Georgia Survives Thrilling 8-Overtime Marathon to Beat Georgia Tech 44-42, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

In a game that felt like it would never end, No. 6 Georgia (10-2, No. 7 CFP) narrowly escaped with a 44-42 victory over Georgia Tech (7-5) on Friday night, setting the stage for another potential College Football Playoff berth. The game, which stretched well past midnight and into Saturday morning, became the longest in SEC history, and for good reason. After trailing 17-0 at halftime, the Bulldogs pulled off a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback and then outlasted the Yellow Jackets through an epic eight overtimes.

For Georgia, this win was more than just a thrilling rivalry game; it was a statement that despite all the challenges they've faced this season, they are still very much in the hunt for another national championship. For Georgia Tech, this loss was a gut-wrenching end to a season that has shown promise, and the program appears to be on the verge of bigger things under coach Brent Key.

The Epic Comeback

When Georgia Tech marched into the locker room at halftime with a 17-0 lead, few could have predicted the turn of events that would unfold. The Bulldogs were outplayed in nearly every facet of the first half, struggling to move the ball offensively and giving up 307 yards to Georgia Tech’s explosive offense. Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King was nearly unstoppable, throwing for 303 yards and rushing for 110 yards while scoring five total touchdowns (three rushing and two passing).

But Georgia was far from done. Carson Beck, who had been largely quiet in the first half, found his rhythm in the second half and played an instrumental role in the Bulldogs’ comeback. Despite Georgia Tech taking a 27-13 lead with 5:37 remaining in the game, Beck and the Bulldogs didn’t flinch. Beck led a rapid 75-yard drive, capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass to Dominic Lovett to bring Georgia within one score.

Then, the defense, which had been gashed by King all night, stepped up when it mattered most. King, looking to convert on a third-and-1, fumbled after a massive hit by safety Dan Jackson. Chaz Chambliss recovered the fumble for Georgia at the Yellow Jackets’ 32-yard line, and Beck quickly found Lovett again for a 3-yard touchdown to tie the game with just 1:01 remaining.

The game had gone from a near Georgia Tech blowout to a barnburner, and it was clear this rivalry game had just begun.

Overtime Drama and Heroic Play from Frazier

Once overtime began, the game took on a life of its own. The two teams traded blows in the early extra periods, with both Beck and King each throwing touchdown passes in the first overtime, followed by a sequence of wild moments, including multiple failed 2-point conversions, back-and-forth scoring, and a whole lot of drama.

In the eighth overtime, it was freshman running back Nate Frazier who would write the final chapter. After Georgia’s defense had held firm, Frazier took a handoff from Beck and powered his way up the middle for the game-winning 2-point conversion, ending the longest game in SEC history.

“It was epic,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart after the game. “What a great game.” And, truly, it was. From the fumbles and turnovers to the clutch throws from both quarterbacks and the sudden shifts in momentum, this was a rivalry game for the ages.

Georgia Tech’s Brave Fight

Despite the gut-wrenching loss, Georgia Tech showed it is a team on the rise. Coach Brent Key, who has worked hard to rebuild this program, had his team playing with confidence and energy. Haynes King’s performance was remarkable, and Georgia Tech’s offense was clicking on all cylinders, accumulating 563 yards of total offense, including 260 rushing yards.

While Georgia Tech’s defense struggled to contain Beck, it wasn’t for lack of effort. The Yellow Jackets had their chances to put the game away, with Aidan Birr missing a 25-yard field goal early in the game, and Georgia Tech failing to convert a fourth-and-1 at the Bulldogs’ 25-yard line. Yet despite these setbacks, Georgia Tech continued to battle. The fact that they were able to go toe-to-toe with the defending national champions for nearly five full quarters is a testament to the strides Key has made in just two seasons.

“There’s no moral victories,” said Key after the game, visibly disappointed. “But I’m proud of those guys.” It’s clear that Georgia Tech is on the right path, and a few more pieces could turn this program into a legitimate contender in the coming seasons.

The Takeaways

Georgia: Despite the victory, there’s no question that Georgia has room for improvement. Their defense was gashed by Georgia Tech’s offense, allowing 563 total yards, including 260 on the ground. However, they found a way to win, and that resilience is something that will serve them well as they head into next week’s SEC Championship Game. Carson Beck’s five touchdown passes were crucial, and the late-game heroics—both offensively and defensively—showed a lot of character. Still, Kirby Smart was honest in his assessment: “We’ve got to get well.”

Looking ahead, Georgia still has a chance to secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. If they can find their rhythm on both sides of the ball, they’ll be a dangerous team. As Smart said, their opportunity is in front of them, and it all comes down to their performance next weekend in the SEC Championship against either Texas or Texas A&M.

Georgia Tech: This was a heartbreaking loss for the Yellow Jackets, but it showed that they are closer than many realize to being competitive in this rivalry. With Haynes King playing like one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football, Georgia Tech has the offensive firepower to match anyone. Now, Key’s task is to build on this momentum and take this program to new heights. A bowl game awaits, and Georgia Tech fans should be optimistic about the future under Key’s leadership.

What’s Next?

For Georgia, the next challenge is massive: the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs will face either Texas or Texas A&M, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff. For Georgia Tech, their season is not over. A bowl game awaits, and a potential eight-win season is still on the horizon.

In the end, Georgia’s gritty win keeps them alive in the playoff race, while Georgia Tech, despite the loss, has proven it’s ready to be a force in the years to come.

Final Thoughts: This was a game that had it all—thrills, drama, and unforgettable moments. As Georgia fights for a spot in the College Football Playoff, Georgia Tech should hold its head high, knowing that they gave the Bulldogs everything they could handle. The state of Georgia is alive with football rivalry drama, and this was a night that fans will remember for years to come.

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer