In one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable games in college football history, the Georgia Bulldogs staged a dramatic comeback to defeat in-state rival Georgia Tech in an 8-overtime marathon, winning 62-59 after trailing by 17 points earlier in the game. The instant classic not only showcased the resilience of the Bulldogs, but also highlighted the fierce intensity of the rivalry known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.”
The matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets was already set to be a highly anticipated event, as both teams were seeking bragging rights in the state of Georgia. However, no one could have predicted that this game would become one of the most thrilling and prolonged battles in recent memory, ultimately going down in the annals of college football history.
A Tale of Two Halves: Georgia Tech’s Early Dominance
Georgia Tech came into the game as an underdog, facing a highly ranked Georgia team that had its sights set on the College Football Playoff. Despite their underdog status, the Yellow Jackets played inspired football from the opening whistle, surprising Georgia with their high-octane offense and aggressive defensive schemes.
In the first half, Georgia Tech capitalized on key mistakes from Georgia’s offense, including a pair of costly turnovers that set up the Yellow Jackets with excellent field position. Georgia Tech quarterback Jalen Simmons took full advantage, leading his team on three consecutive scoring drives that gave the Yellow Jackets a commanding 24-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
Simmons was electric, throwing for two touchdowns and running for another, while the Georgia defense struggled to contain his dual-threat abilities. The Yellow Jackets’ defense, meanwhile, stifled Georgia’s typically dominant rushing attack, forcing the Bulldogs into long third-down situations and holding them to just one touchdown in the first half.
As the teams headed into halftime, Georgia Tech held a 27-10 lead, and the energy in Bobby Dodd Stadium was electric as Yellow Jacket fans began to believe that an upset was brewing.
The Bulldogs’ Gritty Comeback
Trailing by 17 points and with their playoff hopes seemingly slipping away, the Georgia Bulldogs entered the second half with a renewed sense of urgency. Head coach Kirby Smart rallied his players in the locker room, emphasizing the importance of staying focused, executing their game plan, and trusting the process.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who had struggled in the first half with errant throws and poor decision-making, emerged as a different player in the second half. He began to find his rhythm, completing key passes to wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Dominic Lovett, while running back Daijun Edwards broke off several big runs to jumpstart the Bulldogs’ offense.
On their first drive of the third quarter, Georgia marched 75 yards down the field in just six plays, culminating in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Beck to McConkey to cut the deficit to 27-17. The Bulldogs’ defense, which had been gashed by Georgia Tech’s offense in the first half, also began to tighten up. They forced back-to-back three-and-outs, giving Georgia’s offense more opportunities to get back into the game.
By the start of the fourth quarter, Georgia had clawed their way back to within striking distance, trailing 30-24. With just over five minutes left in regulation, the Bulldogs orchestrated a dramatic, 80-yard drive that featured a mix of power runs and timely completions. On third-and-goal from the 4-yard line, Beck found tight end Brock Bowers in the back of the end zone for the game-tying touchdown, sending the Georgia faithful into a frenzy and tying the game at 31-31.
Overtime Madness Begins
With the game tied and momentum firmly on Georgia’s side, the contest entered overtime, setting the stage for one of the wildest overtime periods in college football history.
The first few overtime periods were a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading field goals and touchdowns to keep the game alive. Neither defense was able to stop the other, as Simmons continued to lead Georgia Tech’s offense with precision, while Beck responded with clutch throws and strong leadership.
In the third overtime, with the new NCAA rules requiring teams to attempt two-point conversions after scoring touchdowns, Georgia Tech appeared to take control once again when Simmons scrambled into the end zone for a two-point conversion, giving the Yellow Jackets a 49-47 lead. However, Georgia immediately responded with a two-point conversion of their own when Beck found McConkey in the corner of the end zone to tie the game at 49-49.
As the game stretched into the fourth, fifth, and sixth overtimes, fatigue began to set in for both teams, but neither side was willing to back down. Each team’s offense continued to execute, converting clutch third downs and making critical plays to keep the game alive. Georgia Tech’s running back tandem of Jamal Hughes and Trevon Baker made several key runs, while Georgia’s defense, led by linebacker Smael Mondon, delivered timely tackles to prevent the Yellow Jackets from pulling away.
The Decisive Moment: Georgia Finally Prevails
As the game entered the eighth overtime, both teams were physically and mentally exhausted. The score stood at 59-59, and it seemed as though the game might never end. However, on Georgia Tech’s possession in the eighth overtime, disaster struck for the Yellow Jackets. On a crucial two-point conversion attempt, Simmons was pressured by Georgia’s defensive front and forced into a hurried throw, which was intercepted by Bulldogs safety Malaki Starks.
With Georgia now in position to win the game, the Bulldogs’ offense wasted no time. On their ensuing possession, Beck handed the ball to Edwards, who powered his way into the end zone for a game-winning two-point conversion, sealing the Bulldogs’ 62-59 victory.
The Georgia sideline erupted in celebration as players and coaches alike rushed onto the field to embrace one another. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech’s players looked on in disbelief, having come so close to pulling off the upset but falling just short in one of the most grueling and emotional games of their careers.
Aftermath: A Game for the Ages
Georgia’s victory over Georgia Tech in this 8-overtime thriller will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest games in the history of college football. The Bulldogs showed incredible resilience and poise, overcoming a 17-point deficit and surviving the longest game in school history to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Carson Beck’s leadership in the second half and overtime periods was pivotal, as he finished the game with 350 passing yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in the final three quarters. His ability to shake off early mistakes and lead his team in the clutch moments was a testament to his growth as a quarterback.
Georgia Tech, while heartbroken by the loss, earned widespread praise for their performance. Jalen Simmons’ dual-threat abilities and his leadership kept the Yellow Jackets in the game, and despite the loss, the team showed they can compete with the best programs in the country. Simmons finished with over 400 total yards and five total touchdowns, further cementing his status as one of the nation’s most exciting young quarterbacks.
For Georgia, the win solidifies their standing as a national title contender, while Georgia Tech can take solace in the fact that they pushed one of the top teams in the country to the brink. Both teams will remember this game for years to come, and it will surely go down as one of the most legendary chapters in the storied Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry.
Conclusion: Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate Reaches New Heights
The 62-59, 8-overtime battle between Georgia and Georgia Tech is a reminder of what makes college football so special: the passion, the unpredictability, and the sheer determination of young athletes willing to leave everything on the field. This game was a fitting addition to the long history of “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” a rivalry that continues to captivate fans and players alike.
For Georgia, the win keeps their national championship aspirations alive, while for Georgia Tech, the game served as a testament to their growth as a program. No matter the outcome, this contest will be remembered as one of the greatest games in the history of the rivalry, if not all of college football.
