Georgia @ Georgia Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 24, 2012 ) Georgia Tech 10, Georgia 42

Georgia begins the post-Aaron Murray era two games sooner than expected when the Bulldogs travel to in-state rival Georgia Tech on Saturday. Murray, the Bulldogs’ senior quarterback who had started 52 consecutive games, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in last week’s 59-17 victory over Kentucky and will miss the remainder of the season. Junior Hutson Mason, who passed for 189 yards and a touchdown in relief of Murray against Kentucky, gets his first career start.

The Yellow Jackets rank fourth nationally in rushing per game (316.1), but will be challenged by a Georgia rush defense that has surrendered only 138.1 yards per contest. Georgia Tech throttled overmatched Alabama A&M last week 66-7, rebounding from an ugly 55-31 loss at Clemson. The Yellow Jackets have lost six in a row at home to Georgia dating to 1999.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Georgia -3

ABOUT GEORGIA (7-4, 5-3 SEC): The Bulldogs average 37.9 points but injuries have derailed preseason hopes of contending for a national championship - and Georgia obviously will be hindered without Murray, who holds SEC records for total offense, passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Running back Todd Gurley, who missed three games with an ankle injury, has rushed for 781 yards and seven touchdowns. Georgia has allowed 30 or more points seven times in 11 games.

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (7-4, 5-3 ACC): Robert Godhigh drives the Yellow Jackets’ powerful rushing attack, which features three 1,000-yard career rushers (David Sims, Zach Laskey, Godhigh) and will add a fourth if quarterback Vad Lee gains 30 yards Saturday. The Yellow Jackets are 17th nationally in yards allowed per game (342.6) and are allowing 23.2 points, their best showing since 2009. Georgia Tech is 10th nationally in rush defense (104.2).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Georgia Tech (and the NCAA) says Georgia leads the series 63-39-5; Georgia says the series is 63-37-5.

2. Murray passed for 738 yards and nine touchdowns in his three career matchups with Georgia Tech.

3. Saturday is only the second time since 1996 that both teams come into the meeting unranked.

PREDICTION: Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 27