Led by its four starters in the secondary—safety No. 31 Jeff Sanchez (9 interceptions), cornerback No. 8 Tony Flack (3), roverback No. 14 Terry Hoage (12), and cornerback No. 27 Ronnie Harris (4)—Georgia corralled what remains a school-record 35 interceptions in 1982. The Bulldogs’ 35 picks that season remain the second most in SEC history, trailing only 36 interceptions made by Tennessee in 1970
The 1982 Georgia Bulldogs football team, under the leadership of head coach Vince Dooley, achieved remarkable success, finishing the regular season with an 11–0 record and capturing the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship. While much of the spotlight often shines on the offensive prowess of players like Herschel Walker, it was the Bulldogs’ defense, particularly their secondary, that set a school record that still stands today. In that season, Georgia’s defense intercepted a total of 35 passes, a record that remains unparalleled in the SEC .UGASports
The backbone of Georgia’s defensive success in 1982 was its formidable secondary, often regarded as one of the best in school history. The starting four defensive backs—safety Jeff Sanchez (No. 31), cornerback Tony Flack (No. 8), roverback Terry Hoage (No. 14), and cornerback Ronnie Harris (No. 27)—were instrumental in achieving this unprecedented interception total.
Jeff Sanchez, a safety from California, made an immediate impact in his first season with the Bulldogs. He recorded nine interceptions, ranking second nationally, and added nearly 100 tackles to his impressive stat line. Sanchez’s performance was pivotal in Georgia’s defensive schemes, and he was recognized as one of the top players to wear the No. 31 jersey for the Bulldogs .UGASports
Tony Flack, a cornerback, contributed significantly to the Bulldogs’ interception total with three picks. His ability to shut down receivers and create turnovers was a key component of Georgia’s defensive strategy. Flack’s performance in 1982 solidified his reputation as a reliable and effective cornerback.
Terry Hoage, perhaps the most renowned member of the secondary, led the team with 12 interceptions, setting an SEC single-season record that still stands. His exceptional playmaking ability and football intelligence earned him consensus All-American honors in both 1982 and 1983. Hoage’s contributions were not limited to interceptions; his leadership and versatility made him a cornerstone of Georgia’s defense .
Ronnie Harris, another cornerback, added four interceptions to the Bulldogs’ total. His consistent coverage and ball-hawking skills were instrumental in Georgia’s defensive success. Harris’s ability to disrupt passing plays and create turnovers made him a valuable asset to the team.
The 1982 season was marked by several standout defensive performances that highlighted the secondary’s prowess. In a memorable game against Ole Miss, Georgia intercepted seven passes, showcasing their ability to dominate the passing game. The Bulldogs also faced BYU’s future Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, intercepting him six times, including five in the first half, in a 17–14 victory . These games exemplified the secondary’s ability to stifle opposing offenses and create game-changing turnovers.UGASportsUGASports
The 35 interceptions recorded by the Bulldogs in 1982 not only set a school record but also established a benchmark in SEC history. No other team in the conference has come within seven interceptions of Georgia’s total, underscoring the exceptional nature of that defensive unit .UGASports
The individual achievements of the secondary members further cement their legacy. Terry Hoage’s 12 interceptions in a single season remain an SEC record, and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009 attests to his enduring impact on the sport . Jeff Sanchez’s nine interceptions in 1982 rank among the top single-season totals in Georgia history, and his consistent play earned him recognition as one of the best to wear the No. 31 jersey for the Bulldogs .UGASports
The 1982 Georgia Bulldogs’ secondary, with its remarkable 35 interceptions, stands as a testament to the power of teamwork, discipline, and skill in football. Their record-breaking performance that season remains a high point in Georgia’s storied football history and continues to be celebrated by fans and analysts alike. As the Bulldogs look to the future, the legacy of the 1982 secondary serves as a benchmark for excellence in defensive play.
