Georgia Bulldogs Set As Asserted Favorite Over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
They label this rivalry one of just “clean, old-fashioned hate” when talking about the match up between the Georgia bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The two teams will face off on Saturday night, with several implications on the line despite the disappointing season that both are enduring.
First and foremost for Georgia (5-6), they need a win to become bowl eligible and avoid finishing below .500 for the first time under head coach Mark Richt. Georgia entered this season picked to contend for the SEC East division, but failed to live up to expectations.
On the other side of the field Georgia Tech (6-5) is already bowl eligible, but will be looking to get just their second win in the last 10 years over the Bulldogs, as Richt sports an 8-1 record over Georgia Tech.
Last season Georgia Tech hosted Georgia, already having wrapped up the Coastal division of the ACC. The Yellow Jackets, then ranked No.7 in the country, were beaten by the Bulldogs 30-24. They did go onto win the ACC championship game the following week but the loss has left a bad taste in the mouths of the Yellow Jacket players.
Looking ahead at this one for Georgia, it may very well be the last game played in Sanford Stadium for junior wide
receiver A.J Green. Green has the option to forgo his senior season and opt for the NFL draft, as he is expected to be a top-five selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Green is the biggest playmaker that the Bulldogs have, but redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray has been a pleasant surprise early in his career at Georgia.
Entering the season, Murray was the only non-starter returning on offense and was the question mark for the unit. Eleven games later though, Murray, along with Green, seem to be the most consistent players Georgia has had this season. The freshman has thrown 21 touchdowns and six interceptions. Three of those interceptions came against a loss to Florida in overtime.
Look for Georgia to continue to try and run the ball with Caleb King and Washaun Ealey however, as they are a potent tandem behind a veteran offensive line.
For Georgia Tech, they were poised to make a run at the ACC Coastal division, but dropped three in a row late in the season which put them on the outside looking in. They did rebound last week with a win over Duke, but finished 4-4 in conference play.
The Yellow Jackets are the top rushing team in the country behind the triple-option offense. It’s obvious what the Yellow Jackets want to do on offense, and it will be up to the Bulldogs to play assignment football when defending the option.
If Georgia can limit the run, or create turnovers, they likely win. If not, it could be a long day for those wearing red. The Yellow Jackets defense has been prone to giving up points, and Georgia will most likely score. If Georgia Tech is to win, look for a shootout.
Game Line
College Football Betting odds have set Georgia as a 12.5-point favorite over Georgia Tech at home on Saturday night, with the over/under sitting at 58 points on most online sportsbooks.
Head-To-Head
The Road team is 10-1-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings. The Yellow Jackets are 2-6-1 ATS in the last nine match ups with Georgia.
