Bodog Beat

Prince Miller picks off a Colt Brennan pass in the first half and sends coach Mark Richt and the Bulldogs’ sideline into celebration mode. (AP Images)

Two teams that had a beef with the BCS committee met in the Sugar Bowl and only one came out of it with its case intact.

The No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs gave every college football fan reason to debate whether the top two teams in the country are indeed pitted against each other for next week’s BCS Championship Game.

Behind a dominating defense and strong running attack, the Bulldogs crushed, humiliated and demoralized the previously unbeaten Hawaii Warriors on New Year’s Day. Georgia won 41-10 in the Superdome in New Orleans, easily covering the point spread. Favored by 8.5, Georgia took a 24-3 lead into halftime and was never threatened by Colt Brennan and the high-octane Warriors (12-1).

Brennan had thrown for 4,174 and 38 touchdowns this season but managed only 169 yards and no TDs in No. 10 Hawaii’s first appearance in an elite BCS bowl game. Brennan was picked off three times before being replaced by Tyler Graunke in the fourth quarter.

On the other hand, Matthew Stafford had a solid game under center for the Bulldogs (11-2). He finished 13-for-22 for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The stars for Georgia were running backs Knowshon Moreno and Thomas Brown. Moreno, an outstanding freshman with a big future ahead of him, scored the first two touchdowns and finished with 68 yards rushing. Brown, a senior, had 74 yards and a touchdown.

Georgia, though, won’t be the national champion. The Bulldogs will watch Monday as LSU and Ohio State clash for the title.

Without much help from Hawaii, the betting total was an under. It was 68.

For college bowl odds, huddle up with the Bodog Sportsbook. Don’t forget to read Bodog Nation, where you’ll find a BCS Championship Game preview.