Georgia Shuts Down Georgia Tech 16–9 as Bulldogs Close Regular Season at 11–1
The Georgia Bulldogs ended their regular season with another gritty victory — this time grinding out a 16–9 win over rival Georgia Tech in a game dominated by defense and missed opportunities on both sides.
The matchup, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marked the first off-campus edition of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate since 1912. It wasn’t pretty, but No. 4 Georgia did enough to secure its eighth straight win over the Yellow Jackets and its eighth season with 11+ wins under coach Kirby Smart.
🔴 Georgia’s Offense Struggles — Defense Answers the Call
Georgia posted just 260 total yards, its lowest output of the season. Gunner Stockton threw for only 36 yards in the first half and finished 10-of-21, while the run game carried most of the weight behind freshman Nate Frazier.
Despite the offensive issues, Georgia’s defense completely smothered the Yellow Jackets, allowing only three field goals and forcing multiple momentum-shifting plays.
The Bulldogs held Tech to 78 yards in the first half and consistently shut down drives inside their own territory.
🟡 How the Game Unfolded
Yellow Jackets Strike First
Georgia Tech took a 3–0 lead on a 30-yard field goal after a Gunner Stockton interception gave them short field position.
Georgia Responds with 13 Straight
The Bulldogs answered with:
- A 22-yard Peyton Woodring field goal
- A 7-yard touchdown from Stockton to Zachariah Branch
- A 30-yard field goal before halftime, making it 13–3
At the half, Georgia led in total yards 181–78.
Second-Half Grind
Woodring added a clutch 50-yard field goal to stretch the lead to 16–6 early in the fourth quarter.
Georgia Tech cut it to 16–9 with 3:30 remaining, but Georgia’s defense held strong, forcing a final stop to seal the win.
🔐 Standout Defensive Moment
Georgia corner Ellis Robinson made his fourth interception of the season, leaping to snag a deep ball from Haynes King early in the third quarter.
His play flipped momentum and prevented a potential Tech scoring drive.
🩺 Injury Notes
- Safety Kyron Jones remained out with lingering foot pain.
- Linebacker CJ Allen returned just 11 days after a meniscus procedure, playing limited snaps in a remarkable comeback.
- Several offensive pieces remain sidelined, including WR Colbie Young and TE Ethan Barbour.
🎯 What’s Next for Georgia?
With the win, Georgia finishes 11–1 and will now wait to learn its postseason fate:
- An SEC Championship berth depends on either Texas A&M losing to Texas or Alabama being upset by Auburn.
- If not, Georgia is still well positioned for a College Football Playoff berth with at least a three-week layoff before their next game.
📉 Georgia Tech Falls Again
Tech drops to 9–3 and has now lost three of its last four after a strong mid-season surge. Their offense never reached the end zone despite solid field position multiple times.
