Georgia has faced defensive struggles at times throughout this season, but the unit played its best game against in-state rival Georgia Tech in the regular-season finale at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Nov. 28.
The Bulldogs dominated defensively from start to finish, shutting down the Yellow Jackets, who entered last week’s contest with the nation’s No. 5 total offense and No. 17 scoring offense, resulting in a 16-9 win.
“Thought the defense really stepped up today,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said after the game. “(Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn) Schumann and the staff did an incredible job putting plans together.”
Georgia has struggled to contain Georgia Tech’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback Haynes King, over the past two seasons. The Yellow Jackets accumulated 563 yards of total offense in a 44-42 eight-overtime loss in 2024 and 363 yards in a 31-23 defeat in 2023. However, the Bulldog defense got their revenge this season.
Georgia held Georgia Tech to 250 yards of offense, nearly half of its average. The Yellow Jackets also averaged 215 rushing yards, ranking in the top 15 nationally before last week, but the Bulldogs limited them to 69.
Georgia’s emphasis was on stopping the run and containing King, who is a mobile quarterback. He only rushed for 39 yards on 10 carries, while completing 19 of 27 passes for 181 yards and an interception in the loss.
“It’s what this program is built on,” Smart said. “You’ve got to be able to run it, and you’ve got to stop the run.”
Georgia’s defense set the tone on the first play from scrimmage.
The Yellow Jackets started the first drive at their 3-yard line after a fumble on the kickoff. King handed the ball to Jamal Haynes, who was stopped by Bulldog defenders and brought down behind the line of scrimmage.
Georgia Tech’s offense moved the ball throughout the game but settled for field goals. The Bulldog defense held firm, didn’t let the Yellow Jackets get into the end zone, and limited them to converting 4 of 11 third-down attempts.
“Tackled well. Kept them off balance. Held them to field goals,” Smart said. “Got put in some really bad situations in the second half and responded every time. Really proud of the effort and toughness they played with.” Georgia also forced a turnover, as cornerback Ellis Robinson picked off his fourth pass of the season. The Bulldogs also recorded a sack, seven tackles for losses, and four quarterback pressures in the nine-point win.
KJ Bolden was all over the field, with a team-high nine tackles, half a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. Quintavius Johnson made a difference in defending the run with six tackles and a tackle for loss. Gabe Harris Jr. was productive in rushing the passer with two tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two quarterback pressures.
Overall, Georgia’s defense has improved throughout the season, and this performance was evidence of that growth.
“I think there’s some players who got comfortable back there playing, movement,” Smart said. “I think the coaches have kind of figured out who we are, and they’re using the skill sets of the players that we need to use. So, we’ve got to continue to get better there. But I’ve been proud of how they practice and how they work.”