Georgia Bulldogs running back Cash Jones was pivotal in that unexpected onside kick against Texas. Utter humiliation, of course, for Steve Sarkisian’s team. But the play didn’t come out of the blue. Cash and the special teams were regularly practising to make it work. Just like a Kung-Fu maestro perfecting his craft before the final battle. Cash perfected the play almost religiously before kicking Texas out of CFP contention.

Jones, a Brock, Texas native, came to Georgia in 2021. And almost immediately, Kirby Smart put him to the task, perfecting that fourth-quarter play. So, when Cash Jones and Peyton Woodring finally called to test, it was perfect.  “We’ve practiced it since… I think five years ago, when I first got here. … Peyton (Woodring) kicked a perfect ball, you know? I don’t think it’s ever been that perfect,” said Georgia RB Jones. That onside kick surely was a dagger that buried Steve Sarkisian’s hopes.

Many thought it to be a desperation play. But it wasn’t. Georgia led 21-10 and didn’t even need the play. However, Kirby Smart wasn’t just looking for a victory; he was searching for a statement after the 2024 criticisms. On the fourth quarter’s first drive, Georgia was 1st and 10. Gunner Stockton, as usual, found London Humphreys at Texas’s 09 for a touchdown. Georgia was two TDs ahead of Texas, and many thought this was it. But Smart was still cooking.

“Everyone of y’all would have thought I was an idiot if it didn’t work,” said the UGA head coach after the game. A ripe smile was on his face, and an uncanny hint of arrogance radiated through his shoulders. Of course, Smart deserved that, especially since the preparation of the play started when Steve Sarkisian was still Bama’s OC, 5 years ago. So, after Gunner Stockton capped that TD pass, instead of a change of possession, something else happened. Something that Georgia hadn’t executed since 2013.

The UGA special teams lined up along with RB Cash Jones, and instead of punting it in the air, Peyton Woodring executed the onside kick. Cash grabbed the ball quickly, almost like muscle memory, hitting in a blink. Georgia got the possesion and sealed another 53-yard touchdown drive. It wasn’t spectacular, but Texas couldn’t stop those grueling 10,9,5 and 3-yard runs leading up to the TD pass by Stockton. The score read 28-10, and Georgia was far ahead, out of sight. But for Cash, the drive was more special because of his Texas roots.

Cash Jones opens up on the onside kick against home-state team, Texas

Cash Jones started his career at Brock High School, Texas. His name didn’t come up in the top recruits’ list, nor was his path shaped by several bluebloods to choose from. However, with a relentless work ethic and a high ceiling of talent, Kirby Smart trusted his services. Naturally, being from Texas, an offer from the Longhorns would have kept him in-state. But since no Power 5 offers materialized beyond Georgia, the decision was a no-brainer. And now, life has come full circle for him.

The 5’11” and 195 lbs running back was asked about playing against his in-state team, Texas, and how he felt executing that historic drive. “It’s awesome. Being a Texas native, to be able to do that against Texas, it’s an awesome feeling. It’s a memory that I’ll be able to hold on forever,” said Jones. Even in Georgia, Cash didn’t have many opportunities and has just 233 rushing yards to his name thus far. But the play might have changed his destiny for good.

For Smart, the playoff spot is wide open now, barring a disaster. The team faces Charlotte next week in Athens. Thereafter, UGA will go on to face Georgia Tech, also 9-1 in the season. However, considering the dominant performances Gunner Stockton, secondary, special teams, and offense are putting up. Even the Georgia Tech game feels like a cakewalk.