Georgia stands at No. 7 in the College Football Playoff rankings as they prepare to face their in-state rival, Georgia Tech, this Friday night in the 118th edition of the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry. The Bulldogs are aiming to secure their seventh consecutive win against Georgia Tech while also looking to finish the 2024 regular season strong.
Having already secured a place in the SEC Championship Game with a 6-2 conference record, Georgia is focused on clinching another 10-win season and aim for an undefeated run at home in Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs boast an impressive home winning streak of 30 games, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, dating back to 2019.
In this historic rivalry, Georgia has the upper hand with a 71-39-5 all-time record, including a strong 7-1 record during the Kirby Smart era. The Bulldogs have also won six consecutive games against Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets will be eager to play the role of spoiler under head coach Brent Key, who has led the team to an 18-14 overall record and a 14-9 mark in ACC play.
This Friday marks the first time since 1994 that the rivalry game will be held on a Friday during rivalry weekend, deviating from its traditional Saturday spot.
Fans can catch the game live at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on fubo.
Key points leading into the match include:
– Georgia’s offensive line has shown signs of improvement following the return of senior guard Tate Ratledge, who played a crucial role in their recent success against Tennessee, allowing zero sacks and contributing to a total of 453 offensive yards.
– Georgia Tech is coming off a thrilling 30-29 victory against NC State, where freshman quarterback Aaron Philo’s final-drive heroics helped secure a second straight winning season in ACC play for the Yellow Jackets.
– Georgia’s senior quarterback Carson Beck is looking to maintain his momentum, having turned around a midseason slump by throwing six touchdowns with no interceptions in recent games.
The prediction leans towards Georgia covering a spread against Georgia Tech over four quarters, though the Yellow Jackets may present a challenge in the first half.
This matchup offers an exciting opportunity for both teams, with Georgia looking to solidify their postseason status while Georgia Tech seeks to end their season on a high note. It showcases not just a rivalry but the unpredictability and thrill of college football, where anything can happen on game day. The enthusiasm surrounding this matchup can serve as a reminder of the vibrant traditions that college sports can inspire in fans and players alike.