In a thrilling game at Sanford Stadium on Friday night, the No. 7 Bulldogs defeated their rivals, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 44-42, thanks to a 3-yard run for a 2-point conversion by Georgia freshman Nate Frazier in the eighth overtime. For both players and fans, the game—which ended up being the longest in SEC history—was an emotional rollercoaster.
Georgia Tech had possession in the eighth overtime, setting up the final moments. The ball sailed out of the end zone as their quarterback, Haynes King, was pressured by Georgia defender CJ Allen to make a hasty throw. Frazier broke through the defense for the game-winning play as soon as Georgia took advantage, sending the red-and-black-clad crowd into frenzied celebrations.
Kirby Smart, the head coach of Georgia, reflected on the game and recognized the physical toll the long game put on both sides. According to Smart, “people were getting worn down,” “That youngster [Frazier] can hit the hole hard because of his electrifying ability. Fortunately, our blocking was successful, and he made it matter.
One of the most incredible comebacks in Georgia’s recent history came to an end with Frazier’s clutch play. This was Georgia’s eighth consecutive victory over Georgia Tech, extending their home winning streak to 31 games and solidifying their domination in the “Clean Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry. But none of those victories were as well-deserved as this one.
Bulldogs Complete Stunning Comeback in Historic Rivalry
Georgia was put in a difficult position right away, falling behind by 17 points in the second half—their biggest deficit since 2006. Additionally, they were only able to overcome a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit for the second time in the previous 20 years. The Bulldogs’ offense finally came alive in the fourth quarter following a dismal first half in which they failed to score for the first time since 2019. They forced overtime by scoring 21 points in the last 8 minutes and 18 seconds, including two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes and 39 seconds.
Brent Key, the head coach of Georgia Tech, was proud of his team in spite of the devastating defeat. “Losing stinks,” stated Key. However, I’m proud of our players for their dedication since January, especially the seniors. Even in such a challenging game, they never faltered.
The actual overtime was a back-and-forth conflict. The game was tied at 34 after both teams scored extra points and touchdowns in the first overtime. The score was knotted at 40 after neither team was able to make any of their 2-point shots in the second overtime. The rules changed to only allow 2-point conversion attempts after the third overtime, although neither team was able to score in the third or fourth quarters. Both teams eventually prevailed in the fifth overtime, raising the score to 42-42. But there were no conversions in the sixth or seventh overtimes, which led to Frazier’s game-winning play in the eighth.
Georgia was 2-for-6 in overtime conversions, compared to Georgia Tech’s 1-for-6 performance. The game was one of the most thrilling contests in recent college football history, and its historical significance was further enhanced by its suspenseful character. Later, Smart remarked, “We might still be out there playing if the game continued the old way.”
Both teams’ quarterbacks were key. Carson Beck of Georgia completed 28 of 43 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns. Haynes King of Georgia Tech, on the other hand, had an equally outstanding effort, rushing for 110 yards and three touchdowns on 24 tries and throwing for 303 yards and two touchdowns. King became the only athlete in history to record at least 300 passing yards, 100 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns against a team ranked in the top 10 by the AP, according to ESPN Research. “He’s a warrior,” Key described King as. “One of the toughest players I’ve ever coached.”
This win keeps Georgia’s hopes of making the playoffs alive. The Bulldogs are expected to guarantee a position in the 12-team College Football Playoffs with a 10-2 record. If they defeat the winner of the Texas vs. Texas A&M game in the forthcoming SEC Championship Game on December 7, they can solidify their standing.
Georgia’s game got off to a bad start as Georgia Tech led 17-0 at the break. With missed assignments and dropped passes, the Bulldogs looked out of sync. With little over five minutes remaining in regulation, Georgia Tech increased their lead to 27-13, which made matters worse. Georgia had 10-1 odds at that point, making it unlikely that they would win.
But the Bulldogs dramatically changed the course of events. The Bulldogs took advantage of a fumble by King that was made by Georgia’s Dan Jackson and recovered by Chaz Chambliss. With just over a minute left, Beck threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Lovett after scurrying for a crucial 10-yard gain on third-and-nine. The game was tied at 27 thanks to an extra point by Peyton Woodring, which sparked the lengthy overtime that ensued.
Just one overtime short of the FBS record set in a 2021 matchup between Illinois and Penn State, the game was officially over a few minutes after midnight. While it was a difficult defeat but a demonstration of Georgia Tech’s tenacity, it was a night of tenacity and resolve for Georgia.
“I’m proud of our guys for their grit and toughness,” said Smart in summary. We still have an opportunity, therefore we must continue to get better.”
