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No. 1 The Jordy Reed Fumble (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1fecbHL7Sk
Winning Streak Prior to Game: Georgia (one)
Effect on SEC Race: Huge
Effect on National Landscape: Huge
What Happened:
Florida entered this game ranked No. 2 and relevant for the first time since 2009. They had beaten three ranked opponents along with the eventual Heisman winner. On the other side, Georgia had suffered a setback against No. 6 South Carolina, but still came into this game ranked No. 10 in the polls.
In a very chippy game, Georgia held a 17-9 lead with less than 2:30 to go in the fourth quarter. The Gators were driving and were inside the red zone when Jeff Driskel connected with tight end Jordy Reed on a curl route. Reed caught the ball and turned up field.
After gaining the first down and ripping off ten yards, Reed tried to leap from the five-yard line into the end zone. Then, it happened. Linebacker Jarvis Jones poked the ball loose from Reed, and cornerback Sanders Commings recovered the loose ball in the end zone for a touchback.
This was Florida’s sixth turnover of the contest, and it sealed their fate for good. The 17-9 score held, and both Florida’s chances at an SEC and National Championship were severely set back. Both teams would finish the regular season undefeated, and Georgia represented the SEC East in Atlanta after winning the tiebreaker over Florida.
A loss to the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide would knock the No. 3 ranked Dawgs out of the National Championship race. They would finish 11-2 with a victory in the Citrus Bowl. As for Florida, they climbed as high as No. 4 in the polls before losing in the Sugar Bowl. They finished the season 11-2.
