ATHENS, Ga. — In what became an unforgettable showdown, Georgia freshman Nate Frazier ran 3 yards for a two-point conversion in the eighth overtime period, giving the No. 7-ranked Bulldogs a thrilling 44-42 victory over in-state rival Georgia Tech on Friday night. The game, held at Sanford Stadium, became the longest in SEC history, with both teams battling through a series of dramatic moments that had the fans on the edge of their seats.
The Yellow Jackets had the ball first in the eighth overtime, but Georgia’s defense, led by linebacker CJ Allen, came up with a clutch stop. Pressure from Allen forced Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King to throw an incomplete pass from the back of the end zone, turning the ball over to the Bulldogs.
Georgia wasted no time seizing the opportunity. Frazier, who had been a standout throughout the game, took the handoff and stormed up the middle for the game-winning conversion. His run sent the red-and-black crowd into a frenzy, capping one of the most remarkable comebacks in Georgia football history.
The win marked Georgia’s 31st consecutive home victory and their seventh straight over Georgia Tech in the intense rivalry known as Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. The Bulldogs managed to pull off a stunning turnaround after being down by 14 points in the fourth quarter. They scored 21 points in the final 8 minutes and 18 seconds of regulation, setting the stage for an overtime thriller that kept fans guessing until the final whistle.
Bulldogs Overcome Deficits, Clinch Miracle Victory
Georgia’s victory was nothing short of miraculous. After trailing 20-6 in the third quarter and 27-13 late in the fourth, the Bulldogs rallied back, refusing to be denied. Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns on 28-of-43 passing, leading the offense with poise and precision in the game’s most critical moments.
The Bulldogs’ comeback began in earnest when Beck found Dillon Bell on a slant route for a touchdown in the fifth overtime, giving Georgia a 42-20 lead. However, Georgia Tech quickly responded, with King finding Malik Rutherford for a touchdown to tie the game once again and force a sixth overtime period.
In the sixth overtime, Georgia’s defense stepped up when safety Dan Jackson blitzed and sacked King. But the Bulldogs couldn’t convert on their ensuing possession, with Arian Smith failing to catch a pass in the back of the end zone that was tipped by Bell.
Despite the back-and-forth drama, it was Frazier’s game-winning two-point conversion that finally sealed the deal for Georgia, sending the Bulldogs to their 11th consecutive victory and securing their place as one of the top teams in the nation.
A Historic Victory for Georgia Football
“It’s an in-state championship to me,” said Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, who hails from Lamar County High in Barnesville. “I never won a championship in high school. I’ve never been to a state championship, so it’s like a state championship to me being a kid from Georgia.”
The victory was a testament to the Bulldogs’ resilience and determination, as they fought back from what looked like a disaster in the making. Coach Kirby Smart described the game as one of sheer physicality, saying, “This is a strap it on, strike somebody in the mouth, keys, fits kind of game. They know it is, we know it is. No way around it.”
Beck and Frazier Shine in Thrilling Finish
Beck’s performance was one for the history books, as he connected with five different receivers for touchdowns and finished with 297 yards. Frazier’s two-point conversion capped off his standout performance, and he was lauded for his composure under pressure, which was a defining characteristic of the entire Georgia offense in the wild overtime finish.
For Georgia, this victory is more than just a win; it was a statement of character and grit. The Bulldogs showed the heart of a champion, overcoming a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to finish what became the longest game in SEC history.
A Thanksgiving to Remember
Despite the high stakes and intense rivalry, the Bulldogs didn’t let the holiday slip by unnoticed. The team celebrated Thanksgiving together, enjoying a meal before heading into their usual Friday practice routine. The camaraderie off the field was just as important as the thrilling action on it.
With this dramatic win, Georgia solidifies its place as one of the top programs in college football, further adding to their impressive season. The Bulldogs’ seventh consecutive win over Georgia Tech shows that no matter the odds, they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.
Key Takeaways:
The game becomes the longest in SEC history, highlighting the thrilling drama of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.
Nate Frazier scores the game-winning two-point conversion in the eighth overtime to give Georgia a 44-42 victory over Georgia Tech.
Georgia overcame a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points in the final 8 minutes to force overtime.
Carson Beck threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs’ comeback.
The victory marks Georgia’s 31st consecutive home win and their seventh straight victory over Georgia Tech.
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