Georgia may get one more win from its incredible Rose Bowl victory over Oklahoma in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year’s Day.
Georgia’s epic comeback 54-48 win in double overtime over Oklahoma and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield is one of the three nominees for Best Game at the annual sports awards.
The other nominees are the wild World Series Game 5 between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers and the 2018 Winter Olympics Women’s Hockey Gold Medal Game between the United States and Canada.
Georgia trailed Oklahoma by 17 points before an end-of-half and Rose Bowl record 55-yard field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship brought the Bulldogs within an even two touchdowns. They looked like a different team in the second half, putting all kinds of pressure on Mayfield while Nick Chubb and Sony Michel wore down and gashed the Sooners’ defense.
A late fumble from Michel that was returned for a touchdown almost made the comeback all for naught, but Jake Fromm led the Bulldogs down the field in the final minutes, converting a third-down pass to Terry Godwin near the red zone before Chubb scored again to send the game to overtime.
The teams traded field goals in the first overtime, and then Lorenzo Carter used every bit of his long arms to block Oklahoma’s attempt in double overtime. Then, on the second play of Georgia’s possession, Michel took the direct snap to the left and found himself wide open into the end zone, and the Rose party was on.
It’s arguably the best Rose Bowl ever but definitely can go no lower than second. Vince Young and Texas deeating Matt Leinart and USC in the National Championship Game in 2006 has to receive its due.
But in 2018, it’s a tough argument that this ESPY should go anywhere other than Athens.
You can view all of the award nominees and vote on them here.
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