In a rivalry game that will be remembered for generations, the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 44-42 in a thrilling eight-overtime contest at Sanford Stadium on Friday night. The epic clash, which set the record for the longest game in Southeastern Conference history, saw Georgia rally from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to keep their home winning streak alive at 31 games.
The dramatic victory was finally sealed when Georgia freshman running back Nate Frazier powered into the end zone for a two-point conversion in the eighth overtime period, sending the red-and-black clad crowd into a frenzy. The decisive play came moments after Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King’s pass sailed out of the back of the end zone under heavy pressure from Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen.
A Comeback for the Ages
Trailing 27-13 with just over five minutes remaining in regulation, the Bulldogs offense, which had struggled for much of the game, suddenly came to life. Quarterback Carson Beck engineered two touchdown drives in the final 3:39, including a 3-yard strike to receiver Dominic Lovett with 1:01 left to tie the game at 27-27.
The improbable comeback marked only the second time in the past 20 seasons that Georgia had rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit. It also represented the first time the Bulldogs had overcome a 17-point margin since 2006, underscoring the magnitude of their achievement.
Overtime Odyssey
The overtime periods featured a dizzying array of clutch plays, missed opportunities, and heart-stopping moments. Both teams traded touchdowns in the first two extra sessions, with Georgia Tech’s King showcasing his dual-threat abilities and the Bulldogs’ Beck rising to the occasion with pinpoint passes.
In the third and fourth overtimes, neither side could convert their two-point attempts, setting the stage for a tense showdown. Georgia appeared to have the upper hand in the fifth OT when Beck found Dillon Bell for a touchdown and a 42-20 lead, but King responded with a scoring strike to Malik Rutherford to keep the Yellow Jackets alive.
It was like watching a heavyweight fight. Both teams kept delivering blows, but neither would go down. You just knew it was going to come down to one play, one moment of brilliance or heartbreak.
– A close source to the Georgia program
That moment nearly arrived in the sixth overtime when Georgia safety Dan Jackson sacked King, but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize as receiver Arian Smith failed to corral a tipped pass in the end zone. The seventh overtime saw more defensive heroics, with Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. batting down King’s pass to deny a potential game-winning two-point conversion.
Making History
The astounding display of resilience and determination by both teams etched this game into college football lore. The eight overtimes marked the second-most in FBS history, trailing only the nine-OT epic between Illinois and Penn State in 2021.
For Georgia Tech, King’s performance was one for the ages. The signal-caller accounted for 413 total yards and five touchdowns, becoming the first player ever to record 300+ passing yards, 100+ rushing yards, and three rushing TDs against an AP top-10 team.
Georgia’s Beck also shone under the bright lights, tossing five touchdown passes and racking up 297 yards through the air. His poise and leadership in the face of adversity proved crucial to the Bulldogs’ comeback bid.
Rivalry Renewed
The instant classic served as a reminder of the enduring power of college football rivalries. Despite Georgia’s recent dominance in the series – the win marked their seventh straight over Georgia Tech – the Yellow Jackets showed that Rankings and records can be thrown out the window when these two teams meet.
This game embodied everything that makes college football special – the passion, the drama, the unpredictability. It’s a testament to the players on both sides that they kept fighting, kept believing, even when it seemed impossible.
– A former Georgia player who witnessed the game
As the dust settles on this unforgettable night, the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets will begin to process the physical and emotional toll of their epic encounter. But one thing is certain – this game will be talked about for years to come, a shining example of the unbreakable spirit and unbridled passion that defines college football at its finest.