The Gators opened the game with possession and quickly moved down the field, settling for a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead with 5:49 remaining in the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets responded by punting the ball back to the Gators, who then showcased their explosive offense. On the ensuing drive, the Gators executed a well-timed flea flicker, connecting for a 30-yard gain. Moments later, Cooper Babin capitalized on the momentum, rushing into the end zone for a touchdown to extend the Gators’ lead to 10-0 as the first quarter came to a close.
The second quarter began with the Yellow Jackets going three-and-out, forcing them to punt the ball back to the Gators. However, the Gators quickly followed suit, giving the ball back to the Jackets after a quick series. The turnover proved costly, as Cooper Babin responded with a 40-yard deep strike to Timothy Johnson Jr., further extending the Gators’ lead. The Jackets’ struggles continued when, on their next possession, they threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Ethan Humphrey, pushing the Gators’ advantage to 24-0 as the second quarter came to a close.
The third quarter began with the Yellow Jackets receiving the ball and methodically advancing down the field, primarily using quarterback sneaks. Quarterback Jerry Horn then connected with Colton LeBeouf for a touchdown pass, and Horn followed up with a successful two-point conversion run, cutting the Gators’ lead to 24-8 with 8:15 remaining in the quarter. The Gators’ ensuing possession resulted in a three-and-out, but they quickly regained momentum when they intercepted the ball for the second time on the night. This turnover gave the Gators favorable field position, and Cooper Babin capitalized, hitting Timothy Johnson Jr. for a 45-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 31-8 with 3:15 left in the third. The Yellow Jackets refused to back down and mounted another strong drive, pushing into Gators’ territory. As the third quarter came to a close, the Jackets were in solid position to continue their offensive push as they prepared for the final quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with a turnover as the Yellow Jackets fumbled the ball, allowing the Gators to recover and regain possession. The Jackets, however, got the ball back but were unable to capitalize, as they threw another interception, giving the Gators another opportunity. Cooper Babin wasted no time, connecting with Reid Mayers on a screen pass that was taken into the end zone for another touchdown, extending the Gators’ lead to 38-8 with 2:00 remaining. The Yellow Jackets, now facing a steep deficit, took possession once more but were unable to move the ball, going four-and-out and turning the ball over on downs. With the game effectively decided, the Gators took a knee as time expired, securing a dominant 38-8 victory.
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