Epic! That’s one way to describe the 2018 Rose Bowl game between Oklahoma and Georgia. Here’s what happened.
The 2018 Rose Bowl pinned Georgia vs. Oklahoma. Oklahoma was coming off a playoff berth the previous season, led by Heisman frontrunner and eventual #1 NFL draft pick, Baker Mayfield. The Bulldogs took more of a circuitous route to Pasadena. Starting quarterback Jacob Eason left the first quarter of opening day with an injury. Unproven, but highly touted rookie, Jake Fromm, took the reins, and The Dawgs streaked to a #1 ranking before falling to at Auburn, 40-17.
Then came the Rose Bowl. OU got out to a quick lead–a three-play drive and touchdown. Sony Michel reciprocated, but OU’s Rodney Anderson added two TDs of his own, and Oklahoma led by two scores.
With just six seconds to play in the first half, Mayfield caught a touchdown of his own to make it 31-14.
End of the first half? Not yet! Oklahoma tried a squib kick, which was recovered by UGA near midfield. Rodrigo Blankenship then drilled a 55-yard field goal, which gave Georgia a glimmer of hope, 31-17.
Roquan Smith and company started the second half by forcing a three-and-out. Then UGA’s Nick Chubb took the bull by the horns, rambling for a 50-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to seven, 31-24. The teams traded two scores in the 4th quarter, setting the stage for an exciting OT finish.
As the first OT came to an end, the game was knotted at 48. The second overtime was underway, and OU went for a field goal. “DEFLECTED… BLOCKED!” The Dawgs celebrated with Lorenzo Carter’s right hand raised in the air.
That play meant UGA needed but a field goal to win the game, but that’s not what happened. Michel lined up in the wildcat formation, ran outside to his left, and dashed into the endzone.
Senior Jared Steckl put it this way: “It was electric!” Junior Bradley Shanker had one word for it: “Epic!” It’s was Rose Bowl to be remembered forever: Georgia 54, Oklahoma 48.
WHAT A GAME!
