As the Georgia Bulldogs prepare to wrap up their regular season with the annual rivalry game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, there’s little doubt that the stakes are higher than ever. With Georgia eyeing a third consecutive national championship, this matchup is more than just another hurdle—it’s a contest rooted in tradition and animosity that ensures the Bulldogs won’t overlook their in-state foe.
The rivalry, famously dubbed “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” dates back to 1893 and has provided countless memorable moments. While Georgia has dominated the series in recent years, leading 70-41-5 overall, the emotional weight of this game goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s a game that transcends records, rankings, and playoff implications. It’s about pride, history, and hatred—elements that prevent the Bulldogs from underestimating Georgia Tech, no matter the circumstances.
For the Bulldogs, the timing of this game could be seen as a potential trap. Positioned just before the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff, it would be easy for Georgia to shift their focus toward loftier goals. However, that’s not how this rivalry works. Head coach Kirby Smart, a former Georgia player himself, understands the intensity of this matchup better than most. He’s made it clear to his players that no matter how lopsided the odds appear, Georgia Tech always warrants respect.
“I’ve played in this rivalry, and I know what it means to our fans and to this program,” Smart said in a recent press conference. “It doesn’t matter if you’re 11-0 or 0-11; this game is about more than records. It’s about pride in the state of Georgia.”
Indeed, the Bulldogs have no shortage of motivation. Georgia Tech, though not a national powerhouse, has shown signs of resurgence under head coach Brent Key. At 6-5, the Yellow Jackets have already secured bowl eligibility and are eager to play spoiler against the top-ranked Bulldogs. Their victory over North Carolina earlier this season demonstrated their ability to punch above their weight, a reminder that complacency could cost Georgia dearly.
But more than Tech’s potential to upset, it’s the visceral dislike between the two programs that will keep the Bulldogs locked in. From the infamous “Hate Week” banter among fans to the bitter memories of past upsets, Georgia players are well aware of the consequences of taking this game lightly. In fact, the last time Georgia Tech won in Athens in 2016, the sting of defeat lingered long after the final whistle, serving as a cautionary tale for current Bulldogs.
Veteran leaders like quarterback Carson Beck and defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse have emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity. For Beck, a Georgia native, this game carries personal significance. “Growing up here, you know how much this rivalry means. It’s not just about football—it’s about representing the state. That’s why we’ll never look past Tech.”
For Georgia, this game also serves as a crucial tune-up before the postseason. Facing a Georgia Tech team with nothing to lose will test the Bulldogs’ discipline and resolve. Smart has instilled a mentality in his team that prioritizes dominance in every contest, regardless of the opponent. This mindset, coupled with the raw emotion of the rivalry, ensures that Georgia will approach this game with the seriousness it deserves.
Ultimately, “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” is more than a rivalry—it’s a reminder of what makes college football special. It’s a game fueled by history, tradition, and emotion, elements that refuse to allow Georgia to take their foot off the gas. As the Bulldogs march toward another championship, their first order of business is to remind Georgia Tech why they rule the state. Because in a rivalry like this, there’s no such thing as looking ahead.