Georgia football: the best gifts of the last 25 years

1997: penalty gives Georgia one more chance at Georgia Tech

Going into the 1997 trip to Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia had a six-game win-streak over Georgia Tech. After watching the Yellow Jackets win the 1990 National Championship, the Bulldogs began to dominate the rivalry again.

But the win-streak was in jeopardy late in the 1997 game after the Dawgs had led all game. Down 21-10 late in the third quarter, Tech scored 14 points with a pair of field goals, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. With just 40 seconds remaining, Georgia now trailed 24-21. Bobo needed to use that magic again, but his magic appeared gone when Georgia tech intercepted one of his passes.

Then, the Dawgs got a gift. The officials penalized Tech for pass interference, judging that a Tech defender hit receiver Hines Ward too early. It was a close call that Tech fans still disagree with. Regardless, Bobo and the Dawgs were gifted a final chance and just like against Auburn the year before, they wouldn’t squander it.

Bobo once again hit Corey Allen for a late dramatic touchdown. This time in the back corner instead of outside the end zone, and for a game-winning instead of a game-tying score. The Dawgs won 28-24 to extend their winning streak over the Yellow Jackets to seven games.