KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a heart-pounding overtime thriller that had Bulldog fans on the edge of their seats, the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs escaped Neyland Stadium with a 44-41 victory over the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, September 13.
The game, which marked Georgia’s first SEC contest of their 2025 schedule, saw the Bulldogs rally from an early 21-7 deficit, tie things up in dramatic fashion late in the fourth quarter, and seal the win with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by running back Josh McCray in overtime.
Tennessee kicker Max Gilbert’s missed 43-yard field goal as time expired in regulation sent the game to extra time, extending Georgia’s dominance over the Vols to nine straight wins.
The victory improves Georgia to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the SEC, marking the 10th consecutive season under head coach Kirby Smart that the Bulldogs have started 3-0.
It was a gritty performance on the road against a raucous crowd of nearly 102,000, showcasing the resilience that has become a hallmark of this program.
As Atlanta sports enthusiasts celebrate another hard-fought win for our in-state powerhouse, here are five key things we learned about the Georgia Bulldogs from this nail-biter.
1. Gunner Stockton Proves He’s Ready for the Big Stage
With starting quarterback Carson Beck sidelined by injury, redshirt junior Gunner Stockton stepped into the spotlight for his first career road start—and he delivered when it mattered most.
Stockton orchestrated a crucial fourth-quarter comeback, including a clutch fourth-down touchdown pass to wide receiver London Humphreys that tied the game at 38-38, followed by a successful two-point conversion. He finished with solid numbers, showing poise under pressure in a shootout atmosphere.
Last season, Stockton filled in admirably for Beck, but this performance against a top-15 Tennessee squad confirmed he can lead the Bulldogs to victory in high-stakes SEC play. For Georgia fans, it’s a reassuring sign that the quarterback depth is as strong as ever.
2. The Running Game Remains a Ground-and-Pound Force
Georgia’s ground attack was the engine that powered the comeback, pounding the rock with relentless efficiency.
In the third quarter alone, the Bulldogs ran the ball 13 times on a 14-play, 75-yard drive to take a 24-21 lead, setting the tone for their resurgence. Running backs Nate Frazier and Josh McCray combined for key gains, with Frazier’s 21-yard scamper in overtime setting up the game-winner and McCray’s overturned short-yardage call proving decisive. This run-heavy approach not only controlled the clock but also wore down Tennessee’s defense, allowing Georgia to score 20 straight points at one stretch.
It’s clear that Kirby Smart’s philosophy of establishing dominance on the ground is alive and well, making the Bulldogs a nightmare for opponents in the trenches.
3. Defensive Resilience Shines in the Clutch
Despite allowing four touchdown passes from Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar in his SEC debut, Georgia’s defense bent but never broke when it counted.
They held the Vols to just a field goal in the first overtime possession and forced Aguilar into tough situations late, including the sequence that led to Gilbert’s miss. The Bulldogs’ secondary, often criticized early in the season, stepped up with timely stops, while the front seven disrupted Tennessee’s rhythm after the early barrage.
This win highlights Georgia’s ability to rally defensively on the road, a trait that has defined their championship-caliber teams. In a game that could have spiraled away, the Dawgs’ toughness prevented a potential upset and kept their unbeaten streak intact.
4. Special Teams Deliver Game-Changing Plays
Special teams have been a weapon for Georgia all season, and Saturday was no exception.
Kicker Peyton Woodring was perfect on field goals, nailing a 48-yarder in the third quarter to extend the lead to 27-21 and adding a 24-yarder later to make it 30-28. These explosive returns and reliable kicking kept Georgia in striking distance throughout.
As the Bulldogs navigate a tough schedule, this unit’s ability to flip field position and add points without relying solely on the offense will be invaluable.
5. Kirby Smart’s Squad Thrives Under Pressure, Extending Dominance
This victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement about Georgia’s championship pedigree.
Trailing by 14 early in hostile territory, the Bulldogs scored 17 unanswered points to seize control, only to weather a late Tennessee surge and prevail in OT.
Smart improves to 5-0 all-time against Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and 4-0 at Neyland Stadium, underscoring his mastery in rivalry matchups.
The team’s composure in overtime, from the overturned call on McCray’s score to their overall execution, reinforces why Georgia enters the week as a top contender for another SEC title run.
For Atlanta-area fans, it’s a reminder that the Bulldogs are built for these moments, and the journey to the playoffs is off to a roaring start.
Final Word
With the win in the books, Georgia now turns its attention to next week’s matchup. Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for more coverage on the Bulldogs as they continue their march through the SEC. Go Dawgs!