In a thrilling comeback at the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday evening, Georgia Tech turned a 14-point deficit into a victory, defeating UCF with a final score of 30-17. Quarterback Haynes King was instrumental in the win, contributing both through the air and on the ground with a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown.
King’s performance included completing 7 of 13 passes for 87 yards, complemented by his 89 rushing yards from 12 carries. Meanwhile, Jamal Haynes bolstered the ground game, amassing 128 yards over 18 rushes, marking a milestone for Georgia Tech (7-6) by achieving their first winning season since 2018. Haynes also etched his name in the record books as the Yellow Jackets’ first 1,000-yard runner since 2017.
On the opposing side, UCF’s quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, playing in his final college game, connected on 16 of 29 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. As the game approached its final minutes, Timmy McClain took over from Plumlee. UCF’s RJ Harvey also had a notable performance, rushing for 120 yards on 15 carries, despite the Knights concluding their inaugural season in the Big 12 with a 6-7 record.
The shift in momentum for Georgia Tech was marked by Aidan Birr’s 29-yard field goal, which edged them ahead at 20-17 during the initial drive of the second half. The lead was further extended when Dontae Smith plunged into the end zone from the 1-yard line on a fourth-down play, bringing the score to 27-17 with just over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
King’s five-yard touchdown dash and a 41-yard touchdown pass to Malik Rutherford in the last four and a half minutes of the first half were critical, enabling the Yellow Jackets to even the score at 17-17 before the break.
UCF had initially surged ahead, taking a 7-0 lead only 1:23 into the game, thanks to Plumlee’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Jarrad Baker. Plumlee then found Kobe Hudson for a 17-yard touchdown, doubling their lead midway through the first quarter. Baker finished the game with nine catches for 173 yards.
Looking forward, UCF will have the task of finding a replacement for Plumlee, but there’s optimism with Harvey’s decision to return for his fifth season next year, following his seventh 100-yard game of the season.
In an amusing moment during the pregame, referee Cravonne Barrett made a gaffe with the coin toss, initially calling it tails before promptly correcting himself.
Fans of college football can stay updated with poll alerts and developments on the AP Top 25 teams throughout the season.,
In a thrilling Gasparilla Bowl matchup, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, led by the efforts of quarterback Jeff Sims and running back Jordan Mason, staged an impressive comeback to defeat the UCF Knights with a final score of 30-17. Despite facing a daunting 14-point deficit, the Yellow Jackets remained undeterred, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The turning point of the game came when Georgia Tech’s defense stepped up, making critical stops that allowed Sims and Mason to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Sims demonstrated poise and leadership, orchestrating scoring drives that chipped away at UCF’s lead. Mason’s hard-nosed running played a crucial role in controlling the tempo of the game and keeping the Knights’ defense on their heels.
Special teams also contributed to the comeback, with a key field goal that narrowed the gap and boosted team morale. As the game progressed, Georgia Tech’s momentum continued to build, culminating in a dominant fourth-quarter performance that sealed their victory.
The win was a testament to Georgia Tech’s grit and ability to perform under pressure, providing a memorable end to their season with a well-earned trophy to bring back to Atlanta. The Gasparilla Bowl victory marked a significant achievement for the program and set a positive tone for the upcoming season.
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