Fans and critics alike are focused on the big home games Georgia plays against Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas as potential losses for Georgia this season. But with former offensive analyst Buster Faulkner now the offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, the danger of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate lurks at Thanksgiving to trip up the Bulldogs.
Kirby Smart and Georgia currently have a seven-game win streak against Georgia Tech. This win streak almost didn’t exist, but the Bulldogs barely escaped a loss in an epic eight-overtime win during the 2024 season. It was in that game that Faulkner's prowess shown brightly as Tech lit up the usually stout Georgia defense for 563 yards in total offense. Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King also exploded for 303 passing yards and two touchdowns, which almost never happens against UGA.
The bad news for Georgia fans is that King returns this season, and Faulkner is hitting his stride as their offensive coordinator. Also, the Yellowjackets return nine offensive starters, including running back Jamal Hayes and wide receiver Malik Rutherford, who want nothing more than to get their revenge against Georgia this season.
Georgia's dominance could be challenged by Georgia Tech
Georgia lost to Tech in Smart's second season by one single point, so he doesn't have a perfect record in this tense rivalry. Last year's marathon game was also a clear statement that Georgia Tech is no longer a pushover under head coach Brent Key. And now, Faulkner knows what works against the Bulldogs and will leverage that against a new, younger defense this season.
With the Tech game coming after a tough slog through heavyweight opponents, there could be key injuries and a worn out team by the end of November for UGA. But this is also the coach who won back-to-back national championships and has top recruiting classes every year, so perhaps Smart's new mantra, "Fire, Passion, Energy," will carry the momentum needed to overcome all challengers in 2025.
One thing is for certain, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be the center of football fandom in the state of Georgia over the Thanksgiving holiday. The good news though is that this neutral site game will likely feel like a home game for the Bulldogs as Georgia fans support their team against their hated rival, former staffers included.