Georgia Tech Wrecks Georgia’s Finale

Georgia Tech wasn’t in the mood for another heart-stopping finish. The Yellow Jackets beat Georgia Saturday by scoring early and often.

After three consecutive games in the series were decided in the final seconds or overtime, No. 18 Georgia Tech built a 24-point halftime lead and cruised to a 27-15 victory over the No. 19 Bulldogs.

Quarterback George Godsey scored one touchdown and passed for another as Georgia Tech (9-2) beat Georgia (7-4) for the third time a row--a feat last accomplished in 1961-63.

Georgia Tech, projected for a rebuilding year after the loss of Joe Hamilton, was a major surprise.

The Peach Bowl-bound Yellow Jackets lost close games to Florida State and North Carolina State before finishing the season with a seven-game winning streak.

“A lot of people doubted us this year, but we stayed together,” said Godsey, who completed 20 of 35 passes for 222 yards. “I’m proud of this team.”

It was the first time since 1996 that the game wasn’t decided at the end.

Last year, Georgia Tech won, 51-48, on a field goal in overtime after the officials mistakenly ruled a fumble against Georgia in the final seconds of regulation.

“A lot of teams would take 7-4,” Georgia receiver Terrence Edwards said. “But that’s not the expectations around here.

“It’s hard to swallow going 7-4. We’re a better team than 7-4.”