in the desert with a disappointing performance against the Tide.

Georgia's star freshman did lead the team with six catches for 88 yards, but most of his production came after Alabama already had built a big lead.
Plus, Green had a crucial turnover in the second quarter that helped the visiting team build a 31-0 lead at halftime. After making a catch over the middle, the ball was stripped away and snatched out of the air by Alabama's Dont'a Hightower.

The Tide drove quickly for a touchdown that made it 24-0.

``That was a good play by the defense, but it was my fault,'' Green said. ``I should have secured it before I ran.''

Adding to his misery: Alabama freshman Julio Jones had five catches for 94 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown just before halftime.

Green and Jones were often compared during their high school careers and rated by many recruiting services as the top two at their position.

EXTRA POINTS: Georgia's 31-0 deficit was its largest at halftime since 1999, when Auburn led by the same score midway through. ... Prince Miller's 92-yard punt return was the second-longest in school history, surpassed only by Jimmy Campagna's 100-yarder in 1952. ... The Bulldogs dropped to 5-4 in games involving two Top 10 teams at Sanford Stadium.