Written by Kayla Castleman
(Jacksonville, FL) - On New Year’s Eve day, the 72nd TaxSlayer Bowl kicked off Saturday afternoon at EverBank field in Jacksonville, FL. With dream weather for the game of football, hopes were high in the atmosphere for both teams. The Kentucky Wildcats faced Georgia Tech in their first bowl appearancesince 2011. This ACC vs. SEC matchup would be a test for each school. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets got the W over the Kentucky Wildcats with a final score of 33-18. Although, the score reads an easy win, Kentucky showed grit and resilience.
To kick off the first quarter Georgia Tech’s defense causeda fumble to give the Yellow Jackets the quick lead two minutes into the game. Kentucky struggles to convert on third down possessions continuing to give the Yellow Jackets the ball back. After a 12-play drive Georgia Tech settles for a 23-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Butker. For obvious reasons the first 15 minutes was all Georgia Tech who took a 10-0 lead.
The second quarter showed life for the Wildcats as they put 3 up on the scoreboard with a 37-yard field goal. With 49 seconds left before half, Georgia Tech yet again moves the chains with a 94-yard touchdown drive. Justin Thomas with the QB keep for a 21 yard rushing TD. The Yellow Jackets force a Kentucky turnover to get the ball back with only seconds left. Georgia Tech leaves it to the foot of their All-Star kicker for the 52 -yard field goal to put the Jackets on top of the Wildcats 20-3 at half.
After a dominating first half from Georgia Tech, both teams start the third quarter off slow. Neither team could really get anything going on offense and struggled to find any consistency. Finally, Georgia Tech landed a 44-yard field goal following a successful drive. With Butker’s third field goal of the game, the score reads 23-3 at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter truly displayed the most consistent contest between these teams all day. Kentucky fought hard and showed toughness and true character. There were 25 points shared between the teams in the 4th quarter alone. Kentucky scored two touchdowns led by QB Johnson and company with a two-point conversion. Georgia Tech also scored a touchdown as well as a fourth field goal. The fourth quarter was a shoot out between these programs andbrought a glimpse of hope for the Wildcats. Unfortunately it was too late for Kentucky to fully redeem themselves. Georgia Tech outscored them in the first three quarters resulting in a 33-18 victory over the Wildcats.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are the 2017 TaxSlayerBowl Champions. They played a great game and it really attests to their program as well as their Head Coach Paul Johnson. Georgia Tech is a sound and competitive football team in the ACC. With this victory, it gave the Yellow Jackets a record of 9-4 on the season. Georgia Tech looks to build off of their success and carry it into next season.
“I was really proud of my team and the way they kept fighting today. Hats off to the University of Kentucky. I thought they played really hard and competed the whole game. And we were fortunate we made some plays when we had to have them and that was probably the difference.” Said Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson post game.
To kick off the first quarter Georgia Tech’s defense causeda fumble to give the Yellow Jackets the quick lead two minutes into the game. Kentucky struggles to convert on third down possessions continuing to give the Yellow Jackets the ball back. After a 12-play drive Georgia Tech settles for a 23-yard field goal by kicker Harrison Butker. For obvious reasons the first 15 minutes was all Georgia Tech who took a 10-0 lead.
The second quarter showed life for the Wildcats as they put 3 up on the scoreboard with a 37-yard field goal. With 49 seconds left before half, Georgia Tech yet again moves the chains with a 94-yard touchdown drive. Justin Thomas with the QB keep for a 21 yard rushing TD. The Yellow Jackets force a Kentucky turnover to get the ball back with only seconds left. Georgia Tech leaves it to the foot of their All-Star kicker for the 52 -yard field goal to put the Jackets on top of the Wildcats 20-3 at half.
After a dominating first half from Georgia Tech, both teams start the third quarter off slow. Neither team could really get anything going on offense and struggled to find any consistency. Finally, Georgia Tech landed a 44-yard field goal following a successful drive. With Butker’s third field goal of the game, the score reads 23-3 at the end of the third.
The fourth quarter truly displayed the most consistent contest between these teams all day. Kentucky fought hard and showed toughness and true character. There were 25 points shared between the teams in the 4th quarter alone. Kentucky scored two touchdowns led by QB Johnson and company with a two-point conversion. Georgia Tech also scored a touchdown as well as a fourth field goal. The fourth quarter was a shoot out between these programs andbrought a glimpse of hope for the Wildcats. Unfortunately it was too late for Kentucky to fully redeem themselves. Georgia Tech outscored them in the first three quarters resulting in a 33-18 victory over the Wildcats.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are the 2017 TaxSlayerBowl Champions. They played a great game and it really attests to their program as well as their Head Coach Paul Johnson. Georgia Tech is a sound and competitive football team in the ACC. With this victory, it gave the Yellow Jackets a record of 9-4 on the season. Georgia Tech looks to build off of their success and carry it into next season.
“I was really proud of my team and the way they kept fighting today. Hats off to the University of Kentucky. I thought they played really hard and competed the whole game. And we were fortunate we made some plays when we had to have them and that was probably the difference.” Said Georgia Tech Head Coach Paul Johnson post game.