The Georgia-Florida game began slowly in the first quarter, with a promising 13-play drive that consumed 6 minutes and 15 seconds of the clock but ultimately stalled in the red zone. A batted ball on 3rd and goal from the 5-yard line halted the Bulldogs’ momentum, leaving points on the field.
It seemed the team was ready to carry over its momentum from the Texas game, with hopes of establishing rhythm once everyone settled into their roles.
In the second quarter, however, the Florida Gators seized control. A Carson Beck interception led to Florida’s DJ Lagway connecting with Aidan Mizell for a 48-yard touchdown over safety Malaki Starks, putting Florida ahead.
Shortly afterward, another Beck interception stopped a promising Bulldogs drive and allowed Florida to extend their lead to 10-3. Unfortunately for the Gators, Lagway exited the game due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by third-string quarterback Aiden Warner.
Despite the quarterback change, Florida’s defense continued to create havoc for Carson Beck. A huge hit by cornerback Daniel Harris with just 1:30 left in the half forced the Gators into a quick three-and-out. Peyton Woodring then drilled a 53-yard field goal, narrowing the score to 10-6. However, Florida responded with a 53-yard field goal of their own in the last 40 seconds, going into halftime with a 13-6 lead.
In the second half, the Bulldogs faced another setback as Beck threw a third interception while trying to escape pressure. Following this miscue, the Bulldogs’ offense finally found some momentum. An end-around play by wide receiver Dillon Bell gained 33 yards, setting up freshman running back Nate Frazier’s two-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 13-13.
After running back Trevor Etienne left the game with a rib injury, the Bulldogs’ remaining backs stepped up in his absence. To close the third quarter, Cash Jones caught a checkdown pass from Beck, broke a tackle, and powered through two defenders to reach the end zone, pushing the Bulldogs ahead for the first time.
The Gators, however, responded early in the fourth quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run by Ja’Kobi Jackson, tying the game at 20. The Bulldogs answered quickly, as Beck connected with Arian Smith for 34 yards on a key third down. He also found Lawson Luckie for another 21 yards, setting up a 10-yard screen pass to Dominic Lovett for a go-ahead touchdown.
Shortly after, linebacker CJ Allen made a remarkable athletic play, intercepting a pass deep in Florida territory. Two plays later, freshman running back Dwight Phillips Jr. scored his first career touchdown, widening the Bulldogs’ lead to 34-20 and putting the game out of reach.
Next up, Georgia plays at Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 9.