The University of Georgia is ranked seventh in the College Football Playoff rankings as they prepare to face their long-time rival, Georgia Tech, this Friday night in what marks the 118th edition of “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” The Bulldogs look to extend their winning streak against the Yellow Jackets to seven games while aiming for a tenth consecutive victory this season.
Having already secured their place in the SEC Championship Game with a 6-2 conference record, Georgia is striving for another successful season. They have also established an impressive home record, winning 30 consecutive games at Sanford Stadium since 2019, making it the longest active win streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Historically, the rivalry leans in Georgia’s favor, holding a 71-39-5 advantage, including a 7-1 record during the Kirby Smart era. Georgia Tech will be motivated to disrupt this trend as they conclude a strong season under head coach Brent Key, who has led the Yellow Jackets to an overall record of 18-14 and a 14-9 mark in ACC play over two and a half seasons.
Notably, this game will take place on a Friday for the first time since 1994, breaking a longstanding tradition. The earlier editions in 1993 and 1995 were played on Thanksgiving Day in Atlanta.
Key matchups and player performances to watch include Georgia’s offensive line, which has improved following the return of senior guard Tate Ratledge. His presence played a crucial role in their recent success against Tennessee, where they achieved 453 yards of offense without allowing a sack. Georgia Tech’s recent thrilling performance included a narrow win over NC State, where freshman quarterback Aaron Philo led a dramatic game-winning drive.
Georgia’s senior quarterback, Carson Beck, has shown signs of late-season resurgence, bouncing back from earlier struggles with six touchdowns and no interceptions in recent games. His performance will be pivotal as the Bulldogs aim to solidify their postseason positioning.
Though Georgia Tech may pose an initial challenge, analysts suggest that over the course of the game, Georgia’s superior talent will likely shine through, leading to a comfortable victory. The prediction is that Georgia will win by a significant margin, showcasing their strength as they prepare for the upcoming postseason.
This matchup not only promises excitement for football fans but also represents the enduring legacy of rivalry games in college sports, where every bout brings its own drama and history. As both teams head into this clash, there are hopeful signs for a bright future for Georgia Tech under Coach Key, while Georgia continues to assert its dominance on the field.