Georgia vs Georgia Tech key matchups

Good Friday morning, Dawg Fans. I hope you all had an incredible Thanksgiving. The last week of the regular season is here (pretty sad about it), and all week I’ve been building up some good old-fashioned hate with our 4th-ranked Dawgs set to take on the 23rd-ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a matchup that could cause a bit of a shake-up in the CFP rankings. A few weeks ago, this game was shaping up to be one of, if not the biggest, games of rivalry week. But considering the Yellow Jackets have been on a bit of a decline in their last three games, losing two of their last three and barely surviving against a one-win Boston College, the hype surrounding this game has quieted down a bit if you’re not a Georgia or Tech fan. On the other hand, Georgia is the hottest team in college football right now as they’ve continued to put together complete performances and look to carry that momentum into the postseason. Today’s game is scheduled for 3:30, with kickoff likely around 3:45, and will be aired on ABC.

Before we get into the matchup itself, I want to touch on the SEC Championship race and what needs to happen for the Dawgs to get in. Today’s game against Tech could be Georgia’s last for a couple of weeks if Texas A&M takes care of business tonight against Texas and Alabama wins at Auburn tomorrow. If either team loses, Georgia is in the SEC Championship. If A&M wins and Bama loses, Georgia will play A&M, and Alabama is out of the CFP picture. If Bama wins and A&M loses, Georgia will get a rematch with the Tide in Atlanta, while A&M would still make the Playoff. If both Bama and A&M lose, then Georgia will face Ole Miss in a rematch, assuming the Rebels take care of business against Mississippi State today at noon. With all that being said, there’s a lot to keep an eye on today and tomorrow.

Alright, let’s get to it. For Georgia to be successful today and earn the win, the defense has to stop Haynes King. King is the true definition of a dual-threat quarterback, leading Tech in both passing and rushing with 3,399 total yards and 27 touchdowns. Not many players, especially quarterbacks, have been able to match Georgia’s physicality on defense in recent weeks, but Haynes King is the lone exception. He is as gritty and physical as they come at the quarterback position, and even as a Georgia fan, I love the way he plays. Because of that, Georgia must bring their best, slow him down, and avoid being out-physicaled. The Dawgs’ defense will once again be without C.J. Allen, which could present a challenge on designed quarterback runs. However, guys like Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole have stepped up in the linebacker room, and I believe they’ll continue to do so.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Dawgs’ offense has continued to shine and put together methodical, successful drives. Georgia has scored 35+ in each of its last three games, and Mike Bobo has continued to be in his bag as a play-caller. For the Yellow Jackets, their defense started the season solid, but production has dipped in recent weeks. They’ve allowed 34+ in each of their last three games, and they haven’t faced an offense anywhere near Georgia’s level. Tech ranks near the bottom nationally in several key defensive categories: 77th in points allowed, 107th in total defense, 105th in pass defense, and 96th in rush defense. Combine those numbers with the talent and execution Georgia has shown on offense, and there’s no reason the Dawgs shouldn’t put up 35+ again today.

Prediction: Georgia-42 Georgia Tech-24

I believe this will be a gritty game and a battle of wills for much of the afternoon. That said, I trust Georgia’s physicality and depth to provide an edge in limiting Haynes King and the Yellow Jackets. The Dawgs must get off the field on third down; they can’t allow Tech to sustain long, 6+ minute drives. If they do, this game could look very different. I expect Georgia’s offense to stay successful, though Tech’s defense will likely play very physically. Ultimately, I think Georgia has too much depth and too much talent for the Yellow Jackets to keep up for four quarters.

Enjoy your Friday, and have an incredible weekend. As always, GO DAWGS!!!