Jackets Fall to Georgia in Defensive Battle, 16-9
ATLANTA – In a tightly contested ”Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry game, the No.23/19 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were defeated by No. 4 Georgia,16-9,on Friday at a sold-out Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
A record crowd of 73,728 - the largest in the 70-game history of the series played in Atlanta – witnessed a defensive struggle, a departure from the high-scoring affairs of the past two seasons (800 total yards in 2023, 968 in 2024). Friday’s 119th meeting saw a combined 510 total yards, with Georgia Tech gaining 250 and Georgia 260.
Georgia built a 13-3 halftime lead with a 181-78 yardage advantage in the first half. However, Georgia Tech responded after the break, outgaining the Bulldogs 172-79 in the second half. Despite the momentum shift, crucial calls went against the Yellow Jackets, including a debated fourth-down conversion by Georgia inside the Tech 35-yard line and a personal foul penalty that halted a promising drive into georgia territory.
The Yellow Jackets had one final opportunity to tie the game on the last play, moving the ball to Georgia’s 44-yard line in two plays to set up a Hail Mary. The pass was batted down, sealing the victory for Georgia.
Georgia Tech’s defence delivered a strong performance,limiting Georgia to 16 points and 260 yards – well below their season averages of 33.7 points and 430.3 yards per game. Bulldog quarterback Gunner Stockton was held to 11-of-21 passing for 70 yards and an interception.
yellow jacket quarterback Haynes King completed 19-of-27 passes for 181 yards, but georgia’s defense effectively contained Tech’s rushing attack, holding them to a season-low 69 yards on the ground.
Linebacker E.J. Lightsey (12 tackles),defensive back Omar Daniels (10 tackles),linebacker Cayman Spaulding (6 tackles),and true freshman defensive back Fenix Felton (6 tackles) all recorded career-high tackle numbers. Felton made his defensive debut after senior defensive back Clayton Powell-Lee was injured in the first quarter.
Placekicker Aidan Birr, a Groza Award finalist, scored all nine of Georgia Tech’s points with field goals of 30, 44, and 41 yards. His three triumphant kicks brought his season total to 25,a new single-season school record.
Georgia tech will now await the results of Saturday’s games to determine if they can still secure a spot in the ACC Championship Game. If that opportunity doesn’t materialize,the Yellow Jackets will learn their bowl destination on Sunday,December 7.
