For the first time in 30 years, Sanford Stadium hosts a Georgia football game on a day other than Saturday.
The Bulldogs face their in-state rival, Georgia Tech, in their first Friday matchup since 1994.
“It’s the last home night game and the final home game of the season,” said center Jared Wilson. “Hopefully, it’s loud and fun, just like on Saturdays.”
Although there’s still a chance that the 9-2 Bulldogs could host a playoff game, their full attention is on this showdown.
“To me, it’s like an in-state championship,” said inside linebacker CJ Allen, a Lamar County High graduate from Barnesville. “I never won a championship in high school, so this feels like my state championship.”
Ranked No. 8 in the coaches poll and No. 7 in the CFP rankings, Georgia maintained their routine during the holiday week. They treated Thanksgiving like a typical Friday before a game, enjoying a team meal and shifting their usual Wednesday practice to Tuesday.
“This is the kind of game where you strap it on, strike somebody in the mouth, and focus on your keys and fits,” said head coach Kirby Smart. “Both sides know what’s at stake.”