The No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs secured a gritty 16-9 victory over the No. 23 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This win caps Georgia’s regular season at 11-1 and locks in their spot in the College Football Playoff, while leaving fans wondering if the team will advance to the SEC Championship Game.
Game Highlights and Key Plays
Georgia started strong but faced a tough defensive battle throughout the game. The Bulldogs led 13-3 at halftime, thanks to solid field goal kicking and a key touchdown pass.
In the first half, quarterback Gunner Stockton connected with wide receiver Zachariah Branch for a 7-yard touchdown, the game’s only score in the end zone. Georgia’s defense held firm, limiting Georgia Tech to just field goals despite several drives into Bulldog territory.
The second half saw both teams struggle offensively, with Georgia adding a field goal to extend their lead. Georgia Tech mounted a late push, kicking a field goal with 3:30 left to narrow the gap to 16-9. But Georgia’s clock management and a final defensive stand on a Hail Mary attempt sealed the win.
Key stats from the matchup show Georgia’s efficiency:
- Total yards: Georgia 260, Georgia Tech 250
- Rushing yards: Georgia 190 (led by Nate Frazier’s 108 yards on 16 carries), Georgia Tech 98
- Passing: Stockton 11-of-21 for 70 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
This performance highlights Georgia’s reliance on a strong ground game and defense in a low-scoring affair.
Bulldogs’ Path to Playoffs and SEC Title
With this victory, Georgia punches their ticket to the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Their 11-1 record positions them for a potential first-round bye if they hold onto a top-four seed.
The Bulldogs’ fate in the SEC Championship Game hangs on other results. They need either No. 3 Texas A&M to lose to No. 16 Texas on Friday night or No. 10 Alabama to fall to Auburn on Saturday. If both favorites win, Georgia misses the title game but gains extra rest before the playoffs.
Experts note that skipping the conference championship could benefit Georgia. An extra week allows recovery time for key players, setting them up for a home playoff game or a New Year’s matchup.
Recent trends in college football support this view. Teams like last year’s Michigan Wolverines thrived with similar rest advantages, winning the national title after bypassing their conference final.
Standout Performances on Both Sides
Georgia’s defense stole the show, holding Georgia Tech without a touchdown for the second straight game against a ranked opponent. Linebackers and secondary players disrupted passes and stuffed runs effectively.
Offensively, running back Nate Frazier emerged as a hero with his 108 rushing yards, providing the balance needed against Tech’s stout front. Stockton, while not flashy, managed the game well under pressure.
For Georgia Tech, quarterback Haynes King threw for 152 yards but couldn’t find the end zone. The Yellow Jackets finish 9-3, ending their slim hopes for an ACC title or playoff at-large bid.
Here’s a quick look at top performers:
- Nate Frazier (Georgia): 16 carries, 108 yards
- Haynes King (Georgia Tech): 15-of-25 passing, 152 yards
- Peyton Woodring (Georgia): 3 field goals, including a crucial 22-yarder
This game underscores Georgia Tech’s improvement under coach Brent Key, but they fell short against their in-state rivals for the eighth straight year.
Comparison to Last Year’s Epic Clash
Fans remember the 2024 matchup, where Georgia rallied from a 17-0 deficit to win 44-42 in eight overtimes. That thriller set a record for overtime periods in FBS history.
This year’s contest was far less dramatic but equally hard-fought. Georgia led most of the way and avoided the exhaustion of extra periods. The lower score reflects stronger defenses on both sides, with fewer big plays.
Coaches from both teams praised the rivalry’s intensity. Georgia’s Kirby Smart called it a test of grit, while Tech’s staff highlighted their team’s resilience despite the loss.
Implications for College Football Landscape
Georgia’s win shakes up the playoff picture. If they secure a bye, they could face teams like Ohio State or Oregon in later rounds, based on current projections.
For Georgia Tech, the focus shifts to a bowl game. Possible destinations include the Duke’s Mayo Bowl or the Gasparilla Bowl, depending on tiebreakers.
| Team | Record | Key Win | Playoff Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Bulldogs | 11-1 | vs. Georgia Tech 16-9 | Locked in, potential bye |
| Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets | 9-3 | None in final weeks | Bowl eligible, no playoff |
| Texas A&M Aggies | 10-1 (pending) | Potential vs. Texas | SEC title contender |
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 9-2 (pending) | Potential vs. Auburn | SEC title hopeful |
This table illustrates how Georgia’s result fits into the broader SEC and playoff scenarios.
The victory also boosts Georgia’s recruiting momentum. High school prospects see a program consistently in national contention, which could lead to strong signing classes in December.
Looking Ahead for Georgia
As the regular season ends, Georgia prepares for what’s next. Whether in the SEC title game or straight to the playoffs, the team has momentum from this win.
Fans should watch Saturday’s games closely, as outcomes will dictate Georgia’s path. A title game berth means a shot at another conference crown, adding to their recent dominance.
Share your thoughts on Georgia’s playoff chances in the comments below, and spread the word about this Bulldogs victory to fellow fans.
