Georgia Tech falls to Georgia in the Final Seconds, 13-7

The 2015 edition of College Football’s “Rivalry Week” commenced this morning as Georgia Tech hosted Georgia in the in-state battle aptly titled “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” You couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting for a rivalry game in the fall. Two days after Thanksgiving and it was a mostly clear day and an epic 70 degrees. The weather was perfect for the most anticipated match every year between these two teams in front of a sell-out crowd of 55,000.  

Georgia made their presence known immediately scoring on their first drive to open the match. Sony Michel scored on a 34-yd rushing touchdown and brought the Bulldogs up 7-0 (after successful PAT).

Just as Justin Thomas was rallying the troops to respond the momentum shifted as his pass was intercepted by Georgia’s Safety Dominick Sanders.

The Bulldogs, led by Greyson Lambert, had a sensational 1st half by the numbers. With a QBR of 144.3, Lambert threw 7 of 9 for 88-yds and RB Sony Michel notched 60-yds on 8 carries. The receiving core was being led by Terry Godwin with 5 receptions and 50-yds.

The Yellow Jackets on the other hand didn’t notch their first reception until the 2nd Half. Ricky Jeune made a great catch but as he fought for the first down he lost the football. Georgia would recover as Tech notched their 2nd turnover of the game.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Tech’s P.J. Davis was ejected in the 3rd Quarter on a “unsportsmanlike conduct” call. With the game being so tight, the last thing they needed was one of their defensive anchors getting ejected.

Georgia continued to pound the ball on the ground using Sony Michel and Keith Marshall to lead their offense. They combined for over 150-yds on the ground and one touchdown.

Georgia Tech K Harrison Butker may have missed his earlier Field Goal Attempt, but he made the PAT after Ricky Jeune redeemed himself with a 15-yd TD reception. With the game at 13-7, Georgia Tech had around 3:00 remaining to pull off a six point miracle in what has been a defensive matchup for the ages.

With under 1:00 left in the game, Georgia’s Keith Marshall fell short of the 1st Down marker bringing up a nervy 4th and 4 for the Bulldogs. Tech’s Jamal Golden would take the Punt Return back to their own 15-yd line.

With just seconds left in the game, Thomas’ final two passes were a dropped interception, and finally, an interception to end the game. The Yellow Jackets made it interesting but had too many missed opportunities in a game against a formidable SEC, in-state rival. The final score was Georgia 13, Georgia Tech 7.

-Jon J.