As Georgia prepares for its annual clash with Georgia Tech in the rivalry known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is trying his best to steer clear of drama.
Both Smart and Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key have deep ties to their respective programs, having played for their schools during overlapping years in 1997 and 1998.
Key has long made his feelings about Georgia clear, memorably stating, “There’s nothing I hate more in the world. It’s probably the only thing I hate (the Georgia Bulldogs).”
When questioned about Key’s remarks, Smart stayed focused on strategy rather than emotion.
“I don’t think you get real emotional about things like that. I think you’re a much better coach when you stay composed and teach your players what it will take to win the game,” Smart said.
“It will be an emotional game, but I don’t get emotional about it. It’s an interstate rivalry, it’s a chance at a state championship, it’s a lot of pride, it’s a lot of history in the game. But the game is played between the lines between the players.”
The Bulldogs, already promised a spot in the SEC Championship Game, have plenty on the line in Saturday’s matchup against the 7-4 Yellow Jackets.
While a loss to Georgia Tech wouldn’t necessarily eliminate Georgia from College Football Playoff contention, it would make the path considerably more precarious.
Georgia’s resume remains one of the strongest in the nation.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 10, have benefited from last weekend’s chaos in college football, including Alabama’s shocking loss to Oklahoma and Ole Miss’s stunning defeat at the hands of Florida.
Even with those disruptions, a stumble against Georgia Tech would leave Smart’s team with no choice but to win the SEC Championship to guarantee a playoff berth.
A victory on Saturday would all but lock Georgia into the playoff, even if they falter in the SEC title game.
Conversely, a loss to their interstate rival could be disastrous, raising the stakes for quarterback Carson Beck and the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have owned the rivalry in recent years, with their last loss to Georgia Tech coming in 2016 during Smart’s first season.
Since then, Georgia has dominated the series, which it leads 71-41-5 overall.
However, the Yellow Jackets are not to be underestimated. Under Key, Georgia Tech has steadily improved and recently toppled then-No. 4 Miami.
This year’s edition of “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” has the makings of a potential trap game for the Bulldogs.
Despite the long-standing rivalry, Smart emphasized that his focus remains on preparation and execution rather than external narratives.
We know Key will have his Jackets ready for a war. But if Georgia is truly the national title contender that they think they are, they need to find a way to come out on top.
What are your overall thoughts on Georgia as we near the postseason? … Do you think they have what it takes to win the national championship???
