Podlesny gives Cincinnati’s undefeated season the boot
Jack Podlesny told Georgia coaches before Friday’s Peach Bowl that he felt confident attempting f ield goals from as long as 55 yards — a full four yards past his career best.
Podlesny made good on his claim, kicking a 53- yard f ield goal with three seconds remaining, and No. 9 Georgia handed No. 8 Cincinnati its only loss of the season with a dramatic 24- 21 victory in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
Podlesny dropped to one knee following the career- long kick as his teammates surged onto the f ield. Asked what he was thinking while he was kneeling, Podlesny said he wanted to “try to remember why I’m here. God is good and it’s amazing to be here.”
Georgia trailed 21- 10 in the fourth quarter, but its defense clamped down on Desmond Ridder and Cincinnati and JT
Daniels helped rally the Bulldogs with his arm. Daniels, who transferred from USC, passed for 392 yards while improving to 4- 0 in starts for Georgia.
Podlesny’s winning kick tied a Peach Bowl record for longest f ield goal and gave Georgia a 22- 21 lead. Azeez Ojulari sacked Ridder for a safety on the final play.
Ridder completed 24 of 37 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Jerome Ford added a career- long 79- yard touchdown run early in the second half but it wasn’t enough for the Bearcats.
Cincinnati ( 9- 1) was motivated to use the Peach Bowl to gain national respect. Coach Luke Fickell said the game was a measuring stick for his team.
“We’re not there yet,” Fickell said. “That’s what keeps motivating you.”
Georgia ( 8- 2) won despite running for only 45 yards.
“I would feel much better if we just played our best game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “I don’t think we played our best game. I want to give Cincinnati credit for that.”
No. 14 Northwestern 35, Auburn 19:
Peyton Ramsey threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score and the Wildcats’ defense made it stand up in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
Ramsey, a graduate transfer, had 291 yards passing and 50 yards rushing to help Northwestern ( 7- 2) win its fourth straight bowl game. Ramaud Chiaokhiao- Brown, John Raine and Riley Lees had touchdown catches for the Wildcats, coming off a loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game.
Bo Nix threw for 292 yards for Auburn ( 6- 5). The Tigers were led by interim coach Kevin Steele after the Dec. 13 firing of Gus Malzahn. Bryan Harsin is taking over after seven seasons at Boise State.