Johnson prefers easy win to another improbable catch

<p>One miraculous catch is enough for Michael Johnson, thank you.</p><p>Sure, there are worse things than strolling through Georgias athletic building and seeing a huge picture of yourself, clutching the touchdown pass that gave the Bulldogs their first championship in 20 years.</p><p>Even so, Johnson would prefer not to find himself in a similar position when the No. 7 Bulldogs face Auburn on Saturday, once again needing a victory to keep their title hopes alive.</p><p>That was a great moment at the time, Johnson said. But now were playing them this year. Hopefully, there wont be any last-minute plays.</p><p>A year ago, Georgia traveled to Auburns Jordan-Hare Stadium needing a victory to win the Southeastern Conference East. Trailing 21-17, the Bulldogs faced fourth-and-15 at the Tigers 19 with just over a minute remaining.</p><p>Coach Mark Richt sent in a play that Georgia had not used in several weeks. David Greene faked one way, then lofted a pass toward the left corner of the end zone. Johnson leaped over a defender and brought down the ball for the winning score.</p><p>Eight-five seconds later, the Bulldogs had wrapped up a 24-21 victory and the division championship _ their first title of any kind since 1982.</p><p>They went on to beat Arkansas in the SEC championship game, defeated Florida State in the Sugar Bowl and finished No. 3 nationally. None of it would have happened without Johnsons catch, which gave him a permanent place in Georgia lore _ and a chance to enjoy it while hes still in school.</p><p>It motivates you to push a little harder every day, he said. You dont want to let your family down or your teammates down. Youve got a lot of people looking up to you.</p><p>But its also clear that Johnson doesnt want his entire career defined by one play. Hes trying to move on, which is a little difficult when hes got to walk by that towering picture in the Butts-Mehre building.</p><p>I try not to look at it, Johnson said. When Im leaving, Ill look up and say, Oh, youre still there. Sometimes, I just stay away from it. Oh, man, I want another play. But I dont want it to be in the last minute.</p><p>He might not have gotten a chance last year if Richt had gone with his first choice, a play appropriately known as TD. But the coach wasnt sure if that formation would have enough time to develop, so he switched to 70-X-Takeoff.</p><p>There was only one problem. The Bulldogs had not practiced that play in several weeks.</p><p>I wasnt even sure if David would remember it when I signaled it in, Richt said. But he did. It was a great play by David, a great play by Michael and great blocking by everyone else.</p><p>Johnson was stunned when the play came in. He couldnt believe the entire season was being put in his hands, even though he was having the game of his life. Like everyone else, he figured the last pass would go to Fred Gibson.</p><p>Then it was like, Hey, wait a minute. The balls coming to me, Johnson said. At that point, you dont think about it. You just react.</p><p>Greene feigned a throw toward Gibson, hoping to lure the safety away from Johnson. Then, the left-handed quarterback turned toward the receiver he was going to all along. The ball hung in the air. Johnson appeared to give a slight push to Auburn cornerback Horace Willis, then jumped up to make the catch.</p><p>Hey, when the receiver and defensive back are going up for the ball, and the ref doesnt call it, its a TD, Gibson said. Thats the way I see it.</p><p>For Johnson, it was the 13th catch and 141st yard of the game. Not bad for a guy who had 18 career receptions beforehand and started only because Terrence Edwards was injured.</p><p>I couldnt believe it, Auburn defensive tackle Spencer Johnson said. The last thing I saw was David Greene let the ball go. It was just stunning.</p><p>Johnson doesnt spend much time replaying his improbable catch. Hes seen it on tape a few times with his family, and he got another glimpse of it this week when the Bulldogs (7-2, 4-2) were studying film.</p><p>Im sure when I get to be 40 or 50, yeah, Ill remember that day, Johnson said. Its something Ill be able to show my kids and grandkids. But right now, Ive still got a long life ahead of me. Im just doing everything I can to get ready for the next game.</p><p>If that means coming up with another big catch, no problem. Just dont make it so late in the game.</p><p>One miracle is enough.</p>

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