ATHENS, Ga. — It was one of the most thrilling games anyone had ever seen, and it ended with emotions running high. Players, coaches, and fans from both Georgia and Georgia Tech gathered post-game to process what had just happened. Among them, Mike Cavan, a 76-year-old former Georgia quarterback and coach, declared:
“This is the best win of all time.”
Was it really the best? Cavan, who has SEC titles, a national championship, and decades of football experience, clarified:
“The best win against Tech.”
For Georgia fans, a narrow 44-42 victory after eight overtimes wasn’t what they expected, especially since the Bulldogs were heavily favored by three touchdowns. But the way it played out — from being down 17-0 at halftime to rallying in dramatic fashion — turned skepticism into celebration.
An Unforgettable Comeback
Georgia entered halftime scoreless, trailing 17-0, and the outlook was grim. Even with five minutes left in regulation, they were still down 27-13. But the Bulldogs refused to quit:
• Dominic Lovett caught two clutch touchdowns in the fourth quarter from quarterback Carson Beck, closing the gap.
• A forced fumble by safety Dan Jackson, a veteran from Georgia’s 2021 national championship defense, set up the tying score.
• Beck and Lovett connected again with just over a minute left to send the game to overtime.
From there, the game became a marathon, with eight overtimes that tested the stamina and will of both teams. Finally, Nate Frazier’s two-point conversion run sealed the win.
Performance Grades: Where Georgia Struggled
• Offense: C
The Bulldogs were shut out in the first half and struggled with dropped passes. Lovett’s late heroics and Frazier’s decisive run salvaged the performance.
• Defense: C-
Georgia’s run defense was porous, allowing 260 rushing yards and Tech QB Haynes King to dominate with over 400 total yards (303 passing, 110 rushing) and five touchdowns. However, the defense forced two crucial fumbles in the second half.
• Special Teams: C+
A muffed punt and a missed long field goal attempt were offset by a solid 58-yard punt from Brett Thorson.
• Coaching: C
Georgia looked unprepared in the first half but showed resilience and belief in the second half. Credit also goes to Tech’s coaching staff for a strong game plan.
A Game of Unforgettable Moments
1. Clutch Plays in the Fourth Quarter:
• Beck’s 17-yard touchdown pass to Lovett gave Georgia hope.
• Dan Jackson’s forced fumble swung momentum.
2. Overtime Drama:
• Eight exhausting overtimes ended with Georgia’s defense holding strong and Frazier delivering the final blow.
3. A Nervous Crowd:
Many Georgia fans left the stadium when Tech went up by 14 with under six minutes left. Others returned to watch the drama unfold from the bridge overlooking the field.
What’s Next for Georgia?
Despite their struggles, Georgia’s win keeps them in contention for the College Football Playoff, even if they lose the SEC Championship Game.
Carson Beck called it “the most emotional game” of his career, while linebacker Jalon Walker said he was nervous for his grandmother, who watched her first live game.
The Bulldogs have learned one key lesson: they can fight through anything. As coach Kirby Smart said, “That hit-fumble by Dan Jackson will go down in history.”
The night may have begun with doubts, but it ended with an unforgettable victory.
Georgia had prepared for the overtime format — starting with one drive from the 25-yard line for each team in the first two overtimes, followed by a two-point shootout — during practice sessions, including before their Texas game last month. However, this was their first time experiencing it in a live game.
“We practice the scenarios, but not every day,” said tight end Ben Yurosek. “Some of us were double-checking during the third overtime to confirm it was the two-point shootout.”
First Overtime: Trading Touchdowns
Georgia struck first with Carson Beck connecting with London Humphreys for a touchdown. But Georgia Tech’s quarterback, Haynes King, responded with a scoring pass of his own, keeping the game tied.
Second Overtime: Missed Opportunities
Georgia Tech began with King rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, but their two-point conversion attempt failed. Georgia answered swiftly with Beck finding Cash Jones for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion would have ended the game, but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize.
The Two-Point Shootout Begins
The game moved into the decisive two-point shootout, a format that added pressure and an ironic twist. If Georgia had lost, a third-quarter decision by coach Kirby Smart to go for a two-point conversion rather than a standard extra point might have been a major talking point.
“Yeah, that’s a fair question,” Smart said postgame when asked about the decision. “We rely heavily on analytics, and the chart suggested going for two. Looking back, it’s interesting because a simple extra point later could’ve sealed the win.”
The tension escalated, with each team’s season seemingly hanging on every play.
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