ATLANTA (AP) — No. 4 Georgia’s recent victory in their time-honored rivalry, known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” added an extra layer of excitement to their postgame revelries.

In Friday’s matchup, Nate Frazier showcased his prowess by rushing for 108 yards, while Gunner Stockton connected with Zachariah Branch for the game’s sole touchdown. This effort secured a nail-biting 16-9 victory over No. 23 Georgia Tech, allowing Georgia to maintain its dominance in the rivalry.

The Bulldogs, now boasting an 11-1 record, celebrated their eighth consecutive triumph over Georgia Tech—a historic streak for the school. This achievement made the win particularly meaningful, according to Georgia linebacker Quintavius Johnson.

“It was huge for us because it marked our eighth win in a row,” Johnson remarked. “We emphasized the importance of this milestone throughout the week.”

The Bulldogs had even more reason to celebrate on Friday night after learning they would have the opportunity to defend their Southeastern Conference title. This chance came courtesy of No. 3 Texas A&M’s 27-17 defeat at the hands of No. 16 Texas. Georgia is now set to compete in the SEC championship game in Atlanta on December 6.

Georgia Tech (9-3), which moved its home game from its campus stadium to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, closed the regular season by losing three of four games.

“We were able to move the football several times and weren’t able to get in the end zone,” said Georgia Tech coach Brent Key. “You can’t play good football teams and have that happen.”

Gunner Stockton’s 7-yard scoring pass to Branch gave Georgia a 10-3 lead in the second quarter. Peyton Woodring of Georgia and Aidan Birr of Georgia Tech each kicked three field goals.

Woodring kicked a 50-yarder early in the fourth quarter for a 16-6 lead. Birr’s 41-yarder with 3:30 remaining again trimmed the deficit to seven points.

With only 14 seconds remaining, Georgia Tech took its last possession at its 20. Haynes King completed two passes to the Georgia 44 for a final snap with a second remaining. and his final pass was batted down in the end zone.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the win was “a credit to our defense. … We controlled the game in terms of time of possession but we didn’t dominate the game.”

The low-scoring game was a contrast to last year when the Bulldogs outlasted the Yellow Jackets 44-42 in eight overtimes in Athens.

Georgia Tech needs help to earn a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. The Yellow Jackets need Miami, Virginia and SMU to lose on Saturday.

King completed 19 of 26 passes for 181 yards with an interception. King threw two picks in last week’s 42-28 home loss to Pittsburgh that cost the Yellow Jackets an opportunity to clinch a spot in the ACC championship game.

No room to run

When asked about his team’s running game, Key said “What running game? Lack thereof.”

The Yellow Jackets were held to 69 rushing yards, led by King’s 10 carries for 39 yards. Jamal Haynes gained only 11 yards on seven carries.

Home away from home

Georgia fans have made a practice of turning Georgia Tech home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium into a neutral side appearance in the stands. The Georgia fans seized the opportunity to purchase additional tickets in the 75,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium by claiming what appeared to be at least 60% of the seats.

Smart said the crowd noise was similar to playing the SEC championship when Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set up as a neutral-site facility. “It was loud both ways,” Smart said.

Georgia Tech’s last home win in the series was in 1999. Overall, the Yellow Jackets’ last win in the rivalry was a 28-27 decision in 2016. Georgia has won 20 of the last 24 games.

Gunner misfires

Stockton completed 11 of 21 passes for only 70 yards with an interception.

“We didn’t execute as well as we wanted to,” Stockton said. “I didn’t play as well as I wanted to. As long as the Dogs win, it’s a great day.”

The takeaway

Georgia: The Bulldogs posted a 7-1 SEC record despite trailing in seven of those games. They were resilient again Friday, recovering quickly after falling behind 3-0. The win should allow the Bulldogs to protect their No. 4 spot — and position for a first-round bye — in the College Football Playoff ranking. … Center Drew Bobo left with an ankle/foot injury. Linebacker C.J. Allen returned from a knee injury after missing one game.

Georgia Tech: Special teams were a problem as Shane Marshall fumbled the opening kickoff, forcing the Yellow Jackets to start at their 3. Punter Marshall Nichols had another field-position blunder with a shanked effort that traveled only 22 yards in the second quarter, giving the Bulldogs the ball at the Georgia 44 and setting up Stockton’s go-ahead touchdown pass to Branch. … Birr’s three field goals gave him 25, a school single-season record.

Up next

Georgia: Heads back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the SEC championship game Dec. 6 against either Alabama or Ole Miss.

Georgia Tech: Needs losses by Miami, SMU and Virginia on Saturday to earn a spot in ACC championship game.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: and