As we head into this Friday’s game between Georgia and Georgia Tech, there are a few things that are causing me concern, even though the odds seem stacked in Georgia’s favor. While I fully believe the Bulldogs should win, these three factors give me pause and could make this a trickier matchup than expected.
1. Georgia Tech’s Confidence and Momentum
Georgia Tech is coming into this game with a lot of confidence—perhaps more than they should have. After all, they’ve managed to be a thorn in Georgia’s side in recent years, and with a new, reinvigorated coaching staff, their mindset could be one of optimism and boldness. Tech might be walking into Sanford Stadium with “pruning shears in hand,” looking to chop down the mighty Bulldogs. The Yellow Jackets have been competitive lately, pulling off some impressive wins. This sense of cockiness could drive them to play above their heads, fueled by the idea that they can take down a Georgia team that might be distracted or complacent. Georgia Tech knows this is a prime opportunity to spoil Georgia’s season and put a dent in their College Football Playoff hopes, and they’ll likely be playing with nothing to lose.
2. UGA’s Defensive Vulnerabilities
The Bulldogs’ defense has been nothing short of spectacular this season, but their performance against the run recently has me worried. Specifically, Georgia’s defense allowed over 200 rushing yards against Tennessee, which is not something we’re accustomed to seeing from a Kirby Smart-led defense. With Tech’s option attack and a solid running back unit, the Bulldogs’ defensive front will have to step up big time to prevent the Yellow Jackets from controlling the clock and putting up points on the ground. The loss of some key defenders to injury, and the fact that Georgia hasn’t been as dominant in the run game as we’d expect, raises red flags. A team like Georgia Tech, who thrives on the ground game, could exploit these cracks in Georgia’s defense and keep the game closer than we want it to be.
3. The Friday Game Factor
Playing on a Friday in Sanford Stadium feels borderline sacrilegious. There’s something about the rhythm of the season that just isn’t quite right with a Friday night game. It’s a short turnaround for Georgia, who has had just two days less to prepare than usual, while Tech has had the normal week to get ready. Short preparation times have been known to cause teams to be a little less sharp, and that could give Tech an edge early on in the game. Georgia also has a huge SEC Championship Game looming in the distance, and it’s easy to imagine that the Bulldogs might have one eye on that matchup instead of being fully focused on their in-state rival. This Friday night game sets the stage for potential distractions—be it looking ahead or simply adjusting to a non-traditional game week—that could throw Georgia off its game, especially early in the contest.
While I’m not overly concerned, these three factors—Georgia Tech’s confidence, Georgia’s recent defensive struggles, and the odd Friday schedule—have me on edge. The Bulldogs need to come out focused and sharp from the opening whistle. If they do, they should win. But if they let Tech hang around and underestimate their rival, the game could be more of a challenge than it should be. Let’s hope that the Bulldogs are ready to prove the doubters wrong and avoid any potential upset.
Be the first to comment