The fourth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs managed to fend off a determined effort from the No. 23 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, winning 16-9. Despite struggling to find rhythm on offense, the Bulldogs showcased resilience in all aspects of the game, marking a historic eighth consecutive win over their rivals, a streak unprecedented since their rivalry began in 1893.
Although the game was officially a home game for Georgia Tech, the crowd heavily favored Georgia, with approximately 60% of fans supporting the Bulldogs. The tension peaked as Georgia”s defense halted a last-ditch Hail Mary attempt from Georgia Tech on the final play of the game.
The Bulldogs (11-1) faced an early deficit, trailing 3-0 after the first quarter. However, they rebounded with 13 unanswered points in the second quarter, taking the lead for good. Wide receiver Zachariah Branch scored the game”s sole touchdown on a 7-yard reception. Kicker Peyton Woodring was perfect on the night, converting all three of his field goal attempts.
Georgia”s rushing attack was pivotal, accounting for 190 of their 260 total offensive yards. Quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 11 of 21 passes for 70 yards, tossing one touchdown and throwing an interception. Running back Nate Frazier led the ground game with 108 yards on 16 carries.
Defensively, the Bulldogs limited Georgia Tech to 250 total yards, including just 69 yards on the ground from 23 attempts. The Yellow Jackets opened the game with the ball, but quarterback Haynes King faced significant pressure, resulting in a sack by defensive lineman Christen Miller. Despite this, Georgia Tech”s defense responded with a key interception from linebacker Tah”j Butler, setting up a 30-yard field goal by Aidan Birr to take a 3-0 lead.
Georgia”s first scoring drive came after a lengthy possession that ended with a Woodring field goal, leveling the score at 3-3. Following a defensive stand and a poor punt by Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs capitalized on favorable field position, ultimately scoring a touchdown to lead 10-3 before halftime.
In the second half, Georgia”s defense continued to shine, forcing Georgia Tech into a three-and-out. However, the Yellow Jackets responded with a 44-yard field goal to narrow the gap to 13-6. The Bulldogs managed to convert a crucial fourth down later in the game, leading to another field goal from Woodring, extending their lead to 16-6.
As the game wound down, the Yellow Jackets fought to make a comeback, reaching the Bulldogs” 25-yard line before Birr added another field goal, making it 16-9. With just seconds left, Georgia Tech attempted a Hail Mary from the Bulldogs” 44-yard line, but Georgia”s defense sealed the victory by knocking the pass away, securing their eighth straight win in this storied rivalry.
