Georgia Rallies to Beat Georgia Tech in 8-Overtime Thriller: SEC’s Longest Game

In what would certainly go down as one of SEC’s most memorable matches, Georgia was able to convert a 17- point deficit into a 44-42 victory against Georgia Tech in the history making 8-overtime game at Sanford Stadium. The win, courtesy a majestic 2-point conversion by freshman Nate Frazier, sealed for the Bulldogs their 31st home-ground win in a row and seventh in a history-book ‘Clean Old-Fashioned Hate’ rivalry.

Game Highlights: A Rollercoaster Night

It started with Georgia Tech’s blitz in the first half- an eventual change of score at halftime- outgunning Bulldog faithful by 17-0. No. 7 GEORGIA would find it hard scoring in the first half as it marks its first time of not scoring in the first two quarters since 2019. But what happened in the second half and overtime made memory in SEC football history.

Fourth Quarter Surge

With only under 4 minutes in the last quarter remaining, 14 down, Georgia stood at a dismally unfavorable 10-1 in winning chances. But the Bulldogs fought on with quarterback Carson Beck.

• Key Moment: In regulation with 3:39 remaining, Georgia managed to snatch two touchdowns, the second off Beck to Dominic Lovett on a 3-yard pass just a couple of seconds before the last minute. A PAT from kicker Peyton Woodring tied it all up – 27-27 going into overtime.

Overtime Drama: A Battle of Endurance

Ominous, the atmosphere in the stadium turned as the game went into extra time. Two teams were in an all-out war for eight grueling overtimes:

1. First Overtime: Both teams scored touchdowns and extra points, thus tied at 34-34.
2. Second Overtime: The two teams scored touchdowns, failing the conversions following each touchdown attempt, keeping the score at 40-40.
3. Third to Seventh Overtimes: Under the new rule that mandated only 2-point conversion attempts, both teams suffered from the rigors of conversion failures. Fatigue was palpable among the players, who would burn through end zones, but not consecutively.
4. Eighth Overtime: Georgia Tech’s first chance fell short, as pressure forced a pass from quarterback Haynes King’s arm to sail out of bounds. On its attempt, Nate Frazier took a handoff, powered through the middle, and won the game-converting run, igniting the Sanford Stadium crowd.

Key Performances

• Carson Beck (Georgia): The quarterback of Bulldogs had one of the greatest days of his career, completing 28 of 43 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns, including two clutch scores in the fourth quarter.
• Haynes King (Georgia Tech): King had a classic dual-threat game, throwing for 303 yards and two touchdowns while running for an additional 110 yards and three scores. In fact, he set history by becoming the first player to amass over 300 yards passing, over 100 yards rushing, and 3 rushing touchdowns against an AP top-10 team.

Coach Reactions

Kirby Smart (Georgia):
“Proud of the fight and grit our guys showed forth tonight. It was not perfect at all, but these guys never gave in. Nate [Frazier] hitting that hole the way he did-it was electric.”

Brent Key (Georgia Tech):
“Losing stings, but I couldn’t be more proud of our guys. They went tooth and nail against one of the best teams in the nation tonight.“

Historical Context

This comeback from the Bulldogs was marked by several important milestones:

It was Georgia’s first comeback from being down by a 17-point margin since 2006.

Only the second time in 20 seasons they overcame a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit.

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The eight-overtime marathon will go down as the longest game in SEC history and just short of the all-time FBS record (Illinois vs. Penn State, 9 OTs in 2021).

Playoff Implications

Win this game, Georgia would have moved to life a 10-2 record and solidified further evidence towards the College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. Victory in the SEC Championship Game against the winner of Texas and Texas A&M will almost certainly give the Bulldogs a place among the top four and a first-round bye in the newly expanded 12-team CFP format.

Game Stats at a Glance

10 Most Sought-after Questions

1. What was so historic about this game?
   This match entered the record books after going through 8 overtimes, making it the longest in SEC history. It was also Georgia’s greatest comeback from as far back as 2006.
2. How did Georgia clinch the victory?
   Nate Frazier, a freshman, rumbled for 3 yards into the end zone for a successful 2-point conversion that saw Georgia win it all in the eighth overtime.
3. What significance do Haynes King’s stats have?
   An incredible record of 303 yards passing, 110 yards rushing, and 3 rushing touchdowns against a top-ten AP team for the first time.
4. Where next for Georgia?
   The ‘Dawgs will show up for the SEC Championship Game on December 7 in hopes of claiming a spot in the CFP.
5. What were the overtime rules?
   Pack it up for a touchdown in the previous two overtimes, and from the third overtime onward, every team would have one shot to make a 2-point conversion attempt.