The Georgia Bulldogs showcased their defensive prowess in a hard-fought 16-9 victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This matchup highlighted the impressive performance of Kirby Smart’s defense, particularly its Red Zone effectiveness.
Dominant Defense Against Haynes King
Georgia Tech’s quarterback, Haynes King, struggled against the Bulldogs’ defense, failing to score either passing or rushing touchdowns. Before facing Georgia, King had an impressive record, accounting for five touchdowns in a thrilling eight-overtime game last season. However, the Bulldogs effectively contained him during this encounter.
Key Defensive Stats
- King’s passing stats: 19 completions on 27 attempts for 181 yards.
- Rushing attempts: 10 carries for 39 yards.
- Georgia allowed only 250 total yards to Georgia Tech, significantly below their average of 485.9 yards per game.
- The Bulldogs’ defense has ranked eighth nationally in Red Zone defense.
This performance marked a significant achievement for the Bulldogs, as it was the first occasion in 23 games that a defense stopped King from scoring, reflecting a growing trend of defensive strength throughout the season.
Challenges for Georgia Tech
After falling to Pitt in a prior game, Georgia Tech faced mounting pressure in this matchup. King acknowledged the slow start, noting the team’s limited offensive plays in the early quarter. “We had like 21 plays in the first quarter, that’s not very good,” said King, indicating the need for improved tempo and execution.
Season Reflection
The Bulldogs have demonstrated substantial growth in their defense, especially in high-pressure games. Their ability to limit scoring opportunities has contributed to their strong season performance. Georgia Tech’s nine points represent their lowest scoring this season, underlining the effectiveness of Georgia’s defensive strategy.
As the season progresses, the Georgia Bulldogs continue to elevate their game, particularly on defense, and they’ll aim to maintain this momentum moving forward.
