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Georgia settles for FG after Parker Jones flagged for sideline interference
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Georgia appeared to be well on its way to taking a 7-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday afternoon.
On UGA’s third drive of the game, Gunner Stockton found Arian Smith down the right sideline for 67 yards. Smith was eventually brought down at the 11-yard line, but the Bulldogs were backed up 20 yards to the 31 after a penalty was called for sideline interference on Georgia.
Upon review, Georgia’s Parker Jones — a redshirt sophomore cornerback — collided with an official who was sprinting down the sideline while trailing the play. Jones was celebrating Smith’s big play when he accidentally stepped into the official’s path.
Here’s a replay of the incident:
The penalty proved to be quite costly both in terms of yardage and points. UGA ended up settling for a 41-yard field goal attempt, which it made to make it a 3-0 game over the Fighting Irish.
Georgia was pleased to take the lead, but the Bulldogs would have been in prime position to score a touchdown had they not been backed up by an additional 20 yards.
The winner of this game is scheduled to meet Penn State in the semifinals on Jan. 9.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
