Bucs vs. Jaguars Game Day Newsletter 7 Dec 1 Bucs_Layout_Digital | Page 39

NS, TWENTY-FIVE GAMES
Senior writer John Oehser’s “oral history” of 25 memorable
games in Jaguars history continues with this look at a 29-24
victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in November of 1998
– a game that featured one of the highlight plays of
running back Fred Taylor’s dynamic career.
Jaguars 29, Buccaneers 24
Date: November 15, 1998
Records entering game: Jaguars 7-2, Buccaneers 4-5
Site: Alltel Stadium; Jacksonville
What happened
The Jaguars, on the way to a third
consecutive playoff appearance and their
fi rst of back-to-back AFC Central titles, beat
a team from Florida at home for the second
time in a month – and did so in dramatic,
memorable fashion with a 29-24 victory
over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s also a
game Jaguars running back Fred Taylor long
has counted as his most memorable – with
his game-winning touchdown in the fourth
quarter one of the jewels of his career. The
Jaguars took a 14-3 lead on runs of six
and three yards by Taylor, but Buccaneers
quarterback Trent Dilfer’s 47-yard pass to
wide receiver Reidel Anthony and a one-
yard pass from Dilfer to John Davis gave the
Buccaneers a 17-14 halftime lead. The game
was back and forth in a tight second half with
the Buccaneers scoring on a 79-yard fourth-
quarter pass from Dilfer to Anthony and
Jaguars kicker Mike Hollis converting fi eld
goals of 31, 27 and 24 yards. The Jaguars
regained possession at their 30 with just
under three minutes remaining, trailing 24-23.
Taylor took a handoff from Mark Brunell on
the fi rst play of the possession, started right
and cut back left, shrugging off one tackle
then outracing the Buccaneers defense down
the left sideline for a 70-yard touchdown
and a 29-24 lead. Jaguars cornerback Aaron
Beasley intercepted Dilfer to end the ensuing
series and the Jaguars converted a fi rst down
to run out the clock.
“Fred Taylor was so good. I remember thinking, ‘Every time he runs, he falls
forward. I’m glad he’s on my team.’ “
– S Chris Hudson