Four hours and 18 minutes, 86 points and 8 overtimes…

   In a thrilling showdown that will be remembered for years to come, Georgia Tech faced off against the #7 Georgia Bulldogs in a historic football game that stretched into eight overtimes.

   The atmosphere at Sanford Stadium was electric, with fans from both sides filled with anticipation for the latest chapter in this fierce rivalry known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.”

  As the game unfolded, Georgia Tech jumped to an impressive start, leading 17-0 at halftime. Coach Brent Key’s team showcased resilience and determination, with quarterback Haynes King, described by both head coaches as a ‘warrior,’ delivering a standout performance by throwing for 303 yards and rushing for another 110. The Yellow Jackets seemed poised to secure their first victory over Georgia since 2016, jumping out to a 17-0 lead and shutting out out the Bulldogs in the first half for the first time since 2018.but the Bulldogs had other plans.

  When Tech went up 27-13 with just five minutes left in the game, frustrated UGA fans were seen leaving the stadium in large numbers.

   Most would regret that decision as Georgia clawed back from a 14-point deficit late in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in the final minutes to tie the game at 27 with just over a minute left. 

   Those that stayed got their money’s worth and then some. The tension in Sanford Stadium was palpable as both teams entered overtime, where the stakes were raised even higher.

  Key reflected on the intensity of the match during his post-game remarks: “It’s tough. I love that team in there. They fought their asses off. I’m proud of those guys.” His words resonated with the players, who had given their all on the field.

   As the game progressed through overtime periods, each team struggled to secure a decisive advantage. The Yellow Jackets and Bulldogs traded touchdowns and two-point conversions, showcasing incredible grit and determination. They moved back and forth from one end of the field to the other.

  Despite their best efforts, Georgia Tech ultimately fell short in the eighth overtime, losing 44-42 when Georgia’s Nate Frazier scored the winning two-point conversion.

  I the losing effort, Tech had rushed for 264 yards, almost half of that by King who passed for 303.

  Key admitted the emotional toll of such a loss: “What I know about these kids… this emotion will turn into fuel, and we’ll use that fuel…Losing stinks… I told them there are no moral victories.”

  Yet he remained optimistic about the future of his program: “Georgia Tech is special; these kids are special.”

  The game not only highlighted the fierce rivalry between these two teams but also underscored Key’s commitment to building a resilient program at Tech. His leadership and belief in his players shone through even in defeat, setting a foundation for future successes. As fans left the stadium that night, they knew they had witnessed something extraordinary—a classic battle that would be talked about for generations to come.

   Now the Yellow Jackets sit back and wait to see what bowl game they will be playing in while UGA moves on to the SEC Championship Game.