Georgia rallies to beat Tennessee 44-41 in overtime in SEC thriller
Bulldogs overcome three deficits, win ninth straight against Volunteers after Josh McCray’s overtime run
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — No. 6 Georgia completed a comeback in overtime, defeating No. 15 Tennessee 44-41 on Saturday when Josh McCray scored on a 1-yard run in the extra period.
The Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0 SEC) trailed three times during the game but rallied to extend their winning streak against the Volunteers to nine consecutive meetings. Georgia’s overtime possession began with Nate Frazier breaking off a 21-yard run on the first snap, setting up McCray’s short touchdown that clinched the victory.
Tennessee (2-1, 1-0) had taken the lead in overtime when Max Gilbert converted a 42-yard field goal. Earlier, Gilbert had missed a 43-yard attempt wide right just before the final whistle in regulation, which would have ended the game in Tennessee’s favor.
Joey Aguilar led Tennessee’s offense, passing for 371 yards and four touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell III was instrumental, hauling in scoring plays of 72, 14 and 66 yards. Braylon Staley’s 32-yard touchdown reception early in the fourth quarter gave the Volunteers a 35-30 lead with 11:01 remaining.
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton passed for 304 yards with two touchdown passes and also ran for a touchdown. With the Bulldogs trailing 38-30 and 2:32 left in regulation, Stockton connected with London Humphreys on a 28-yard fade in the end zone; the subsequent two-point conversion tied the score for the third time and forced overtime.
Tennessee dominated the opening quarter, jumping to a 21-7 lead before Georgia narrowed the margin to 21-17 at halftime. The Volunteers twice erased Georgia deficits in the second half, but the Bulldogs’ late-game drives produced the tying score and ultimately the overtime winner.
The game featured multiple lead changes and big-play scoring that swung momentum between the rivals. Georgia’s ability to convert in critical moments — notably the overtime series initiated by Frazier’s run — secured the road victory in a hostile Neyland Stadium environment.
The result keeps Georgia unbeaten early in the season and moves Tennessee to 2-1. The teams will turn their attention to conference schedules, with Georgia remaining unbeaten in SEC play and Tennessee looking to rebound in its next matchup.