Georgia @ Georgia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 27, 2010 ) Georgia Tech 34, Georgia 42

THE STORY: Motivation will not be an issue for either No. 14 Georgia or No. 21 Georgia Tech when the two in-state rivals meet at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. The Bulldogs are one of the hottest teams in the country, having won nine games in a row since starting the season 0-2. Georgia clinched the SEC East Division last week and awaits LSU, Arkansas or Alabama in next weekend’s SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. The Yellow Jackets rebounded from a loss against Virginia Tech that eliminated Tech from the ACC Coastal Division title chase, winning 38-31 at Duke.

Much like everything else between Georgia and Tech, the series history sparks debate. Georgia claims it leads 61-37-5, not counting two Tech wins in 1943-44. Tech naturally counts the two victories, saying the series record is 61-39-5. Georgia has won nine of the past 10 meetings.

TV: ESPN, ESPN3.com. LINE: Georgia -6.5.

ABOUT GEORGIA (9-2, 7-1 SEC): Georgia played perhaps its worst game in two months last week, scoring just one offensive touchdown and posting a season-low in points scored in a 19-10 victory over Kentucky in Athens. With leading rusher Isaiah Crowell out after the first series with an injured ankle, and second-leading rusher Carlton Thomas not in uniform, the Bulldogs got 101 yards rushing from Brandon Harton. Both Crowell and Thomas are expected to play this week. Georgia’s defense ranks fourth in the nation, and figures to provide a strong challenge for Tech’s triple-option attack.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (8-3, 5-3 ACC): The Yellow Jackets run the ball as well as any team in the nation. Tech ranks second in the country in rushing offense (323.5 yards) and 17th in points scored (36.5). The Yellow Jackets rushed for five touchdowns last week against Duke. Quarterback Tevin Washington rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown, and passed for 185 yards. Tech leads the ACC and ranks 23rd nationally in passing defense, but gave up season highs in pass completions, attempts and touchdowns last week.

EXTRA POINTS:
1. Longtime Georgia broadcaster Larry Munson died Sunday at age 89. Munson called Georgia games from 1966-2008.
2. Georgia gave up 512 yards of total offense to Tech last year, but held on for a 42-34 victory in Athens.
3. A victory would give Tech nine wins for the third time in four years under coach Paul Johnson.

PREDICTION: Georgia 24, Georgia Tech 17 – The Bulldogs’ defense will stop the Yellow Jackets’ triple option just enough for Georgia to edge its in-state rival.