Georgia Survives Eight-Overtime Thriller Against Georgia Tech
In one of the most dramatic college football games in history, the Georgia Bulldogs edged out a 44-42 victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an eight-overtime marathon on Friday night in Athens, Georgia. The win, which marks the second-longest game in NCAA history, kept Georgia's College Football Playoff hopes alive but raised questions about the team’s national championship credentials.
A Tale of Two Halves
Georgia Tech dominated the first half, storming to a 17-0 lead. Quarterback Haynes King extended the Yellow Jackets’ advantage to 27-13 late in the fourth quarter with an 11-yard touchdown run. However, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck orchestrated a stunning comeback, throwing two touchdown passes to Dominic Lovett in the final minutes of regulation, tying the game at 27 with just over a minute left.
The turning point came when Georgia's defense forced a critical fumble, recovered by linebacker Chaz Chambliss, setting up Beck's game-tying drive. Georgia Tech had one last chance to win in regulation but failed on a fourth-down attempt, sending the game into overtime.
The Overtime Saga
The teams traded scores in the first overtime, with Beck finding London Humphreys for a 14-yard touchdown and King responding with a 12-yard pass to Eric Singleton Jr. Georgia Tech struck first in the second overtime with King’s one-yard rushing touchdown, but Beck answered with a 25-yard strike to Cash Jones.
As the game entered its third overtime, NCAA rules required teams to alternate two-point attempts. Both teams faltered in the third and fourth overtimes before Georgia converted in the fifth OT with a Beck pass to Dillon Bell. Georgia Tech matched with a two-point pass from King to Malik Rutherford.
The defenses shone in the sixth and seventh overtimes, forcing incomplete passes and stops on quarterback runs. Finally, in the eighth overtime, Georgia’s Nate Frazier sealed the win with a powerful run up the middle, capping the exhausting contest.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Despite the dramatic victory, Georgia fans and critics were divided in their reactions. The Bulldogs, heavily favored to win by 19.5 points, struggled against an unranked rival, raising doubts about their ability to contend for the national title. Social media was abuzz with fans calling the team “overrated,” citing the Bulldogs’ slow start and inability to dominate a weaker opponent.
Georgia’s Resilience
While questions remain, Georgia's resilience cannot be understated. Coming back from a three-score deficit and enduring eight overtimes showcased the team's determination. Head coach Kirby Smart praised his players for their grit, noting that "games like this test every ounce of fight you have."
Looking Ahead
The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the SEC Championship and their push for the College Football Playoff. While their performance against Georgia Tech was far from flawless, the win keeps their championship dreams alive.
This unforgettable edition of "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" will go down in history as a testament to the unpredictable drama of college football. Fans, however, will be watching closely to see if Georgia can rise to the occasion in the postseason.
