The last time Georgia’s football team was on television, they were delivering an old-fashioned beatdown on Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. Saturday Mark Richt’s Bulldogs were back in front of the cameras, and this time they were fighting among themselves.

A crowd of 19,874 braved wet weather to watch the G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium, with the Red team taking a 17-3 victory in a game televised by CSS. The first-team offense and second-team defense comprised the winning side and Richt — who watched from the press box — was pleased with the result.

“I really enjoyed today,” Richt said. “I’m thankful the awful looking skies held out and allowed the game to be played well. It looks like we have some well-conditioned, good-looking athletes. They played hard, they competed and the coaches were great as well. I truly appreciate the fans who braved the forecast. All around it was just a very good day.”

Although it was merely a glorified scrimmage, fans got an early look at the team some experts are predicting to take home the BCS national championship next season.

The Red team scored on its first possession as quarterback Matthew Stafford completed a 30-yard pass to flanker Michael Moore for the score. Brian Behr, expected to take over placekicking duties from the graduated Brandon Coutu, added the extra point to make it 7-0.

The Black team scored on its first turn as well, with backup quarterback Joe Cox leading his team to the Red 29-yard line. The drive stalled there but Andrew Jensen nailed a 47-yard field goal attempt to put the tally at 7-3.

In the second quarter Red team added the final TD of the afternoon when Moore caught a 12-yard pass from Logan Gray. Behr split the pipes, and it was 14-3 lead.

All scoring ended by halftime, with Behr kicking a 52-yard trey as the horn sounded to end the second quarter.

Stafford completed six of 10 pass attempts for 78 yards and one TD. Cox led the Black team, hitting seven of 11 attempts for 69 yards.

The leading rusher for the game was Caleb King of the Black team, who had six rushes for 31 yards. For the Red team, Gray led the ground game with four attempts for 30 yards.

Knowshon Moreno rushed three times for 16 yards for the Red team.

Receiving-wise, Moore finished with three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns, while Israel Troupe led the Black team’s receivers with two catches for 39 yards.

Richt was especially impressed with the play of King.

“Caleb looked pretty darn good,” Richt said. “He was banged up in the spring and we sat him out until he was healthy. He looked great today. He picked up a couple blitzes and had some nice runs. He looked real nice out there. The offensive line did well. They blocked well but there were some times when there were holes and the guys weren’t in sync.

“There’s no top five yet, it’s going to take a little time until we’re certain about our top five players. But we’re looking for eight or nine guys to be able to come in and do the job.”

Defensively, Akeem Hebron led all tacklers with three solo tackles and two assists. He also picked up a fumble and returned the loose ball 40 yards.

Five players had four tackles, including John Knox (Red team), Jarius Wynn, Chad Gloer, Reshad Jones and Charles White (Black team). The Reds had five sacks for 28 yards, with Brandon Wheeling, Justin Houston, Neland Ball, Michael Lemon and Joe Travis all getting to the quarterback.

For the Black team, Wynn and Gloer each had one sack for six- and seven-yard losses, respectively.

“Throughout the spring, through mat drills and practices we have shown good mental toughness,” said Richt. “The players’ attitude and demeanor is where we need it to be. Now it’s time for the seniors and our leaders to take over until camp. The coaches can’t go and watch them practice so the players need to continue to progress.”

Proceeds from the G-Day game benefit the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens.

The Bulldogs open the 2008 season at home against Georgia Southern Aug. 30.