ATHENS, Ga. — The No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs were as advertised on Saturday, smothering Marshall 45-7 with a defense that only relented seven first downs in the Thundering Herd's first game under coach Tony Gibson.

“Congratulations to Georgia. They’re a top-five team for a reason,” Gibson said. “We just couldn’t get anything rolling offensively. We struggled.”

JacQai Long was named Marshall's game-time starter at quarterback.

Performing before 93,033 fans and a multi-million-dollar defense destined for Sundays, Long had just 7 yards of offense at halftime and finished 3 for 11 passing with 19 yards and a negative rushing total.

As expected, three Herd quarterbacks saw action. Carlos Del Rio-Wilson faced the flame second and totaled 10 yards on 2-for-3 passing, with 4 rushing yards o

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