In a dynamic college football matchup, UCF and Georgia Tech faced off in a game filled with strategic plays and momentum shifts. UCF initially dominated the first quarter, holding Georgia Tech to just 20 total yards and preventing any conversions on third downs, leading to a 14-0 advantage. However, Georgia Tech found its rhythm in the second quarter, exploiting UCF's run defense and mounting a comeback. Key plays included a 47-yard kick return by Amarean Townsend, a 16-yard run by Jamal Haynes, and a 32-yard run by Haynes King that contributed to Georgia Tech's scoring drives. Despite UCF's efforts, including a 17-yard touchdown and a 36-yard field goal by Aidan Birr, Georgia Tech managed to tie the game at 17-17 by halftime, thanks to a 41-yard TD pass from King to Malik Rutherford. The second half saw Georgia Tech taking the lead with a 29-yard field goal by Birr and a 1-yard TD run by Dontae Smith. Georgia Tech's offense was on full display as they scored 24 straight points, with Smith's efforts on the ground being a significant factor. Jamal Haynes hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark with a 35-yard run to open the second half. The game's progress was marked by strategic timeouts, penalties, and crucial tackles, with both teams fighting hard for control of the field. Georgia Tech ultimately took a 27-17 lead over UCF.
UCF with a false start immediately.
King runs for a short gain on first down as the Jackets chew up the clock.
Timeout Georgia Tech, the last one they had as there was some kind of issue with the play. 7:02 left GT at the UCF20. 1st and 10
Smith bounces outside and picks up another first down to the UCF20, 11-yard run.
Hudson finally called for a false start, the UCF WRs have been getting a jump start today.
I don't think enough attention has been paid to the amazing job Brent Key has done with Georgia Tech this year. After a slow start tonight, his Yellow Jackets are putting a hurting on UCF.
Scoring Drive 13 plays 75 yards 6:51 TOP, 1-yard TD run by Dontae Smith GT leads 27-17. GT has scored 24 straight points.
Smith runs down to the UCF3, 3rd and 3 coming up.
After a short run by Zach Pyron GT has 2nd and goal at the UCF6 to start the 4th QT, GT leads 20-17.
King picks up the first down, horsecollar with a flag this time. GT will have first and goal.
Smith picks up a first down to the UCF42.
Smith runs for four yards to cross midfield.
King scrambles right for a first down.
Harvey caught the second pass and picked up a first down after a good juke move to get to the UCF36.
UCF converts on fourth and one, but there is a flag down.
D'Quan Douse with a TFL on second down and it will be 3rd and 5 for UCF at the UCF30 @quan_61
Georgia Tech takes a 20-17 lead over UCF with 12:07 left in the 3rd QT. Scoring Drive 6 plays 54 yards 2:46 TOP, a 29-yard field goal by Aidan Birr.
Jamal Haynes hits the 1,000-yard rushing mark with a 35-yard run to open the second half.
GT will take a knee and go into the half tied up at 17 with UCF despite trailing 14-0 early.
Wow there's that spark I was talking about! 41 yard TD pass by Haynes King to Malik Rutherford. Tie game here at Raymond James Stadium 17 all. #gasparillabowl
Scoring Drive was 6 plays 67 yards 2:59 TOP 41-yard TD pass from King to Rutherford (Birr PAT). 17-all with 56 seconds left.
Two runs by Smith and GT is down to the UCF41 as the clock starts to run down.
Smith picks up the first down to just shy of midfield.
King runs for four yards on second down out of the empty set.
#UCF dominated the 1st quarter and Georgia Tech is doing the same in the 2nd.
Georgia Tech cuts the UCF lead to one score, 17-10 with 4:23 left in the half. Scoring Drive 7 plays 74 yards, 3:55 TOP, 4-yard TD run by King his 10th touchdown rushing this season.
Georgia Tech is starting to take advantage of #UCF's porous run defense.
Haynes picks up the first down to set up first and goal at the UCF5
King on first down runs to the UCF9, 8-yard run.
Haynes on the move down to the UCF 17, 11-yard run @Jamalhaynes16
Jamal Haynes runs for 9 yards to the UCF28. Timeout GT now
King fires to Eric Singleton Jr. for eight yards on first down.
Hudson drops a touchdown and UCF will kick a FG. Harvey credited with a PBU, swiped at it.
Harvey picked up some yards to set up 3rd and 5, Lockett called for an offsides and UCF gets a first down at the GT14
GT had UCF in third and long and UCF converted on the crossing route for 30 yards to the GT 40.
Aidan Birr hits a 36-yard field goal to put GT on the scoreboard. GT trails 14-3 with 14:17 left in the half.
King on the ground again picks up five yards despite slipping. That ends the first QT, UCF leads 14-0 over GT. The Jackets are at the UCF17
Haynes King with the spin move runs all the way down to the UCF22, 32-yard run by King.
I've been impressed with #UCF's defense early on, holding Georgia Tech to 20 total yards and 0-for-2 on 3rd downs.
UCF picks up a 17-yard touchdown to go up two scores. Shelley lost Kobe Hudson for a second and that was enough. UCF leads 14-0 with 6:26 left in the first quarter.
GT stuffs UCF on first down, Paul Moala is there for the tackle, no gain.
Jamal Haynes converts with a 16-yard run
47-yard kick return by Townsend and then two plays and UCF is at the GT25