1980 Georgia vs Florida: Run Lindsay Run

by Kavin Caruso
(Georgia )

This game was one of Georgia’s greatest comebacks in Bulldogs history. This game was also known as “Run, Lindsay, Run!” Georgia Bulldogs radio announcer Larry Munson screamed “Run, Lindsay, Run!” when Lindsay ran 93 yards for a touchdown. His name will forever be in the Georgia Bulldogs history record books for his running touchdown. It was November 8, 1980 and Georgia had a record of 8-0, 4-0 in SEC play. Florida on the other hand was 6-1, 3-1in SEC play. Georgia Bulldogs who hadn’t finished number 1 since the 40’s was looking to end that drought. The Bulldogs were on their way to the national championship. On that same day Notre Dame tied Georgia Tech 3-3 in Atlanta. That helped the Bulldogs to move up to number 1 in the polls.

In the 1st quarter Georgia got on the board, Herschel Walker scored a 72 yard touchdown run. Florida got on the board on a 40 yard Brian Clark’s field goal. It’s now 7-3 Georgia, and then in the 2nd quarter Georgia increased the lead on a 13 yard touchdown pass from Buck Belue to Ronnie Stewart. The score is now 14-3 Georgia. Florida made it 14-10 when Wayne Peace threw a 9 yard touchdown pass to Chris Collinsworth.

In the 3rd quarter, Florida didn’t score at all. Georgia got two field goals from Rex Robinson. He kicked a 24 yard field goal and a 20 yard field goal to make a 20-10 Georgia lead. Buck Belue and Herschel Walker didn’t make the end zone in the 3rd quarter. Florida’s defense was tough!

Here we go in the 4th quarter, where the excitement happened by both teams, especially for the Bulldogs. Florida score two times before the Bulldogs scored their final comeback win. James Jones of Florida scored an 11 yard run, and then Florida went for 2 point conversion. They got the 2 point conversion; the score is now 20-18. Georgia couldn’t do anything throughout the 4th quarter. Florida then took the lead on a Brian Clark’s 40 yard field goal; the score is now 21-20 Florida. Georgia started deep on their own territory. It’s now 3rd and long after Florida’s defense stopped the Bulldogs from gaining any yards. Buck Belue then dropped back to pass and threw a short pass to Lindsay Scott. Lindsay Scott then ran 93 yards to the other side of the field and scored the winning touchdown for Georgia. He helped the Bulldogs beat the Gators 27-21 in a miracle finish.

Georgia went undefeated and faced Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, where they beat the Fighting Irish and won the National Championship.

Florida finished the season with an 8-4 record and went to the Tangerine Bowl and beat the Maryland Terrapins. This was one the best comebacks in Bulldogs history. A lot was riding for them that season. If they had lost this game, Georgia wouldn’t be playing for a national championship that they hadn’t been in years.