The Georgia Bulldogs narrowly defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a historic 44-42 showdown that stretched into eight overtimes. After the dramatic game, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key shared a heartfelt embrace, showcasing the mutual respect between two leaders with deep ties to their respective programs.
Smart, a former Georgia player, and Key, a former Georgia Tech standout, both have the rivalry ingrained in their histories. Following the game, Smart reflected on the moment, saying, “As competitors, it’s a hard game. Nobody knows what it’s like to sit on that sideline and experience the emotional rollercoaster of thinking you’ve won or lost repeatedly. He was emotionally spent, and so was I.”
The game itself was a nail-biter from start to finish. Georgia Tech dominated early, building a 17-0 lead at halftime and never trailing during regulation. Both teams had multiple opportunities to secure the win during overtime, but it was Georgia running back Nate Frazier’s game-winning two-point conversion that sealed the victory and ignited celebrations among Bulldog fans.
Smart praised Key’s efforts in revitalizing Georgia Tech’s program, saying, “He’s done a tremendous job turning that program around. We understand each other’s challenges better than most, having been in these positions.”
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Georgia Tech showcased resilience and grit, pushing the top-ranked Bulldogs to the limit. When asked about the conversation during their postgame hug, Smart chose to keep it private, emphasizing the respect and shared experiences between the two.
“It’s rare to get a chance to connect like that,” Smart added. “We’ve competed against each other for years, and moments like this remind us of the respect we share despite the rivalry.”
