COL FB: Georgia 24, Michigan State 12

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Matt Stafford's three touchdown passes Thursday led 15th-ranked Georgia to a 24-12 victory over the No. 18 Michigan State at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.

Stafford completed 20-of-31 passes for 250 yards with an interception.

With MSU leading, 6-3, Stafford tossed scoring passes to Michael Moore and Aron White in a three-minute span to give UGA a 17-6 an insurmountable advantage entering the fourth period.

Junior running back Knowshon Moreno compiled 159 total yards (97 receiving, 62 rushing) and the defense limited the Spartans to 236 total yards for the Bulldogs (10-3), who prevented a season-ending two-game skid.

Analysts have said if Stafford, a junior from Dallas, enters the NFL draft later this year, he likely will be the first quarterback taken ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma.

Running back Javon Ringer gained 47 yards on 20 carries with one touchdown, while Brett Swenson kicked two field goals for the Spartans, who finished with a 9-4 record.