The Georgia Bulldogs were heading into Rivalry week ready to take on the Yellow Jackets and finish an undefeated regular season in 1980. Herschel Walker had already rushed for 1,411 yards on the season which was more than any back in school history, but he had his eyes on the NCAA Freshman rushing record of 1,586 set by Tony Dorsett in 1973.
 
 
Herschel totaled 205 rushing yards and 3 Touchdown on 25 carries against Georgia Tech, and finished the season with 1,616 rushing yards, breaking the Freshman rushing record.
 
 
His final touchdown came on a 65 yard TD run in the 3rd quarter. The run seemingly clinched the victory for the Bulldogs, as well as putting Herschel at the top of the record books.
 
 
Coach Vince Dooley said after the game, “If he [Herschel] doesn’t win the Heisman Trophy, it’ll be an injustice.” Of course George Rogers from South Carolina ended up winning the 1980 Heisman Trophy Award, but Herschel finished 3rd which was the highest finish ever by a true Freshman at the time.