Ranking The Georgia Bulldogs’ Football Rivalries
By John Buhler
When a school’s football team has taken to the gridiron every fall since 1892, heated rivalries develop through decades of hard-fought battles. The Georgia Bulldogs have certainly made their enemies as a founding member of the Southeastern Conference and as a perennial power in the region. Let’s take a look at Georgia’s ten fiercest football rivalries.
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) tackles Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (16) during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1. Florida Gators (49-41-2)
The Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators hate each other so much that both teams have agreed to meet in Jacksonville annually, as one of the last remaining neutral site affairs (Oklahoma-Texas and Arkansas-Texas A&M are the only other two I can think of). Formerly known as The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, the Dawgs and the Gators duke it out for the Okefenokee Oar every Halloween weekend. This yearly contest coincides with Fall Break for both states’ flagship universities.
The winner of this game usually has a leg up on their arch rival towards capturing the SEC East divisional crown. This rivalry game for the Dawgs is often used to take the temperature of a Georgia Bulldogs’ season: Did you beat Florida or not? I’m looking forward to the next chapter of this historic rivalry as UF’s new HC Jim McElwain begins his time in Gainesville for the Gators.
Nov 29, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs past Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets linebacker Quayshawn Nealy (54) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
1a. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (64-40-5)
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate takes center stage in the state of Georgia every Thanksgiving weekend. These bitter ACC/SEC rivals fight for bragging rights in their state. The animosity felt by Tech fans towards UGA is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This is truly a must-win affair each fall as the loser won’t hear the end of it until the next season’s game begins.
In the new era of the College Football Playoff, UGA and GT will continue their inter-conference battle royal as it’s beneficial to both sides to have an annual Power 5 opponent in the non-conference. The last two games between the Dawgs and the Jackets have gone to overtime with the visitor coming away with the victory. Let’s hope the trend continues in 2015, Dawg Nation!
Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) reacts after sacking Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
1b. Auburn Tigers (55-55-8)
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers is also one of the SEC’s most evenly matched. Georgia’s first game against the Tigers came all the back in 1892 and they continue to meet annually. This rivalry along with Alabama-Tennessee has kept the much debated yearly cross-divisional opponent part of the SEC schedule intact despite expansion in 2012.
Whether AU or UGA tee it up Between the Hedges or on The Plains, expect this rivalry to not go away any time soon. Under Gus Malzahn’s leadership this secondary rivalry has come to the forefront each of the last two seasons. The Dawgs will make the trek to The Plains this fall looking to build on a commanding win over the Tigers last November.