Kirby Smart describes what rivalry with Tennessee means to Georgia

No. 6 Georgia travels to No. 15 Tennessee for this year’s installment of their annual rivalry matchup. Held annually since 1992, it serves as a highly-anticipated matchup for both programs every year.

The Bulldogs have won eight in a row against the Volunteers and lead the series 29–23–2 all-time. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart revealed his perspective on the long-standing rivalry game, which was first played in 1899.

“It’s a historic rivalry, because it’s been so many years played over time, and it’s a lot of big games,” Smart said. “A lot of big games during Coach Richt’s era, and Coach Donnan’s era, been a lot of big games played between Tennessee and Georgia. Not a lot more I can say than that. All those border wars are big time rivalries.” 

Smart also pointed out how the Georgia fanbase is spread out across the state, so some games may mean more to others depending on where they live. After all, the state of Georgia borders states with SEC teams like Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.

The Bulldogs will play seven games during the regular season against teams that neighbor the state of Georgia. That includes matchups against Tennessee, Alabama and Auburn, as well as Florida this season. They’re set to travel to Knoxville to play the Volunteers on Saturday. Georgia will be idle in Week 4 before hosting Alabama on Sept. 27.

“There’s so many rivalries because of our state,” Smart said. “It’s an area in Georgia geographically that it’s obviously the most important primary opponent we play. You talk to somebody in South Georgia or West Georgia, it may not feel the same way, but they all have their passion and energy.”

Kickoff between the Bulldogs and Volunteers is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will air live on ABC and the ESPN app. Georgia is a 3.5-point betting favorite over Tennessee, according to BetMGM. The over/under is set at 49.5 total points.

Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, the Bulldogs will have to turn around and host the Crimson Tide after a bye week. With matchups against Auburn, Ole Miss, Florida and Texas looming down the stretch, Smart had a parting message to his squad before they take the field on Saturday.

“Just live in the moment,” he said. “I don’t get ahead of myself. There’s going to be big games after this one. … Welcome to the SEC.”