Georgia vs Georgia Tech launches the final week of the regular season with both teams ranked and hunting for momentum. The No. 4 Bulldogs bring a 10-1 record into Mercedes-Benz Stadium while the No. 23 Yellow Jackets look to prove their 9-2 resilience in the renewal of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. This matchup marks the first time both programs meet with 9 or more wins since 2014.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kickoff: Friday, November 28 at 3:30 PM ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
- Television: ABC broadcasts the rivalry game live
- Series History: Georgia leads 72-39-5 and has won 7 straight games over Georgia Tech
- CFP Stakes: Georgia needs a victory to protect its No. 4 playoff positioning
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Georgia enters Friday with a 10-1 record and sits firmly in the No. 4 spot of the CFP rankings released Tuesday. The Bulldogs have won their last game comfortably against Austin Peay and hold a 7-1 conference record under head coach Kirby Smart. A victory Friday keeps Georgia’s Elite Eight championship hopes alive heading into December’s postseason push.
Under Smart, Georgia boasts a dominant 42-3 record against non-conference opponents. The Bulldogs’ current winning streak and defensive prowess make them the clear betting favorites at 19.5-point spreads across major sportsbooks. Georgia’s offense should find plenty of advantage opportunities inside an enclosed stadium environment.
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The Yellow Jackets suffered a stunning 42-28 home loss to Pitt Saturday that knocked them from the playoff race and dropped them 7 spots in the rankings. Georgia Tech entered November undefeated at 8-0 before consecutive losses derailed their championship dreams. Despite the setback, Tech brings a solid 9-2 record and fifth-place ACC standing into Friday’s rivalry renewal.
Head coach Brent Key’s program showed resilience throughout the season with an explosive offense led by quarterback Haynes King. The Yellow Jackets will lean on King’s dual-threat capability to spread Georgia’s defense and create explosive plays. Georgia Tech sits fourth in the ACC after the loss but enters as a motivated squad with postseason invitations still possible with a signature victory.
Quarterback Showdown: Stockton vs. King
| Factor | Georgia (Stockton) | Georgia Tech (King) |
| Record/Status | Junior, 27 Total TDs | RS Senior, Multiple TD passes |
| Completion % | 70.7% on season | TBA vs Georgia preview |
| Key Strength | Efficient passer, dual-threat runner | Scrambling ability, arm strength |
| Award Recognition | SEC Player of the Week (Sept. 16) | ACC QB of the Week (vs FSU) |
Gunner Stockton leads the Bulldogs as a junior with 19 passing touchdowns and 8 rushing touchdowns along with 2,465 passing yards through 11 games. The Georgia gunslinger maintains an exceptional 156.4 passer rating and has thrown 11 touchdowns to just 1 interception against top-25 ranked teams. Stockton’s efficiency against elite competition gives Georgia confidence heading into Friday.
Haynes King carries his dual-threat arsenal at the RS senior level for Georgia Tech. The former Texas A&M transfer earned ACC Quarterback of the Week honors after completing 11-of-16 passes against Florida State while adding 64 rushing yards. King’s mobility and willingness to extend plays create defensive headaches that the Bulldogs’ defense must contain throughout Friday’s contest.
Historic Rivalry Renews with Highest Combined Wins
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate began in 1893 and remains one of college football’s fiercest in-state rivalries. The two programs have met annually since 1925 with only a single interruption in 2020. Georgia owns the recent series advantage with seven consecutive victories dating back to 2017.
Friday’s matchup features 19 combined wins, the most in Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate history. Georgia leads the all-time series 72-39-5 and owns a 34-16-1 home record in the matchup. The rivalry transcends conference affiliations and carries special weight for fans across the Peach State, making every snap meaningful regardless of playoff implications.
Can Georgia Tech’s Comeback Aspirations Survive the Bulldog Onslaught?
Georgia Tech faces a monumental task keeping pace with the No. 4 ranked Bulldogs after the Pitt loss derailed playoff hopes. The Yellow Jackets need to execute flawlessly on offense while forcing Georgia into mistakes on a neutral field. If Georgia Tech can keep the game tight and avoid early deficits, King’s playmaking abilities might create late-game drama.
However, Georgia’s seven-game winning streak and superior talent depth suggest the Bulldogs control Friday from kickoff onward. Unless Georgia Tech’s defense forces unexpected turnovers and their offense sustains lengthy drives, the Bulldogs’ experience and championship pedigree should prevail in front of strong neutral-site attendance.
Watch the Preview:
Sources
- ESPN — Georgia vs Georgia Tech rankings and pregame coverage
- CBS Sports — Predictions and betting lines analysis
- SI.com — Tournament preview and CFP implications
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.