Kirby Smart explains rivalry with Georgia Tech

For the 117th time, Georgia and Georgia Tech are set to face off in Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. A rivalry dating back to 1893, there is a ton of history between the two. While it was once considered a conference showdown, it’s now part of the annual ACC-SEC rivalry showdown at the end of the season.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was asked to describe the rivalry, emphasizing the importance of playing an in-state opponent. With only two Power Five schools being present in the Peach State, you can consider this one a championship game of sorts. Smart wants to make sure the Bulldogs are keeping the bragging rights for another year.

“Geographically, they’re close,” Smart said. “They’re in our state. You’re playing for something every time you play them. You’re playing for a state championship and I think that’s always important. They do a good job… A lot of respect for Brent (Key) and the job they do.”

Only once has Georgia Tech been able to beat Georgia, occurring during Smart’s first season in Athens. Since then, it’s been pure domination for the two-time national champion head coach, winning five straight by an average of 33.6 points per game.

Georgia Tech has improved this season though, with Brent Key taking over the program and already earning bowl eligibility. Three out of the last four games have resulted in wins for the Yellow Jackets, including beating then-No. 17-ranked North Carolina. Georgia will be getting an improved squad in Atlanta this season.

Entering the game, Smart is going to make sure his team’s mindset remains the same. Keeping faceless opponents has been important for Georgia throughout their impressive winning streak. In Smart’s eyes, it’s up to the fans to decide which games mean more to them.

“It’s the next opponent,” Smart said. “I don’t rank them any higher than anybody else because I look at all the games as rivalries. I let everybody else debate what’s the highest. I don’t get into those comparisons.”

Georgia is a pretty hefty favorite, even with the game taking place at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Currently the No. 1 team in the country per the College Football Playoff rankings, the Bulldogs will be looking to retain that status heading into the SEC Championship game vs. Alabama.

But if anybody will be looking to play spoiler and get a massive win for their program, it’s Georgia Tech and Key. With kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta, hopefully Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate will deliver another classic.