In the Gasparilla Bowl, Georgia Tech made an impressive comeback to defeat UCF 30-17, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the first quarter. Key highlights from the game include:
Quick Read
- Haynes King’s Performance: Georgia Tech’s quarterback, Haynes King, played a pivotal role in the victory, both in the air and on the ground. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 87 yards and ran for 89 yards on 12 carries, contributing a touchdown pass and another score through a run.
- Team Effort: The team rallied together after falling behind early in the game. King highlighted the unity and determination of the team in their comeback.
- Jamal Haynes’ Achievement: Jamal Haynes, named the game MVP, played a significant role in the victory, rushing for 128 yards on 18 carries. His performance this season marked him as Georgia Tech’s first 1,000-yard runner since 2017, a notable achievement considering his switch from wide receiver to running back.
- UCF’s Performance: UCF’s quarterback, John Rhys Plumlee, had a notable game, completing 16 of 29 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. However, he was replaced by Timmy McClain late in the game. RJ Harvey also contributed with 120 yards on 15 carries.
- Scoring Summary: UCF initially led with a quick touchdown by Plumlee. Georgia Tech’s comeback was highlighted by King’s touchdown run and a scoring pass to Malik Rutherford, which tied the game at 17 by halftime. The second half saw Georgia Tech taking the lead and securing the win.
- Georgia Tech’s Season: This victory brought Georgia Tech to a winning season, marking a significant turnaround for the team.
- UCF’s Outlook: UCF, completing their first season in the Big 12, faced challenges in this game and will be looking ahead to rebuilding and strengthening their team for the next season.
- Future Plans for Players: Plumlee, also a two-sport athlete, is yet to decide on participating in UCF’s upcoming baseball season.
The Associated Press has the story:
King, Haynes help Georgia Tech to beat UCF 30-17 in Gasparilla Bowl
Newslooks- TAMPA, Fla. (AP)
Haynes King threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score and Georgia Tech overcame a 14-point deficit to beat UCF 30-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday night.
King, who went 7 for 13 for 87 yards and ran for 89 yards on 12 carries, said the team gathered as a group after falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter.
“It was pretty much everybody,” King said. “We all came up in that huddle and we looked at each other. It was like we’ve been here before. We’re not going to press. Stick to the game plan. Trust each other. Everything else is going to take care of itself,.”
Jamal Haynes had 128 yards on 18 rushes to help Georgia Tech (7-6) to its first winning season since 2018. He became the Yellow Jackets’ first 1,000-yard runner since 2017.
Haynes, the game MVP, was moved from wide receiver to running back this year.
UCF’s John Rhys Plumlee completed 16 of 29 passes for 198 and two touchdowns. Timmy McClain replaced Plumlee, who was playing in his last collegiate game, with 4 minutes to play.
Plumlee missed three games because a leg injury and said he “felt something uncomfortable there” on a running play.
RJ Harvey picked up 120 yards on 15 carries as the Knights finished their first season in the Big 12 at 6-7.
“We didn’t play good enough to win, really the bottom line,” UCF coach Gus Malzahn said. “It was a tough night.”
Aidan Birr’s 29-yard field goal gave Georgia Tech its first lead, at 20-17, on the second-half’s first drive. Dontae Smith scored from the 1 on fourth down to make it 27-17 with 13:37 left in the fourth.
King’s five-yard TD run and 41-yard scoring toss to Malik Rutherford during the final 4 1/2 minutes of the first half tied it at 17.
UCF took a 7-0 lead just 1:23 into the game when Plumlee connected on a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jarrad Baker. He had a 17-yard TD strike to Kobe Hudson that made it 14-0 midway through the first quarter.
Baker had nine receptions for 173 yards.
TAKEAWAYS
Georgia Tech: King, a red-shirt sophomore, and LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels were the only players with at least 2,700 yards passing, 600 yards rushing, 25 touchdown passes and five TD runs this season.
UCF: Has to replace Plumlee but got good news with Harvey deciding to return for his fifth season next year. This was Harvey’s seventh 100-yard game of the season.
FLIPPING
Referee Cravonne Barrett mistakenly called the coin toss tails before correcting himself,
FUTURE PLANS
Plumlee, a two-sport standout, said he will make a decision on whether he will play baseball with UCF this upcoming season in a couple weeks.
