Georgia Outlasts Georgia Tech in Eight-Overtime Thriller
In a game that felt destined for the history books, the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs mounted a thrilling comeback against fierce rivals Georgia Tech, ultimately emerging victorious with a final score of 44-42 after eight grueling overtimes.
The Bulldogs, down 27-13 with under six minutes to play, clawed their way back to tie the game in regulation thanks to two touchdowns by quarterback Carson Beck, establishing a dramatic back-and-forth battle that neither team could settle in regulation.
The unprecedented showdown, stretched across eight overtimes, marked the second-highest number of extra frames in FBS history, trailing only the nine-overtime spectacle between Illinois and Penn State in 2021.
“No, I have not — anything like this," a stunned Georgia head coach Kirby Smart remarked when asked about the intensity and length of the game.
Georgia Tech, led by quarterback Haynes King’s impressive rushing and passing performance, had seemingly sealed the deal with two rushing touchdowns earlier in the game.
But the Bulldogs, spurred by Beck’s 28-of-43 passing performance for 297 yards and five touchdowns, refused to go quietly. Combining with a crucial fumble recovery by safety Dan Jackson with two minutes remaining, Beck connected with Dominic Lovett for the game-tying touchdown with only one minute left, ultimately forcing overtime.
The overtimes were a test of endurance and nerves for both teams. Under the new NCAA rules, teams must attempt two-point conversions after the third overtime.
Both teams traded touchdowns and successful two-point conversions in the initial two overtime periods, but the scoring dried up for a tense four consecutive overtimes.
Finally, in the eighth overtime, Georgia Tech’s pass attempt fell incomplete, leaving the door open for Georgia’s Nate Frazier to deliver the winning two-point conversion.
The victory pushes Georgia’s record to 9-2, solidifying their position within the top 10 of the College Football Playoff rankings.
The question now becomes, does this astounding win secure Georgia’s playoff berth even if they stumble in the SEC Championship game?
Georgia will face the victor of the Texas-Texas A&M matchup in the SEC title game on December 7th in Atlanta. The winner of that clash famously earns a top four seed in the first-ever College Football Playoff.
Could Georgia still be in contention for a playoff spot even if they fall short in the SEC Championship?
This uncharted territory makes it a difficult question to answer definitively. However, with remarkable resilience displayed in this eight-overtime thriller,
Georgia undoubtedly has established strong credentials for a playoff spot, regardless of the outcome of their upcoming duel for the SEC title.
## Eight Overtimes Can’t Define This Classic: An Interview with College Football Analyst, Mark jenkins
**World Today News:** Mark, we’ve just witnessed one of the wildest games in college football history. Eight overtimes, countless momentum swings, and a gutsy comeback by the Georgia Bulldogs. What was your take on this instant classic?
**Mark Jenkins:** This wasn’t just a game, it was a microcosm of the rivalry between Georgia and Georgia Tech. It had everything: tension,high stakes,incredible individual performances,and enough drama to fuel a whole season. We saw both teams dig deep, refuse to quit, and push each other to the brink.
**WTN:** We’ve seen some wild games before, but eight overtimes is unprecedented. did this game cross a line, or does it add to college football’s unique appeal?
**MJ:** It’s a good question. On the one hand, eight overtimes is incredibly taxing on both players and fans. Games lasting this long can blur the lines of what’s truly competitive and potentially put player safety at risk.
But on the other hand, games like this remind us why we love college football. The raw emotion, the underdog spirit, the unpredictable twists and turns - they all contribute to the magic of the sport. This game will be talked about for years to come.
**WTN:** Georgia found themselves down late in regulation. what was the key to their comeback, and how remarkable was Carson Beck’s performance?
**MJ:** Beck showed remarkable poise and leadership under pressure. He never seemed rattled, even when facing a important deficit. His touchdown passes to dominic Lovett were clutch, and his ability to extend plays with his legs was crucial in keeping drives alive.
While Beck deserves immense credit, we can’t forget the defensive effort. That fumble recovery by Dan jackson late in the fourth quarter was monumental.
**WTN:** Georgia Tech fought valiantly throughout the game. What were your takeaways from their performance?
**MJ:** Haynes King was remarkable for Georgia tech. He was dynamic in the run game and made some big throws. They showed they can compete with the best teams in the country. This game should be a confidence boost for the Yellow Jackets moving forward.
**WTN:** Looking ahead, how might this marathon game impact both teams in their remaining seasons?
**MJ:** Psychologically, this game will be a significant event for both teams. Georgia, having survived such a grueling battle, will likely gain a sense of resilience and belief.
For Georgia tech, despite the heartbreaking loss, this performance will serve as a reminder that they can compete at the highest level. It’ll be engaging to see how both teams bounce back.
**WTN:** Thank you for your insightful analysis, Mark. This game will undoubtedly be one for the ages.
**MJ:** It was my pleasure. This is what makes college football so special. You never know what you’re going to get.
