The storied Georgia-Georgia Tech football rivalry, one of the most anticipated matchups in college football, is set to return in a unique way in 2025. For the first time in recent memory, the game will be held on a Friday, adding a fresh dynamic to the rivalry that has captivated fans for over a century.
Rivalry History
The Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry, often referred to as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” is one of the longest-running rivalries in college football. It dates back to 1893, with both teams competing fiercely every year to assert state supremacy. Georgia and Georgia Tech, located just 70 miles apart in the heart of the state, have been at odds on the football field for more than 130 years. The rivalry has seen many memorable moments, including hard-hitting games, dramatic finishes, and intense postseason implications.
Georgia, the University of Georgia (UGA), is a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), while Georgia Tech is an established team in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The annual clash has often been pivotal in deciding conference standings and has added layers of excitement as both teams battle not only for a win but for state pride.
Friday Game in 2025
The decision to play the Georgia-Georgia Tech game on a Friday in 2025 has sparked significant conversation in the college football world. Historically, this rivalry has been a Saturday tradition, played at the end of the regular season in late November. However, with the changing landscape of college football scheduling, including a growing trend of Friday night games, the two programs and their conferences decided to make this move.
The game is expected to air in a prime time television slot, likely bringing national attention to a rivalry game that already has a passionate fanbase. For Georgia Tech, this game offers an opportunity to showcase its team on a stage that could be more conducive to the national spotlight. For Georgia, it will be another chance to assert dominance over its in-state rival in front of a larger, more energized audience.
Impact of the Friday Game
Playing this rivalry on a Friday could have several impacts, both positive and negative, for both teams and the sport in general:
- Increased Viewership: The move to Friday night football is a deliberate attempt to capitalize on the limited number of high-profile matchups available. With fewer college football games scheduled on Fridays, the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry could attract a larger national audience, as fans of other teams will tune in for this exciting clash.
- Increased Rivalry Intensity: The rivalry between Georgia and Georgia Tech is already one of the fiercest in the country. Playing on a Friday, perhaps under the lights in prime time, adds an additional layer of intensity and excitement. Fans of both teams will be eager to turn out in full force to support their squads.
- Potential Challenges for Scheduling: While Friday games offer increased exposure, they can also present challenges in terms of fan attendance and player preparation. With Georgia Tech’s location in Atlanta and Georgia’s massive fan base across the state, the usual Saturday game day experience will be affected. The Friday scheduling may pose difficulties for families who typically attend the game on Saturdays.
- National Impact on the Playoff Picture: The rivalry game has occasionally had major implications on the College Football Playoff race. With the game moving to a Friday, the results will have more of an impact on a broader national scale, especially if one or both teams are competing for a high bowl game or playoff spot.
- Recruiting Advantages: Playing the game on a Friday night gives both Georgia and Georgia Tech a chance to showcase their programs to recruits across the country. With national TV exposure and a large stadium, this could be an excellent opportunity to highlight both schools to the next generation of college football talent.
What to Expect in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, both Georgia and Georgia Tech are expected to have strong teams. Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has solidified itself as one of the premier programs in college football, consistently competing for national championships. The Bulldogs will likely enter the game with high expectations, possibly aiming for another playoff berth.
On the other hand, Georgia Tech, under its coaching staff, will look to pull off an upset and assert its place in the state rivalry. While Georgia Tech has not been as consistently competitive in recent years, the Yellow Jackets always play the Bulldogs tough, and a Friday night game provides an opportunity for the team to step up on a bigger stage.