Georgia Grinds Out Rivalry Win Over Georgia Tech Behind Ground Game and Defense
The Governor’s Cup is staying in Athens for the eighth straight year, and while it wasn’t the flashiest win of the Kirby Smart era, it was a classic Georgia performance - physical, disciplined, and just enough offense to get the job done. The Bulldogs took down Georgia Tech 16-9 in a gritty, old-school battle that leaned heavily on trench warfare, a punishing run game, and a defense that once again proved why it’s among the best in the country.
Let’s break down the key numbers from Saturday’s rivalry win and what they tell us about where this Georgia team is as it heads into the postseason.
1 - Zachariah Branch’s lone touchdown makes the difference
In a game where touchdowns were hard to come by, Zachariah Branch came through with the only one of the night - a 7-yard strike from Gunner Stockton late in the second quarter. It was a well-timed score that gave Georgia some breathing room in a tight contest.
Branch finished with five catches for 53 yards, continuing what’s been the most productive season of his college career. He’s become a go-to option in the Bulldogs’ passing attack, and with postseason play on the horizon, his ability to make plays in key moments could be a major factor moving forward.
46 - Run-heavy approach sets the tone
Georgia ran the ball 46 times against a Georgia Tech defense that’s struggled to stop the run all season, and the Bulldogs made sure to exploit that weakness. Nate Frazier led the charge with 108 yards on 16 carries, consistently moving the chains and helping Georgia control the tempo.
Whether it was part of the initial game plan or an in-game adjustment, the commitment to the ground game paid off. Georgia dominated time of possession and kept the ball out of Haynes King’s hands - exactly what you want to do against an explosive quarterback.
This was Georgia football at its core: win the line of scrimmage, wear down the opponent, and let the defense do the rest.
3 - Peyton Woodring stays steady
When touchdowns were scarce, Georgia turned to junior kicker Peyton Woodring - and he delivered. Woodring knocked through three field goals, his most in a game since the win over Ole Miss back in October. In a low-scoring battle like this one, every point mattered, and Woodring’s reliability from long range gave Georgia the cushion it needed.
All season long, Woodring has been one of Georgia’s most underrated weapons. His ability to convert from distance changes the way the Bulldogs approach drives, especially when the offense stalls in enemy territory.
69 - Georgia Tech’s rushing yards stifled
Georgia’s defensive front continues to be a nightmare for opposing offenses. The Bulldogs limited Georgia Tech to just 69 rushing yards, shutting down any hopes of establishing a balanced attack. The Yellow Jackets couldn’t get anything going on the ground, and once they became one-dimensional, Georgia’s defense pinned its ears back and controlled the game.
This is the formula that’s made Georgia so tough to beat under Smart - suffocate the run, force teams into obvious passing downs, and let the defense dictate the pace.
70 - A quiet night for Gunner Stockton
It wasn’t the most productive night through the air for Gunner Stockton, who finished with just 70 passing yards - his lowest total of the season. Georgia clearly leaned into a run-first approach, and while Stockton managed the game well, he never found a rhythm against a Georgia Tech defense that was more effective in coverage than expected.
Still, with the run game clicking and the defense holding firm, Stockton didn’t need to do much. That said, as Georgia heads into the postseason, it’ll need a more balanced offensive attack to keep defenses honest. Stockton has shown he can make plays, but this game was about managing the moment and avoiding mistakes - and he did just that.
Bottom Line
This wasn’t a statement win, but it was a rivalry win - and those always matter. Georgia extended its dominance over Georgia Tech, and while the offense didn’t light up the scoreboard, the Bulldogs once again showed they can win in multiple ways. The run game was physical, the defense was suffocating, and the special teams came through when it counted.
Coach Key and Georgia Tech will have to wait another year to try and reclaim the Governor’s Cup. In the meantime, Georgia turns its attention to the postseason - where the margin for error gets smaller, and the need for a complete performance becomes greater. But if Saturday’s win proved anything, it’s that this team knows how to win ugly - and that can be a dangerous trait come December.