So, if you’re looking for the short answer to who won between Tennessee and Georgia, here it is: the Georgia Bulldogs walked out of Neyland Stadium with a 44-41 overtime victory.
But honestly? Just looking at the final score is like reading the back of a book and claiming you know the whole story. This wasn’t just a win for Kirby Smart’s squad. It was a chaotic, heart-shredding emotional rollercoaster that featured eight lead changes, a 14-point Tennessee explosion in the first quarter, and a kicker's nightmare that’ll probably be talked about in Knoxville bars for years.
What Really Happened With the Tennessee and Georgia Game
The game kicked off on September 13, 2025, and let me tell you, the "Checker Neyland" atmosphere was absolutely electric. 101,915 fans were screaming their lungs out, and for a while, it looked like the Vols were finally going to break the curse. They jumped out to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter. Joey Aguilar was playing out of his mind, starting a perfect 14-of-14 through the air.
He found Chris Brazzell II for a massive 72-yard touchdown that made the stadium feel like it was literally vibrating. Georgia looked rattled. Gunner Stockton, making his first true SEC road start, had every reason to crumble under that noise.
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But he didn't.
Georgia chipped away. They didn't panic. That’s sort of the Kirby Smart DNA, right? They pulled within four by halftime, trailing 21-17, and then the second half became a heavyweight prize fight.
The Turning Points
If you’re wondering who won between Tennessee and Georgia, you have to look at the third and fourth quarters. Georgia came out and orchestrated a soul-crushing 75-yard drive where they ran the ball on 13 out of 14 plays. It took over seven minutes off the clock. It was old-school, "we're going to break your spirit" football.
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- The Lead Swaps: Tennessee took the lead back on a 56-yard bomb to Brazzell II. Then Georgia took it back. Then Tennessee went up 38-30 with under seven minutes left after a strip-sack.
- The Clutch Factor: Down by eight with 2:32 on the clock, Stockton led the Dawgs down the field and hit London Humphreys for a 28-yard touchdown on 4th-and-7. They nailed the two-point conversion to Zachariah Branch to tie it at 38.
- The Heartbreak: Tennessee actually had a chance to win it in regulation. Max Gilbert, who had been solid, lined up for a 43-yard field goal with seven seconds left. It missed.
The Overtime Finish
In overtime, Tennessee had to settle for a field goal after their drive stalled. That made it 41-38. When Georgia got the ball, they didn't want a tie. Nate Frazier ripped off a 21-yard run, setting the stage for Josh McCray to plunge into the end zone from one yard out.
Game over. 44-41. Georgia extended their winning streak over the Vols to nine straight games.
Why This Win Matters for the SEC
Look, the record books will show another Georgia win, but this game felt different. Usually, Georgia beats Tennessee by two touchdowns. This time, Josh Heupel’s offense proved they could go toe-to-toe with the elite. Joey Aguilar finished with 371 passing yards, and Chris Brazzell II had a career day with 177 yards and three scores.
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Georgia, meanwhile, proved they can win without a veteran superstar at quarterback. Gunner Stockton threw for 304 yards and showed some serious guts. For Georgia, it keeps their "identity" intact—they find a way to absorb blows and hit back harder. For Tennessee, it’s a "what if" that’s going to sting until they meet again.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following the rest of the season, here’s what to watch based on this game:
- Watch the Trenches: Georgia’s offensive line had zero false starts in one of the loudest stadiums in the country. That discipline is why they're title contenders.
- Tennessee's Deep Threat: If Brazzell II keeps this up, Tennessee’s offense is basically unguardable for most teams in the SEC.
- The Playoff Picture: This win solidified Georgia as a top-5 lock, while Tennessee proved they belong in the 12-team playoff conversation despite the loss.
If you’re looking to recap the stats or watch the highlights, pay attention to that 4th-and-7 play late in the fourth quarter. That’s where the game was actually won and lost.