In a stunning comeback at the Gasparilla Bowl, Georgia Tech defied the odds and overcame a 14-point deficit to secure a 30-17 victory over UCF. It was a game filled with thrilling moments and standout performances that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Haynes King, the dynamic quarterback for Georgia Tech, proved to be the catalyst for the team's resurgence. With a touchdown pass and another score on the ground, King showcased his versatility and leadership on the field. Reflecting on the game, King emphasized the unity and determination of the entire team. They refused to let the early setback shake their confidence, reminding themselves that they had been in similar situations before. With a steely resolve, they stuck to their game plan and trusted in each other to pull through.
One player who played a pivotal role in Georgia Tech's victory was Jamal Haynes. The talented running back showcased his skills with an impressive 128 yards on 18 carries. Haynes became the first Yellow Jackets player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards since 2017, earning him the well-deserved title of game MVP. It was a remarkable transformation for Haynes, who transitioned from wide receiver to running back this season and flourished in his new role.
UCF's John Rhys Plumlee gave a valiant effort, completing 16 of 29 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to secure the win. Plumlee, playing in his final collegiate game, was replaced by Timmy McClain in the closing minutes. Plumlee, who had battled through a leg injury earlier in the season, expressed discomfort during a running play, adding to the challenges faced by UCF.
RJ Harvey was a standout for UCF, amassing an impressive 120 rushing yards on 15 carries. His performance was a bright spot for the Knights as they wrapped up their first season in the Big 12 with a final record of 6-7. Despite their efforts, UCF came up short, and head coach Gus Malzahn admitted that his team simply didn't perform well enough to secure the victory.
However, it was Georgia Tech that ultimately controlled the game. Aidan Birr's 29-yard field goal in the second half gave the Yellow Jackets their first lead of the night at 20-17. Dontae Smith's touchdown run from the 1-yard line extended their lead to 27-17 early in the fourth quarter. King's touchdown run and a 41-yard scoring pass to Malik Rutherford in the waning minutes of the first half tied the game at 17, setting the stage for Georgia Tech's impressive comeback.
The game had its fair share of interesting moments as well. Referee Cravonne Barrett provided a bit of comic relief when he mistakenly called the coin toss tails, only to correct himself shortly afterward. Amidst the intensity of the game, a lighthearted moment like that brought a smile to the faces of both players and fans alike.
Looking ahead, Georgia Tech's King and UCF's Plumlee will face decisions regarding their future plans. King, a red-shirt sophomore, had an exceptional season, putting him in elite company alongside LSU's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Jayden Daniels. As for Plumlee, he will soon decide whether to pursue baseball with UCF in the upcoming season, showcasing his incredible athletic abilities across different sports.
All in all, the Gasparilla Bowl provided the perfect stage for an unforgettable clash between Georgia Tech and UCF. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the determination, skill, and resilience of both teams. Georgia Tech's impressive comeback will be remembered for years to come, while UCF will look to bounce back stronger in their future endeavors.
