Athens, Ga. — In a game that will be etched in college football lore, Nate Frazier’s decisive 3-yard run secured a 44-42 victory for No. 6 Georgia over Georgia Tech in the eighth overtime. The marathon contest, which began Friday night and stretched into the early hours of Saturday, marked the Bulldogs’ stunning comeback and a potential path to the College Football Playoff.
Frazier’s game-winning score, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, capped an improbable rally after Georgia trailed 17-0 at halftime. The victory kept Georgia’s playoff hopes alive, regardless of the outcome in next week’s SEC Championship game against No. 3 Texas or No. 20 Texas A&M.
“The overtime was epic,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said. “What a great game.”
Bulldogs Show Resilience in Dramatic Comeback
The Bulldogs (10-2, No. 7 CFP) were outplayed for much of the night by a determined Georgia Tech team (7-5). Haynes King, the Yellow Jackets’ dual-threat quarterback, accounted for five touchdowns — three on the ground and two through the air — while amassing 413 total yards. His effort nearly propelled Georgia Tech to a monumental upset.
But Georgia clawed back, led by quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns, two of them in overtime. It was the first time Georgia led in the game, as they forced overtime with a furious fourth-quarter rally.
“Our opportunity is in front of us,” Smart said. “That’s for someone else to decide.”
Fourth Quarter Sparks Bulldog Revival
Trailing 27-13 with just over five minutes left, Georgia refused to fold. Beck connected with Dominic Lovett on a 17-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to seven. Moments later, the Bulldogs’ defense delivered a crucial turnover. King, who had been elusive all game, fumbled after a hard hit by Dan Jackson. Chaz Chambliss recovered the ball, setting up Beck’s game-tying 3-yard touchdown pass to Lovett with just over a minute left.
The game headed to overtime tied at 27, setting the stage for a battle of wills.
A Marathon in Overtime
The teams traded touchdowns in the first two overtimes before the game shifted to 2-point conversion attempts per NCAA rules. Both offenses showed resilience, converting in the fifth overtime. However, it was Frazier’s burst up the middle in the eighth extra period that finally ended the contest and ignited a celebration in Sanford Stadium.
The game, the longest in SEC history and one overtime shy of the NCAA record, left both teams battered but showcased their grit and determination.
“We’re a beat-up football team,” Smart admitted. “We’ve got to get well.”
Georgia Tech’s Strong Start
Georgia Tech stunned the home crowd early, outgaining Georgia 307-137 in the first half. King was electric, scoring on a 2-yard run and throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jamal Haynes. The Yellow Jackets could have extended their lead further but missed a field goal and failed to convert a fourth-down attempt deep in Georgia territory.
Despite those missed opportunities, Georgia Tech built its largest lead over Georgia since 2013, only to see history repeat itself as the Bulldogs mounted another dramatic comeback.
Takeaways
- Georgia Tech: Head coach Brent Key’s rebuilding efforts are paying off. While this loss will sting, the Yellow Jackets have proven they can compete with top-tier programs. “There are no moral victories,”Key said, holding back tears. “But I’m proud of those guys.”
- Georgia: The Bulldogs are not the juggernaut they were during their back-to-back national championship runs in 2021 and 2022. Surrendering 563 yards to Georgia Tech, including 260 on the ground, exposed vulnerabilities. Still, the team’s resilience keeps them in the hunt for a third title in four years.
What’s Next?
- Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets await a bowl game invitation and aim for their first eight-win season since 2016.
- Georgia: The Bulldogs head to the SEC Championship Game, marking their fourth consecutive appearance and seventh under Smart. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of Saturday’s clash between Texas and Texas A&M.
