Ranking The Georgia Bulldogs’ Football Rivalries

Sep 13, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Brandon Wilds (22) dives for extra yardage past Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Lorenzo Carter (7) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

2. South Carolina Gamecocks (47-18-2)

Since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1992, UGA and USC have normally faced off in early September as both schools’ first conference game.  Though heavily in Georgia’s favor for the first decade of this Border War, South Carolina has won four of five over the Dawgs in as many seasons.

Steve Spurrier returned to the SEC from a rough two-year experiment in the NFL to lead South Carolina to national prominence. Spurrier always seems to get under Mark Richt’s skin.  Richt struggles to get his team fired up when they go to Columbia every other year.  The lethal combination of roosters crowing and Sandstorm blasting makes Williams-Brice Stadium one of college football’s most hostile environments.  Hopefully the Dawgs can beat the Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium on September 19th.

Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Lorenzo Carter (7) hits Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nathan Peterman (12) as he releases the ball during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

3. Tennessee Volunteers (21-21-2)

This rivalry dominates the Chattanooga metropolitan area daily.  Since becoming divisional foes in 1992, this series has experienced long winning streaks by both schools and evening out to a draw last fall.  Weird stuff always happens in this game and regardless of each program’s current state, the battle between the Dawgs and the Vols is usually close.  The Georgia Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them when they head to Knoxville to take on the up-and-coming 2015 Tennessee Volunteers.  Let’s hope for the Hobnail Boot Sequel to play out in 2015!

Aug 30, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Amarlo Herrera (52) reacts with cornerback Damian Swann (5) after a sack against the Clemson Tigers during the fourth quarter at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Clemson 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

4. Clemson Tigers (42-18-4)

In the 70’s and 80’s, Georgia and Clemson met almost annually.  Their proximity to one another often leads to fierce recruiting battles.  Georgia edged out Clemson for Herschel Walker back in 1980.  Both schools won National Titles during this rivalry’s peak (Georgia 1980, Clemson 1981).  Many consider Commerce, GA as the dividing line between the Dawgs and Tigers’ territory.

UGA and Clemson renewed their rivalry with a home-and-away series in 2013-14 with the home team winning both contests.  It’s hard to fit Clemson on the schedule yearly with eight conference games and Tech as annual requirements.  Hopefully both schools’ athletic directors can find a way to keep this rivalry going intermittently.