The Most Memorable Plays of UGA Football's Season
The 2024 college football season has been filled with unforgettable moments, but none shine brighter than the standout plays that defined the Georgia Bulldogs' journey. From thrilling touchdowns to game-changing defensive stops, these highlights showcased individual talent and reflected the team's resilience and strategic prowess.
As we continue revealing the season's most memorable plays, remember how much of a part each played in the Bulldogs' success, culminating in a championship victory over Texas in the SEC Championship Game.
Championship Showdown: Georgia vs. Texas
One of the season's defining moments came in the form of the SEC Championship Game against Texas on December 7, 2024. Both teams went toe-to-toe, which made for a very high-stakes football game-from those who use the NFL betting sites to those who watch strictly college football, this was a fantastic entertainment piece. The final score would be a nail-biter, with the Bulldogs winning 22-19, and several noticeable plays happened within the game.
Gunner Stockton Touchdown Pass
In the third quarter, when it mattered most, backup quarterback Gunner Stockton found tight end Lawson Luckie for a big 14-yard pass. This showed how cool, calm, and collected Stockton was under pressure as he stepped up when he was needed the most after Carson Beck went out with an injury.
Arian Smith's Incredible Catch
Another key turning point in the game was a gymnastic catch by wide receiver Arian Smith that went for a 18-yard gain to set up a touchdown. It opened things up on Georgia's behalf with the ability to stretch the field with Smith to change momentum through his speed and agility against the stingy Texas secondary.
Defensive Highlights
While offense often gets all the attention, defense was every bit as vital this season for Georgia. This Bulldog defense stepped up in multiple games and made big plays time after time.
Dalen Everett's Interception
Probably the most tense moments of the SEC Championship Game saw cornerback Dalen Everett intercept a pass intended for a Texas receiver. The pick ended a would-be scoring drive and sparked the Georgia sideline as the Bulldogs had a quick chance at a score.
Smael Mondon Jr.'s Key Tackle
Linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. sealed the game with his tackle on Texas running back Jonathan Brooks, which was the game's most critical play. That stop forced a long field goal try instead of allowing a touchdown and helped Georgia cling to its slim lead2.
Regular Season Highlights
The regular season had its share of crucial plays that helped Georgia build its run to the championship.
Nate Frazier's Dominant Performance Against UMass
Then, running back Nate Frazier ran for an impressive 136 yards and three touchdowns on November 23, 2024, in a dominating performance against UMass. He broke tackles and found gaps big and small during his three-score, 136-yard rushing effort to help Georgia roll to the 59-21 victory. After this game, Frazier solidified himself as a significant part of Georgia's offensive scheme.
Carson Beck's Four-Touchdown Game
Quarterback Carson Beck had one of his better performances this season against Mississippi State, where he threw for four touchdowns and over 300 yards. His precision in passing and decision-making was unmatched as he commanded drives that kept the opposing defense guessing all game long.
Sugar Bowl and a Tough Loss
Despite such a great season, Georgia did poorly in the Sugar Bowl game against Notre Dame on January 2, 2025. They lost 23-10, but there were still some moments to watch.
Cash Jones' Touchdown Reception
One of the high points of this game for Georgia was when Gunner Stockton, in his first career start, found Cash Jones for a 32-yard touchdown pass. In that play, Jones also showed that he could see the holes in coverage and take advantage of them. The statistical highlights include the following.
Totals Offense: Georgia averaged above 450 yards of offense per game and was among the best offenses in college football.
Rushing Attack: The Bulldogs had one of the best rushing attacks in the country, averaging over 200 yards per game.
Defensive Efficiency: Georgia's defense ranked in the top ten nationally in points allowed per game, showing their ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
These plays are memorable and do more than just mere statistics: they strike to the core of the heart of every fan and alumnus. Social media was abuzz after every game, with fans sharing highlights and celebrating pivotal moments that defined their season. The emotional highs and lows throughout these games fostered a strong sense of community among supporters.