The Georgia Bulldogs survived a heart-stopping 44-41 overtime victory over the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday night in Knoxville, but as much as the Dawgs fought, there’s no denying they owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Vols for the chance to walk away winners.
Georgia entered Neyland Stadium with its unbeaten streak on the line, but for long stretches, it was Tennessee that looked like the better team. The Volunteers were physical, explosive, and for much of the night, appeared poised to finally end their losing streak to Georgia. Yet in the end, the Bulldogs found a way to snatch victory — thanks in no small part to mistakes made by Tennessee at the most critical moments.
The defining play came late in regulation when Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert lined up for a 43-yard field goal with the chance to deliver the Vols’ first win over Georgia in nine tries. Instead, his attempt sailed wide right, shocking the crowd and giving Georgia a second life. That miss proved decisive. In overtime, the Bulldogs capitalized with a bruising ground attack and quarterback Gunner Stockton’s steady leadership to finish off the Volunteers.
Georgia fans, coaches, and players all breathed a sigh of relief. Without Gilbert’s miss, the Bulldogs’ season could have taken a devastating turn. Instead, Georgia remains in firm control of its SEC destiny and keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
But Tennessee’s gift to Georgia extended beyond just the missed field goal. A costly false start penalty pushed the Vols back just before Gilbert’s kick, making the attempt that much tougher. Tennessee’s inability to close out drives, combined with Georgia’s relentless refusal to quit, created a perfect storm that ultimately allowed the Bulldogs to survive.
Head coach Kirby Smart admitted afterward that while he was proud of his team’s resilience, they must improve — especially in the secondary, where the Bulldogs were repeatedly exposed by Tennessee’s passing game. Still, he emphasized that surviving a battle like this could prepare Georgia for the challenges ahead, particularly their looming showdown with Alabama.
In the end, Saturday’s game wasn’t Georgia’s cleanest performance, but championship contenders often find ways to win when the margin for error is razor-thin. And on this night, Georgia had Tennessee to thank for opening the door.
“Sweet Mercy in Rocky Top — Thank You, Tennessee, the Dawgs Still Dream Big!”
