Georgia vs. Georgia Tech 2016 final score: What we learned from the Bulldogs’ 28-27 loss to the Yellow Jackets

The Georgia Bulldogs’ regular season came to an end in gutting fashion, as they took a 28-27 loss to in-state rival Georgia Tech between the hedges.

Despite holding a 27-14 lead entering the fourth quarter, two scores by Georgia Tech in the final seven minutes of the game would prop the Yellow Jackets up over the Bulldogs.

Dedrick Mills cut the deficit to six after a 5-yard run with 6:28 to play, and then Qua Searcy put Tech up over the top by one with 30 seconds remaining. Georgia could not convert on their final drive, and were left with being handed their fifth loss of the season and third at home to bring them to 3-3 at home on the year.

The win for Georgia Tech is their second in three years but only their fourth of the 21st century as Georgia has been dominant in the rivalry over the past 16 editions. Nevertheless, it’s a bitter pill to swallow for Bulldogs fans, as has been the case all year seemingly.

What we learned

Costly turnovers did Georgia in on their final possessions

It was looking good for the ‘Dawgs after forcing a turnover on downs. A 3-and-out gave way to the first Tech touchdown and then Jacob Eason threw a costly pick that led to the game-winning score for the Yellow Jackets. On the final possession, Eason let it all go up in smoke following an interception by Brant Mitchell. Turnovers will always prove costly, but they were significantly so on Saturday afternoon in Athens.

Georgia’s rushing attack was far from the issue

The Bulldogs rushed for over 260 yards, outgaining Georgia Tech even with the same amount of rushing attempts. It helped that they were able to amass 6.3 yards per carry and that they had Nick Chubb, and Tech didn’t. Speaking of Chubb, he got into third place on Georgia’s all-time rushing list after passing Garrison Hearst, and joins Todd Gurley and Herschel Walker in the Top 3. Seems like pretty good company.

The Bulldogs’ first regular season without Mark Richt ended very sourly

Not to say that Georgia should have buyer’s remorse with the end result here, but this was certainly not a situation that leaves much room for positives. The Bulldogs were pretty fit to compete this year even with a freshman quarterback under center and some departures on defense. To finish at 7-5 will leave grimaces around ‘Dawg Nation, and the hope going forward has to be for progression and trending upward.