Georgia football's trenches have a big test this week against Georgia Tech

Thanksgiving week is an annual meeting of family and traditions. The opposite is occurring in college football. It is an annual meeting of two college football teams, but this week it is " Clean Old-Fashioned Hate".

This year's Georgia football vs. Georgia Tech rivalry game will be their 118th overall meeting, and while UGA is used to beating their in-state rivals, the Yellow Jackets may be a dangerous swarm this year.

The Yellow Jackets are (7-4) this season with two top ten wins under their belt. Second year head coach Brent Key leads them and brings a physical run game with a scrappy overall mindset. Running back Jamal Hayes and QB Haynes King provide a majority of Georgia Tech's rushing attack while freshman QB Aaron Philo will provide a different look at times as he played last week and gave the offense a different dimension.

But the thing that could challenge Kirby Smart and Georgia the most are the Yellow Jackets' trenches. And the data backs that up.

Per NCAA Statistics on GT offense:

1. Ranked 2nd in Sacks Allowed

2. Ranked 33rd in Tackles for Loss Allowed

3. Ranked 43rd in Completion Percentage

Georgia's defensive front has to prevent Georgia Tech from establishing the run. Tech's offensive line is very good this year and they want to play smash mouth football. Per Georgia Tech Athletics, the Yellow Jackets have rushed for over 100 yards in every game that they have won this year. This game likely will be full of exotic run plays and plenty of run-pass options to keep UGA's defense on its heels.

Georgia's offensive line on the other hand also faces a tough challenge on their side of the ball as well. Georgia Tech's defense is led by Defensive Coordinator Tyler Santucci, and while they don't have an all-american on their squad, they are physical and create timely turnovers. Santucci likes to pressure and play man coverage so protection from Georgia's offensive line will be key.

Per NCAA Statistics on GT defense:

4. Ranked 11th in Third Down Conversion Percentage

5. Ranked 30th in First Down Defense

6. Ranked 32nd in Run Defense

7. Ranked 4th in country with Blocked Kicks (5)

The Georgia Tech defense has provided sparks for the offense in major ways all season long, and Georgia's offensive line has to be prepared for this solid Yellow Jackets pass rush. The offensive line has rebounded since the Ole Miss loss, but they need to be dominant again this week and the Georgia Tech defense will be a good opportunity to show they are prepared for the SEC Championship game next weekend.