Audio By Carbonatix
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets appeared on track to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the 2024 college football season against the rival Georgia Bulldogs on Friday night. But a late fumble by quarterback Haynes King one a would-be first down run gave the Dawgs the ball back deep in Georgia Tech territory.
Georgia went on to convert the fumble into a touchdown and tie the game, sending it to overtime. But a replay of the play showed that Bulldogs safety Dan Jackson, who forced the fumble, should have been called for targeting on the play.
Targeting? pic.twitter.com/blUpb1fas5
— College Football Live (@CollegeFBonX) November 30, 2024
King was a ball carrier at the time of the hit, which means he was not a defenseless player. But that does not mean that Jackson cannot commit targeting.
Targeting occurs when a player “If the player lowers their head before making a tackle and makes forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.”
The video clearly shows Jackson lowering his head and making contact with King’s midsection using the crown of his helmet, and fans could not believe that no penalty was called.
Missed Targeting Wasn’t Only Controversial Call In UGA’s Favor Against Georgia Tech
Georgia also appeared to get away with a fairly blatant hold by offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild during its tying touchdown drive.
Have you ever seen a more obvious holding not be called in your life? pic.twitter.com/veZKWjbdKZ
— Bit Hawk (@PixelHawk0) November 30, 2024
Ultimately, the game went to overtime tied at 27. Both teams scored touchdowns on their initial drives in overtime, sending the game to double overtime where it currently sits tied at 34-34. Stay tuned to BroBible for updates as this story unfolds.
UPDATE: Little did we know that double overtime was only the beginning. The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets went on to play an SEC-record eight overtimes before Georgia freshman running back Nate Frazier scored from 3 yards to win the game, 44-42.
Georgia all but secured a spot in the College Football Playoff with the victory, as ESPN commentator Joe Tessitore told viewers about 30 times during the broadcast. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech finishes the year 7-5 and will yet again head to a bowl game under head coach Brent Key.