Georgia needed a dominating win over Tennessee Tech to build momentum and confidence heading into a crucial weekend against Auburn.

The Bulldogs are fighting for bowl eligibility, needing one more win, and a winning season is still in question. The Golden Eagles aren’t a strong team, but Georgia won convincingly, 38-0, and in the process gained valuable knowledge moving forward.

After building an early lead Georgia was able to mix and match young players and little- used plays and formations to see who could potentially contribute against Auburn, and the rest of the season.

Freshman cornerback Branden Smith got time on offense, running three times for 72 yards and a touchdown.

Smith, a versatile speedster, had gotten the ball only twice since his 61-yard run against South Carolina Sept. 12. Coach Mark Richt said he expects to use Smith more on offense as he continues to learn both sides of the ball.

“I’d like to get him full time but they won’t give him up,” said offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. “But he’s going to be a special player for us. He works extremely hard, he’s a very conscientious kid, tough kid.”

Another freshman, defensive end Montez Robinson, had a breakout performance, with five tackles and two sacks.

“It was exciting, it was my first two sacks of my college career, period,” Robinson said. “It’s the highlight of my life right now. I’m pretty excited.”

Freshman tailback Washaun Ealey led the team in rushing with 90 yards and two touchdowns. Freshmen tight ends Orson Charles and Arthur Lynch combined for five catches for 59 yards and a score. Freshman receiver Rantavious Wooten made his first career start and had two catches.

Redshirt freshman linebacker Christian Robinson was second on the team with five tackles.

“We definitely feel more confident heading into the Auburn game,” Ealey said

Whether or not these young players see as much time against Auburn is up to Richt. But he knows more about each man following Saturday.

“It is encouraging. It’s good to see our freshmen makes plays,” Richt said. “That’s a good sign for the future no doubt. Guys that are fast and guys that can make plays and guys that are going to be around here for a while.”

With so many smiles and self-assured attitudes in the locker room following the game, one wonders if the season would be different if this confidence builder had come earlier in the season.

“I think so, games that end up likes this can certainly get you started off on the right foot and even get you going in the right direction statistically,” Richt said.

In early September, while other teams were tuning up in games with the likes of Tennessee Tech, Georgia began a string of eight consecutive BCS opponents.

Coaches couldn’t experiment with unproven players and plays because of the constant competition. Fear of falling behind in current games hindered the chance of building for the future.

Instead of a feeling out process to find out what they had and who could be depended on, the Bulldogs were forced to prove where they stood immediately, losing to Oklahoma State in the season-opener.

“Obviously when you have younger players you don’t know what they can do yet,” Christian Robinson said.

“You’re not aware of what they can give to the game. Just having this game now got younger players in there and we did a nice job.”

Players conceded the game would have been better served earlier this season, but were quick to point out they liked being tested early.

In either case, those games are in the past, quarterback Logan Gray says, and Georgia is focused now on Auburn.

“Obviously, anytime you have a games like this, it would be nice to have them early in the schedule,” Gray said.

“I think we learned a lot playing Oklahoma State first, but it is what it is. A lot of schools play smaller opponents in their first game of the season, but we have to deal with the schedule your dealt.”