The Georgia-Florida game started slowly in the first quarter, with a promising 13-play drive that took 6 minutes and 15 seconds off 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 looked like the team was ready to carry the momentum from the Texas game, hoping to create rhythm once everyone settled into their roles.

However, the Florida Gators seized control in the second quarter. An interception by Carson Beck led to Florida’s DJ Lagway connecting with Aidan Mizell for a 48-yard touchdown over safety Malaki Starks, putting Florida ahead.

Shortly afterwards, another Beck interception halted a promising Bulldogs drive and allowed Florida to extend their lead to 10–3. Unfortunately for the Gators, Lagway left 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 wreak havoc for 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 made a 53-yard field goal, cutting the score to 10-6. However, Florida responded with a 53-yard field goal of its own in the final 40 seconds, going into halftime with a 13-6 lead.

In the second half, the Bulldogs suffered another setback when Beck threw a third interception while trying to escape the pressure. After this miscue, the Bulldogs’ offense finally gained 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 end the third quarter, Cash Jones caught a checkdown pass from Beck, broke a tackle and charged through two defenders to reach the end zone, pushing the Bulldogs ahead 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. The Bulldogs answered quickly, as Beck connected with Arian Smith for 34 yards on a key third down disadvantage. He also found Lawson Luckie for another 21 yards, setting up a 10-yard screen pass to Dominic Lovett for a go-ahead goal.

Shortly thereafter, linebacker C.J. 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, increasing the Bulldogs’ lead to 34–20 and putting the game out of reach.

Next up, Georgia plays at Ole Miss on November 9 at 3:30 PM ET.

This article originally appeared on Bulldogs Wire: Bulldogs survive Gators upset bid in Jacksonville