UGA opens season with major clash and Georgia Tech looks to stay hot
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Georgia opens the season with a major clash against Clemson. Photo: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There aren't many other places that have as an exciting start to their college football seasons than the state of Georgia.
The big picture: For many Georgians, nothing matters more than UGA's shot at a national championship.
- For the rest of y'all, between football and Dragon Con this weekend, if you decide to head to Atlanta, become fast friends with MARTA.
State of play: Georgia Tech got the 2024 season underway with an international-level upset. The Yellow Jackets knocked off No. 10 Florida State in Dublin on a field goal as time expired.
And if that's a harbinger for things to come, well, buckle up.
Driving the news: Not to be outdone by their downtown rivals are the No. 1 UGA Bulldogs, who open the season in Atlanta this weekend against No. 14 Clemson. If you wanted an early season clash that could have playoff implications, well you got it.
- The game kicks off at noon Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and if you aren't in the stands, you can tune in on ABC.
Numbers to know: The last four matchups between the two schools have all been season openers. UGA has won three of those, losing in 2013 which is also the last time they've lost a season opener.
- UGA holds a 43-18-4 record against the Tigers.
- This is the first time the teams have played in Atlanta.
Who wins: The oddsmakers like Georgia and have them listed as 13.5-point favorites.
Less than two miles up the road, kicking off at 8pm is what some are calling the Atlanta Bowl.
What's happening: The upstart Yellow Jackets are taking on the Georgia State Panthers. The two schools are separated by less than two miles.
Fun fact: This is the first time the two teams have played each other in football.
Who wins: The oddsmakers like Georgia Tech and have them as 20.5-point favorites.
Burnt ends: Georgia Southern takes on Boise State in Statesboro at 4pm.
- West Georgia hosts Samford at 6pm in Carrollton.
- Mercer won Thursday night against Presbyterian in Macon.
What's next: One more week until the NFL as the Falcons season starts next Sunday.