Georgia Stages Comeback, Tops Florida 24-20

**Georgia Extends Streak to 25, Outlasts Florida 24-20 in Thrilling Cocktail Party Showdown**

**JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –** No. 5 Georgia survived a serious scare Saturday, rallying from a double-digit halftime deficit to defeat archrival Florida 24-20 in a hard-fought annual “Cocktail Party” clash at TIAA Bank Field. The Bulldogs’ gritty performance extended their incredible winning streak to 25 consecutive games, preserving their undefeated season.

For much of the afternoon, it was the Florida Gators who seemed to have the upper hand, dominating the first half and heading into the locker room with a surprising 17-7 lead. Quarterback Graham Mertz guided the Gators efficiently, connecting with Ricky Pearsall for a 20-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, following Trevor Etienne’s 25-yard scoring run earlier in the game. Florida’s defense stifled Georgia’s usually potent offense, leaving the Bulldogs’ faithful stunned.

However, the reigning back-to-back national champions showed their mettle in the second half, mounting a relentless comeback. The pivotal moment arrived in the third quarter when linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. intercepted a Mertz pass and returned it for a crucial pick-six, electrifying the Georgia sideline and dramatically shifting the momentum. The Bulldogs, who had struggled to find rhythm, suddenly had belief.

“We knew we weren’t playing our best football in the first half,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told reporters after the game. “We challenged our guys at halftime to respond, to play with the physicality and discipline we’re known for. Smael’s play was a huge turning point; it gave us the spark we needed.”

Georgia’s offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck, gradually found its stride. Beck, who finished an impressive 24-of-30 for 315 yards and two touchdowns, had thrown a 21-yard scoring pass to Ladd McConkey in the first quarter to initially put Georgia on the board. In the second half, Beck continued to pick apart the Florida secondary, setting up crucial drives.

The decisive play came late in the fourth quarter. With just 3:11 remaining on the clock, true freshman running back Chauncey Bowens broke through the line of scrimmage for a powerful 36-yard touchdown run, putting Georgia ahead 24-20. The score proved to be the game-winner, silencing the contingent of Florida fans who had dared to dream of an upset.

“I just saw a seam and hit it,” Bowens said, reflecting on his first career collegiate touchdown. “The line did a great job blocking. It was an incredible feeling, especially in a game like this.”

While Mertz threw for 197 yards and a touchdown, that crucial interception by Mondon proved to be a costly error for Florida, who otherwise played a commendable game against a top-ranked opponent.

With the victory, Georgia improves to an unblemished 8-0 overall and maintains a perfect 5-0 record in SEC play, tightening their grip on the SEC East division. It also marks their third consecutive victory over their Sunshine State rivals, a streak not seen since the early 1980s. The Gators, despite a valiant effort, fall to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in conference standings.

The “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” delivered its usual dose of drama and intensity, but ultimately, it was the Bulldogs’ championship pedigree that shone through in the clutch.

Next up, Georgia returns home to Sanford Stadium to host No. 12 Missouri in another critical SEC East matchup. Florida, meanwhile, will look to rebound as they host Arkansas in Gainesville.