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Down double digits in the second half and when his team needed him most, Baldwin High grad Javon Bullard came up huge for the Georgia Bulldogs in Saturday night's nerve-racking 42-41 win over Ohio State.
Midway through the third quarter, with the Buckeyes in clear control of the game, Bullard blitzed from his nickel back position and sacked quarterback C.J. Stroud, which let to a punt.
Next up on the menu was a crucial pass breakup in the end zone, with Ohio State attempting to go up by 18 points at the end of the third quarter. "Targeting" initially was called by the officiating crew, and it appeared as if Bullard would be disqualified and forced to watch the rest of the game from the locker room.
After a long booth review and a long commercial break, however, the call was reversed, Bullard was allowed to remain in the game and Ohio State kicked a field goal.
Those four points saved by Bullard proved pivotal, as Stetson Bennett and the Dawgs amassed an amazing fourth-quarter comeback, outscoring Ohio State 18-3 in the final frame and holding on for a 42-41 victory, in the process punching their ticket to the national championship game in Los Angeles next Monday.
On some television feeds, Ohio State missed the game-winning field goal at the stroke of midnight, which made the game that much more memorable and unforgettable for Dawg fans.
Following the game, WMAZ/Channel 13's Marvin James caught up with Bullard and fellow "Middle Georgia Dawg" Kearis Jackson.
After that, as if the night couldn't get any better, Bullard was named the Defensive MVP of the Peach Bowl and received the trophy on stage.
Finally, Bullard joined Head Coach Kirby Smart and Bennett to meet the media in Georgia's post-game press conference.
MORE READING:
It was a day that Bullard and Dawg Nation will never forget
It's a family thing for the Bullards
Bullard, Dawg teammates get their championship rings
Mayor proclaims "Javon Bullard Day" in the city of Milledgeville
