Georgia wide receiver Rhett McGowan, a former walk-on, came through with two pivotal plays in the Bulldogs’ 23-20 victory over Florida on Saturday.
His 23-yard reception in the waning seconds of the second quarter allowed the Bulldogs to kick a 32-yard field goal to stretch their lead to 23-3 as the half ended. Those three points ultimately would prove the margin of victory as the Bulldogs were outscored 17-0 in the second half.
Then, with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, McGowan’s 7-yard reception on a third-and-6 play gave Georgia a crucial first down at the Florida 30-yard line as the Bulldogs kept the ball out of the Gators’ hands for the game’s final eight minutes and 17 seconds.
“It was a big drive. We kept the chains moving,” McGowan said. “That (third-down) play where (Aaron Murray) threw it to me … it was a play we had been practicing all week, and we were able to execute it. I’m just so thankful we got the first down, and then we were able to get one more first down and finish the game out.”
In all, Georgia made six first downs on the drive, four of them on third-down conversions.
The drive preserved a Georgia victory in a game that looked like a potential rout at halftime before momentum completely swung to the Gators in the third quarter.
“I was just joking around with some of the teammates that we’ve always got to keep it interesting,” McGowan said after the game. “Ever since I’ve been here, we can’t just blow someone out. But that says a lot about us as a team to stick together like that and get that final drive.”
For McGowan, a senior, the victory was even sweeter because it’s the last time he’ll play against the rival Gators.
“It’s exciting to go out on top,” he said. “It’s the most fun game of the year, and for us to win this time, the last time I’ll ever be here playing for Georgia, this is huge. I’m so happy right now.”
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