Dawn of the Dawg
Fansided

Georgia football: 3 of the best “Clean Old Fashioned Hate” games

By Payton Wilkerson

Georgia Bulldogs celebrate after defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 45-0 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images)
Georgia Bulldogs celebrate after defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 45-0 at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images) /
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Hines Ward rolls out to pass the ball. (Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/Allsport) /

1995: Georgia football 18, Georgia Tech 17

Hines Ward proved to be the ultimate skill player during his time at Georgia. He excelled playing wide receiver, running back, and even quarterback. From 1994-1997, he became one of the most beloved Bulldogs of all time, and his performance against Georgia Tech in 1995 helped his legacy.

Coming into this game, Georgia had a record of 5-5. Ray Goff was in his seventh season as head coach of the Bulldogs. Goff had a somewhat tumultuous tenure as head coach. He had two losing seasons in four years, and he was consistently beaten by rivals Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn. His best season was 1992, as he led Georgia to a 10 win season and a win in the Citrus Bowl.

1995 was another forgettable season for the Dawgs. Alabama shut out Georgia at home, and they were humiliated by Florida in Athens in the infamous “half a hundred” game. Georgia would fire Goff before the game against the Yellow Jackets, but he was allowed to coach the team for it.

The game did not start well for the Dawgs. Tech jumped out to an early lead, and they were ahead 14-0 at halftime thanks to two touchdown passes from quarterback Donnie Davis. Hines Ward played quarterback for Georgia due to an injury to starter Mike Bobo.

Georgia finally got on the board in the third quarter with a Torin Kirtsey touchdown run. The Yellow Jackets kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter. With nine minutes left in the game, Kirtsey would score his second touchdown of the game. Coach Goff elected to go for two, and Hines Ward connected with Brice Hunter, pulling the Dawgs within two points.

Hines Ward would direct a long drive late in the fourth to get the Dawgs to field goal range. Kicker Kanon Parkman drilled the go-ahead 35-yard field with less than 50 seconds left. The defense would stop the Yellow Jackets from preserving the 18-17 comeback win.

Ward finished his day with 242 passing yards and a touchdown, while Torin Kirtsey rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Georgia would receive an invite to play in the Peach Bowl against Virginia, which ultimately resulted in a loss to Virginia.

To replace Goff, Georgia hired Marshall head coach Jim Donnan, who would coach for five seasons before being fired in 2000.

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