It’s time to go between the hedges as Georgia welcomes the North Avenue Trade School for some clean, old-fashioned hate. But first, we should discuss Georgia’s return to Atlanta next weekend. Georgia faces the winner of this weekend’s clash between Texas and Texas A&M in the SEC Championship.
DAWGS ARE ATL BOUND. 🚨@GeorgiaFootball has officially clinched a spot in the 2024 SEC Football Championship Game!#SECFB x #SECChampionship pic.twitter.com/OnTPe7zR7n
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 24, 2024
The Dawgs have become a constant in the SEC Championship under Kirby Smart, but it’s easy to remember it wasn’t always like that for Georgia. The championship game started in 1992, but Georgia didn’t make their first appearance until 2002. This year will make the 12th time in the last 23 years that the Bulldogs will appear in the SEC Championship game. They currently have the third most appearances, just behind Florida (13) and Alabama (15). It hasn’t always looked pretty in 2024, but those numbers make you appreciate the current run that Georgia is on. Ok, enough with the flowers; let’s get onto previewing some clean, old-fashioned hate.
Between the Hedges: Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate
What are the game details?
History: Georgia leads the series 71-41-5.
Last meeting: Georgia defeated Georgia Tech last year 31-23 in Atlanta.
Date and Time: Friday, November 29 | 7:30 pm EST
Location: Vince Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.
Television: ABC
Spread: Georgia -19.5
Y’all had Sanford rocking two weeks ago! We need that same energy this weekend! #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/1SBmS08dM2
— Tate Ratledge (@tateratledge22) November 26, 2024
What Should You Know About Georgia Tech?
There is plenty of clean, old-fashioned hate between the teams. Just ask the coaches. “Nothing I hate more in the world” than the Georgia football program. These were the words from Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key. Key has done an excellent job at transforming and turning around the Ramblin’ Wreck since taking over for Geoff Collins a couple of years ago. We’re not sure if those words were supposed to get out, but in the age of social media, the mic is always hot. Key made those comments last June at a Georgia Tech Alumni event. Smart was asked about the comments this week but didn’t take the bait (publicly) but gave a veiled shot of his own.
“I don’t think you get real emotional about things like that,” Smart said. “You’re a lot better coach when you stay composed, and you coach your players, and you teach your players what it’s going to take to win the game. It will be an emotional game, but I don’t get emotional about it. It’s an interstate rivalry, a chance at a state championship, a lot of pride, and a lot of history in the game. However, the game is played in between the lines and between the players.”
Key and Tech are currently 7-4 on the season with upset on their mind. Last year, they gave the Dawgs all they could handle. Look for quarterback Haynes King to use his legs to try to put stress on the Georgia defense.
Who Should You Watch for on Georgia’s Offense?
Colbie Young returned to the Bulldogs this week. The Georiga receiver was suspended in early October after he was charged with misdemeanor charges of battery and assault on an unborn child. The young woman who brought about the charges has since retracted her statement to the police and has requested the charges be dropped. Young will not be eligible to play in a game for the Dawgs until the legal matter is resolved. He has a legal hearing set for December 10th. Should he be cleared, he could be able to help a much-needed Georgia receiver group for their playoff run. Young transferred in from Miami in the offseason. He has 11 receptions on the season for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
Who Should You Watch for on Georgia’s Defense?
Glenn Schumann may be the next Smart disciple to find himself a head coaching gig. North Carolina announced on Tuesday that it was parting ways with Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown. Schumann is a rising star in the coaching profession and came to Athens with Smart from Alabama. It is only a matter of time before Schumann is offered a position he cannot refuse. Smart has built up an impressive coaching tree in his tenure.
- Mel Tucker (Michigan State): Although his tenure ended in controversy, he led the Spartans to an 11-win season in 2021.
- Sam Pittman (Arkansas): The former offensive line coach has brought consistency to the Hogs program. Arkansas has a chance at a seventh win this season as they finish this weekend against Missouri.
- Shane Beamer (South Carolina): The Gamecocks are the hottest team in the SEC and are itching for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
- Dan Lanning (Oregon): Lanning and the Ducks are #1 in the College Football Playoff rankings and sit atop the Big Ten standings.
- Fran Brown (Syracuse): The Orange are 8-3 in Brown’s first year and host Miami at the Dome on Saturday.
- Dell McGee (Georgia State): Just three wins in McGee’s first year, but one is over Vanderbilt, which, when using the transitive property of victory, makes the Panthers better than Alabama and Georiga.
- Buster Faulkner (TBD): The Georgia Tech offensive coordinator’s name is being considered at Kennesaw State.
Who wins Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate?
Look for something similar to last week’s UMass game. It would be nice for Georgia to come out early and put Tech away, but that is just not Georiga’s style in 2024.
Georgia: 45
Georgia Tech: 24
