The epic battle between Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs and Brent Key’s Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on November 29 was nothing short of legendary, etching itself into the annals of college football history. The game, lasting a staggering eight overtimes, is now the second-longest in NCAA history, surpassed only by the Illinois-Penn State showdown in 2021, which extended into nine overtimes.
Key Highlights:
- Unpredictable Drama: Georgia, riding a six-year winning streak against their in-state rivals, walked onto the gridiron confident but found themselves in an unrelenting fight. It was their first Black Friday meeting with Georgia Tech since 1994, and the stakes were higher than ever.
- Momentum Shifts:
- The Bulldogs struck first in overtime with a 14-yard touchdown pass by their star QB Carson Beck.
- Georgia Tech responded fiercely, forcing the game into a second overtime with a 12-yard touchdown pass.
- Endurance Battle:
- Over the next several overtimes, the teams traded blows, with Georgia Tech’s defensive resilience and Georgia’s offensive prowess keeping the game neck and neck.
- The defining moment came in the eighth overtime when Georgia’s star running back Nate Frazier scored the game-winning touchdown, securing a 44-42 victory.
Context in NCAA History:
This game now holds the second spot among the longest college football games, joining the ranks of classics such as:
- Illinois vs. Penn State (2021): A 9-overtime slugfest ending 20-18.
- Eastern Kentucky vs. Bowling Green (2022): A 7-overtime thriller.
A Black Friday to Remember:
This clash wasn’t just about a game—it was a spectacle. The unrelenting determination of both teams and the high-stakes overtime marathon ensured fans were glued to their seats, savoring every moment of the intense rivalry. It also reinforced the unpredictability and excitement that college football fans cherish, turning a regular season game into an unforgettable experience.
For Georgia fans, the victory was the ultimate Black Friday gift, further cementing the Bulldogs’ dominance and resilience under Kirby Smart.