Last season, the Bulldog receivers struggled to get a grasp on the ball, and the fans were not ashamed to show their displeasure.

Mohamed Massaquoi was one of the receivers that seemed to face the most scrutiny after his breakout freshman season the year before. However, it was his two catches late in the end zone that gave Georgia the lead and eventual win against Georgia Tech last season. Massaquoi has continued that success this season with several big plays, including an 84-yard touchdown against Florida in the first quarter and he once again has been embraced by the fans.

“This year has been a fun year. We’re gelling. We’re playing with a lot of confidence right now. We believe in each other this year,” said the junior from Charlotte, N.C.

“I haven’t had to answer a question about (receivers dropping passes) in a long time. It’s nice. They’re making plays and doing a good job,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said.

Massaquoi also has had more time to work with Stafford on timing, something last year’s position change and quarterback carousel hindered. “Timing is critical. It sort of got thrown off because Mo (Massaquoi) was at split end, then he got moved over to play flanker, so it was a different timing thing, so when they got that worked out I think it’s taken care of itself,” said former receiver and current graduate assistant Bryan McClendon.

“I think that was part of the problem last year – we had three different quarterbacks start,” head coach Mark Richt said.

“Our receivers didn’t really know who ‘the guy’ was and how the ball was coming at you. It takes a little getting used to. I think the consistency of knowing who the quarterback is this year through spring, summer and camp probably has helped too.”

Another factor that has helped Massaquoi this season is the return of senior receiver Sean Bailey, who missed all of last season with an injury. “Sean is like an older brother. He’s like a mentor to me. Just watching how he conducts himself and how he does things. I just try to learn from him. He helps a lot of the younger guys on the receiving corps,” said Massaquoi.

While Bailey has been productive this season, it was not long ago that he struggled with dropped passes himself. “I had been in his (Massaquoi’s) shoes the year before and I just told him not to worry about what coaches say, what the fans say. You have to let some things in one ear and out the other,” said Bailey. “I was like ‘you were recruited here for a reason. You were a top receiver in the nation.’ You just have to play with confidence and how you’re capable of playing.”

The success of the running game, as well as offensive coordinator Mike Bobo’s different play calling style, has affected the team’s confidence, and seems to be the greatest strength for a team that had many doubters at the beginning of the season.

“This year, there is just a vibe. We’re expecting to do much more. Everybody’s working harder, everyone’s relaxed and everyone’s out there having fun like little kids. We’re part of a unit,” Massaquoi said.