Georgia football coach Kirby Smart revealed what he told his team during halftime of Friday’s game against Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs pulled off a dramatic 44-42 victory in eight overtimes, overcoming a 17-0 deficit at the break.
Smart explained, “We understood that possessions would be limited since they planned to control the clock with their running game, so getting defensive stops was crucial. The key was making every possession count.”
In addition to making every possession matter in the second half, Georgia made a critical forced fumble late in the fourth quarter that significantly changed the outcome of the game. The Bulldogs maintained their hopes of qualifying for the College Football Playoffs in what is perhaps the best college football game of the year thus far.
The Bulldogs scored just enough points in overtime, going 2-for-6 on their two-point tries. Georgia Tech was 1 for 6 in the game.
According to ESPN, Smart stated, “We might still be out there if they played it out like they used to.”
Even though Georgia football is currently 10-2 for the season, they still have work to do before the final CFP rankings are announced.
Until late in the game against Georgia Tech, Georgia football appeared to be in a dead end.
Against the Yellow Jackets, who have caused a stir in the ACC this season, Georgia pulled off an incredible comeback. Georgia needed assistance and got it when it mattered most, as the turnover gave them an additional possession in the game. Later, in the eighth overtime period, Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier made the play that won the game.
“People were becoming exhausted,” Smart continued. People were growing weary. We were not opening. That child has the ability to hit the hole with great force. It hit up in there, so I suppose we blocked it correctly.
The Bulldogs have a 10-2 record at the end of the regular season, having lost to Ole Miss and Alabama this year. Despite the setbacks, Georgia still has a chance to win the SEC title. On December 7, the Bulldogs will compete for a league championship.
Smart continued, “I’m just proud of our guys and proud of their fight, grit, and toughness.” That’s my main priority. Simply put, don’t ride the emotional wave and keep improving. Because we would be fighting for our lives to make it to the playoffs the following week if one of those plays tonight went the other way, right? Our chance is here, therefore we must take advantage of it and play as a cohesive squad.
In Saturday’s SEC title game between Texas and Texas A&M, Georgia will face its opponent. Georgia plays the winner of the match.
