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Georgia Bulldogs Countdown to Kickoff: 53 Days

Jake Reuseby:Jake Reuse07/12/22

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Jan 1, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs place kicker Jack Podlesny (96) reacts after kicking the game winning field goal against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

From Hot Rod earlier this week to Hot Pod today, that’s how we’re handling today’s Georgia Bulldogs countdown to kickoff.

It’s just 53 days until Kirby Smart and the boys march into Atlanta to get things fired up in 2022 and rumble with Dan Lanning and the Ducks.

But there was another recent moment at Mercedes Benz Stadium that Georgia fans likely remember well, as it spurred some serious momentum heading into the championship season.

The Bulldogs were wrapping up the abridged COVID season, and while there were some hiccups along the way in both Tuscaloosa and Jacksonville, Georgia was still able to earn a New Year’s Six berth and land in the Peach Bowl.

Their opponent, the Cincinnati Bearcats, was feeling some disrespect after having gone undefeated on the season and believing they’d earned their stripes as a playoff team.

It wasn’t to be, however, and the AAC Champions came to Atlanta with a chip on their shoulder and a fire in their belly.

And they weren’t to be taken lightly.

Cincinnati was leading 21-3 by the fourth quarter, and things were looking bleak for the Bulldogs in what would have felt like complete validation for Cincy’s playoff hopes.

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But Kirby Smart’s squad battled back, thanks largely to the work of the seemingly unstoppable Azeez Ojulari and the leg of walk-on kicker Jack Podlesny, who ended up 3-for-3 on the day.

With the game on the line, the Bulldogs called on Podlesny for an unenviable task and his toughest kick of the day — a 53-yard field goal try to take the lead with just three seconds left.

Podlesny would deliver in clutch fashion, draining the attempt and tying the Peach Bowl record, giving the Bulldogs a 22-21 lead.

Ojulari would cap the win with a safety to end the game, and while he boosted his stock significantly to be drafted in the top 50 on the back of it, the game will likely best be remembered for the young kicker’s last minute heroics.

Recent Georgia Bulldogs Countdown to Kickoff Stories

No. 54 – Justin Shaffer + the Play

No. 55 – Hot Rod’s big boot sways the tide in the Rose Bowl

No. 56 – Love for the long snapper

Does your blood run Red and Black?

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