Georgia rallies from 17 down, tops Georgia Tech in 8OT shootout

Georgia rallies from 17 down, tops Georgia Tech in 8OT shootout

Georgia rallies from 17 down, tops Georgia Tech in 8OT shootout
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ATHENS, Ga. — In a historic showdown, Georgia freshman Nate Frazier powered into the end zone for a two-point conversion in the eighth overtime, clinching a dramatic 44-42 victory for the No. 7 Bulldogs over Georgia Tech. The epic clash, held Friday night at Sanford Stadium, marked the longest game in SEC history and will be remembered as one of the most thrilling installments of the "Clean Old-Fashioned Hate" rivalry.


The Yellow Jackets had the ball first in the eighth overtime, but quarterback Haynes King’s pressured pass sailed out of the back of the end zone, thanks to a key rush by Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. Georgia responded swiftly, with Frazier running straight up the middle to secure the victory and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
A Historic Comeback


The Bulldogs' triumph extended their home win streak to 31 games and marked their seventh consecutive victory over Georgia Tech. It also featured one of the most remarkable comebacks in Georgia history. Trailing by 17 points at halftime and by 14 in the fourth quarter, Georgia's offense roared to life, overcoming odds as steep as 10-1 to win.


This was Georgia’s first win after trailing by 17 points or more since 2006 and only the second time in 20 seasons that they rallied from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter.
A Tale of Two Halves


Georgia’s offense, which was shut out in the first half for the first time since 2019, ignited in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs scored 21 points in the final 8:18 of regulation, including two touchdowns in the last 3:39, to erase Georgia Tech's 27-13 lead.


Quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns on 28-for-43 passing, led the charge. On Georgia’s final drive in regulation, Beck scrambled for a clutch 10-yard gain on third-and-9, setting up a 3-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Lovett. Peyton Woodring's extra point tied the game at 27-27 with just over a minute remaining.
Overtime Drama


The teams traded blows in overtime, with neither able to convert two-point attempts in the third and fourth overtimes. In the fifth, Beck found Dillon Bell on a slant for a 42-40 lead, only for King to respond with a touchdown pass to Malik Rutherford, forcing a sixth overtime. Defensive brilliance from Georgia safety Dan Jackson, who sacked King in the sixth OT, kept the Bulldogs alive despite a near-miss pass from Beck to Arian Smith.
King’s Record-Breaking Effort


Haynes King delivered an incredible performance, becoming the first player to record at least 300 passing yards, 100 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns against an AP top-10 team. He completed 26 of 36 passes for 303 yards, adding 110 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. However, a critical fumble with 2:02 left in regulation, caused by Jackson and recovered by Chaz Chambliss, set up Georgia's game-tying score.
A Night to Remember


The marathon battle ended just minutes after midnight, falling one overtime short of the FBS record set by Illinois’ nine-overtime victory over Penn State in 2021. For Georgia, the victory was a testament to resilience and determination, adding another chapter to their storied rivalry with Georgia Tech.