“Bulldogs survive Gators' surprise bid in Jacksonville”

The Georgia-Florida game started slowly in the first quarter, with a promising 13-play drive that lasted 6 minutes, 15 seconds but ultimately stalled in the red zone. A batted ball on third down and a score from the 5-yard line stopped the Bulldogs' momentum and left points on the field.

It seemed like the team was ready to carry the momentum from the Texas game, hoping to find a rhythm once everyone settled into their roles.

However, the Florida Gators took control in the second quarter. An interception by Carson Beck led to Florida's DJ Lagway running with Aidan Mizell for a 48-yard touchdown over safety Malaki Starks, giving Florida the lead.

Shortly thereafter, another Beck interception halted a promising Bulldogs advance and allowed Florida to extend its lead to 10-3. Unfortunately for the Gators, Lagway left the game with a hamstring injury and was replaced by third-string quarterback Aiden Warner.

Despite the quarterback change, Florida's defense continued to wreak havoc on Carson Beck. A huge hit from cornerback Daniel Harris with just 1:30 left in the half forced the Gators into a quick three-and-out. Peyton Woodring then kicked a 53-yard field goal to cut the score to 10-6. However, Florida responded with a 53-yard field goal of its own in the final 40 seconds to take a 13-6 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Bulldogs suffered another setback when Beck threw a third interception while trying to escape pressure. After that mistake, the Bulldogs offense finally got going. An end-around play by wide receiver Dillon Bell gained 33 yards and set 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 defenders stepped up in his absence. To end the third quarter, Cash Jones caught a checkdown pass from Beck, deflected a tackle and broke through two defenders to reach the end zone, giving the Bulldogs the lead for the first time.

However, the Gators responded early in the fourth quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run by Ja'Kobi Jackson, tying the game at 20 yards. The Bulldogs responded quickly as Beck connected with Arian Smith for a crucial third down for 34 yards. He also found Lawson Luckie for another 21 yards and set up a 10-yard screen pass to Dominic Lovett for the touchdown.

Moments later, linebacker CJ Allen showed remarkable sportsmanship by intercepting a pass deep in Florida territory. Two plays later, freshman running back Dwight Phillips Jr. scored his first career touchdown, extending the Bulldogs' lead to 34-20 and putting the game out of reach.

Georgia next plays at Ole Miss on November 9th at 3:30 p.m. ET.

This article originally appeared on Bulldogs Wire: Bulldogs survive Gators' surprise attempt at Jacksonville