Georgia vs. Georgia Tech Highlights: Bulldogs Defense Secures 16–9 Win in “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” Rivalry

The rivalry known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” delivered another tense finish on Friday as No. 4 Georgia held off No. 19 Georgia Tech for a 16–9 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Bulldogs leaned heavily on their defense and a gritty ground performance from Nate Frazier, who rushed for 108 yards.

With the win, Georgia closes the regular season at 11–1, extending its winning streak in the rivalry to eight straight games. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, falls to 9–3 and faces a complicated path to the ACC Championship.

A Rivalry Dating Back to 1893 — and Another Tight Finish

“Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in college football, and the 2025 matchup lived up to that tradition. For the third straight year, the game was decided by a single possession.

Despite limited offensive production on both sides, Georgia leaned on timely stops, disciplined tackling, and effective red-zone defense to maintain control. It wasn’t flashy — but it was enough.

Final Score: Georgia 16, Georgia Tech 9

Both offenses struggled, combining for just 510 total yards. Georgia averaged 3.9 yards per play, while Tech was slightly more efficient at 5.0 yards per snap. But the Bulldogs’ defense made the difference — particularly in the red zone and during Tech’s final desperation drive.

How Georgia Sealed the Win

Georgia Tech’s Last-Second Hail Mary Falls Short

With one second left, Tech quarterback Haynes King launched a Hail Mary from the Georgia 44. The Bulldogs swatted it away, officially locking up the rivalry victory.

Crucial Stops in the Final Minutes

Tech had the ball twice in the final six minutes:

• Down 16–9 after a 41-yard Aidan Birr field goal
• Two timeouts remaining
• One last chance to tie the game

But Georgia’s defense once again rose to the moment, forcing stalled drives and protecting the one-possession lead.

Key Moments From the Second Half

Georgia Extends Lead to 16–6

The Bulldogs opened the fourth quarter with a methodical 11-play, 42-yard drive capped by a 50-yard field goal from Peyton Woodring. It pushed the lead to 10, giving Georgia breathing room.

Tech Responds but Can’t Finish

Tech used good field position to set up another Birr field goal with 3:30 to play, cutting the lead to 16-9. However, Georgia’s defense limited explosive plays the rest of the way.

Third-Quarter Momentum Swings

Georgia Tech Cuts the Lead to 13–6

A short field allowed Tech to convert a 44-yard field goal midway through the third quarter.

Interception Halts Tech’s Push

Moments later, Haynes King was intercepted by Georgia DB Ellis Robinson IV, who climbed the ladder to secure a key turnover at the Bulldogs’ 4-yard line.

Georgia Struggles Offensively

Quarterback Gunner Stockton was held to just 70 passing yards, a season low.

First Half: Bulldogs Take Control

Georgia Opens the Scoring After Early Mistakes

After a Stockton interception early, Tech struck first with a 30-yard Aidan Birr field goal.

Georgia answered with a long 13-play, 71-yard drive, finishing with a Woodring field goal to tie the game.

Stockton Finds Branch for TD

The turning point of the half came with:

• A short field after a poor Georgia Tech punt
• A 55-yard drive
• A 7-yard touchdown pass to Zachariah Branch

Branch made an impressive cut in the open field to score, giving Georgia its first lead of the day at 10–3.

Georgia would add another field goal before halftime to extend the lead to 13–3.

Uniforms, Celebrities & Atmosphere

Calvin Johnson in Attendance

Georgia Tech legend Calvin Johnson was spotted on the sidelines, drawing cheers from both fan bases.

Uniforms

• Georgia Tech: white jerseys, gold pants, white helmets
• Georgia: traditional red jerseys, gray pants, red helmets

Despite Tech being the “home team,” Georgia wore its home colors due to the neutral-site arrangement.

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia: TV Info & Broadcast Crew

• Network: ABC
• Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
• Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, Katie George

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia Odds Recap

• Spread: Georgia –13.5
• O/U: 59.5
• Prediction (pre-game): Georgia 34, Georgia Tech 20

Georgia didn’t cover the spread, and offense was far below projections — but the Bulldogs still secured their eighth straight rivalry win.

What This Means Moving Forward

Georgia Bulldogs

• Finish 11–1
• Likely locked into the College Football Playoff
• Could secure a first-round bye
• Await SEC Championship implications

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

• Finish 9–3

• Need multiple upsets to reach the ACC title game:

  • California over No. 25 SMU

  • Virginia Tech upset of No. 17 Virginia

• Still positioned for a strong bowl appearance