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Mark Schlabach
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Georgia’s offensive strategist, Mike Bobo, traversed the EverBank Stadium media area with energy following yet another narrow victory on Saturday, exclaiming, “That’s precisely how we prefer it — a nail-biter each and every time!”
The No. 5 Bulldogs’ 24-20 triumph over their rivals, the Florida Gators, presented a greater challenge than anticipated, but it was familiar territory for a squad that has now faced deficits in the fourth quarter of four SEC matchups this season, securing wins in three.
“This group simply refuses to concede,” Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart commented. “Just another typical evening in the SEC. I’m uncertain about the happenings elsewhere in the nation currently, but participation in this conference ensures that every contest hinges on the final couple of possessions.”
That has unequivocally been the narrative for the Bulldogs (7-1, 5-1 SEC), who persevered to conquer the Gators (3-5, 2-3 SEC) for the fifth consecutive occasion by executing a pivotal fourth-down defensive stand and once more benefiting from a favorable outcome in a debated replay assessment.
“I’m not an advocate for flirting with peril,” Smart, whose teams hold an 8-2 record against Florida, stated. “However, if I possessed the ability to craft a scenario, it would involve establishing a lead of 14 or even 21 points. Alas, I lack scriptwriting capabilities. Events unfold organically. I recognize that our athletes remain composed when trailing.
“They aren’t bound by the constraints of the scoreboard. Some teams are shackled by scoreboard pressure, but our players are liberated from it, focusing solely on relentless effort, anticipating positive developments.”
Florida, competing for the first time following the dismissal of coach Billy Napier on Oct. 19, seized a 20-17 advantage courtesy of Trey Smack’s 54-yard field goal with 14:52 remaining. It marked Smack’s ninth successful field goal of 50 yards or greater, setting a new Florida career benchmark.
Following the Gators’ consecutive defensive stop, they advanced downfield and faced a fourth-and-1 situation at the Georgia 18. Linebacker Raylen Wilson and defensive lineman Elijah Griffin thwarted Jadan Baugh’s attempt, preventing any gain with 7:54 on the clock.
“Without question, that was a crucial moment for us, yet we won’t second-guess the decision,” Florida’s interim coach Billy Gonzales remarked. “We were compelled to pursue it. A successful field goal would still leave us trailing. Should they subsequently score, we would still be down by a solitary point. We’ll scrutinize the play and identify any shortcomings, but we stand by the play call.”
Subsequent to the significant defensive play, Georgia’s offense eventually responded. Quarterback Gunner Stockton converted a third-and-8 situation with an 18-yard completion to Zachariah Branch. Four plays later, tailback Chauncey Bowens dashed 36 yards for a touchdown, propelling the Bulldogs ahead 24-20 with 4:36 remaining.
Georgia’s defensive unit nearly committed a critical error with under 3½ minutes left. On third-and-4 from the Florida 31, Gators quarterback DJ Lagway evaded pressure and shifted to his left. He launched a pass downfield toward receiver J. Michael Sturdivant, who had breached the secondary and was unguarded.
Lagway’s pass was underthrown, and Sturdivant stumbled at the Georgia 21 while attempting the reception. The officials initially ruled that the ball had touched the ground before Sturdivant secured it. Following an extended replay examination, the officials upheld the initial determination.
“I observed a completely open receiver [due to] a defensive breakdown,” Smart explained. “One of our players, responsible for covering the deep half, misinterpreted the signal and executed the incorrect coverage. Consequently, we lacked any deep coverage. We were exceptionally fortunate that, first, he didn’t score, and second, he didn’t complete the catch.”
This recalled a contentious replay ruling near the conclusion of the first half in Georgia’s 20-10 victory at Auburn on Oct. 11. Officials determined that Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold had fumbled when Georgia linebacker CJ Allen forced the ball loose on a third-and-goal play with 1:32 remaining in the half. Georgia defensive back Kyron Jones recovered the fumble.
Despite Tigers coach Hugh Freeze’s assertion that the ball had crossed the goal line before the fumble, replay officials upheld the initial ruling. The Bulldogs then outscored the Tigers 17-0 in the second half.
“I didn’t have a clear view,” Smart admitted regarding Sturdivant’s attempted catch. “I’m uncertain. That falls within their jurisdiction.”
Lagway’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete, relinquishing possession to the Bulldogs with 3:13 left.
Stockton had an opportunity to score a touchdown on a third-and-1 run but opted to kneel at the 1-yard line. Florida, having exhausted their timeouts, witnessed Stockton kneel twice more to conclude the contest.
Stockton completed 20 of 29 pass attempts for 223 yards, registering two touchdowns and one interception.
“He’s a competitor,” Smart declared. “His performance elevates as the game progresses. I don’t believe he showcased his finest performance. They implemented some effective defensive strategies, maintaining tight coverage. Our rushing attack wasn’t as potent as in previous instances, which is a quarterback’s greatest ally.”
The triumph held particular significance for Stockton, whose grandfather, Lawrence Stockton, succumbed to a heart attack in a parking area outside the stadium after the Bulldogs’ 34-31 defeat to the Gators on Oct. 30, 2010.
This represented Gunner Stockton’s sole opportunity to compete against the Gators in Jacksonville; the rivalry game is slated to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium next season and at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium in 2027 due to anticipated renovations at EverBank Stadium.
“Indeed, it carries profound meaning,” Stockton acknowledged. “My family shares a history intertwined with this game. Sadly, I lost my grandfather. Entering the contest, I experienced a surge of emotions. I was simply thrilled to have the chance to participate.”
