Who Will Win - UGA Football or Georgia Tech? Rivalry Week Picks are Here!
Real Georgia Fans Don’t Miss the Dawg Post Newsletter - Sign up now!
ATHENS - Kirby Smart and No. 4 UGA football are headed back to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2025 edition of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. Here is what will happen this weekend for the Dawgs and all over college football... according to the Dawg Post crew.
No. 6 Ole Miss (-7.5) at Mississippi State | ABC | 12:00 PM, Friday
Matt’s Pick: One of the “must watch” games every season. The 2025 Egg Bowl should be another fun one this year in Starkville. The hatred is real and the chaos is constant. With all the drama surrounding Lane Kiffin, a true Egg Bowl would end in a big State victory. However, I just can’t see it happening. This State team has completely fallen apart and the Rebels can still lit up the scoreboard. They did not look great against the Gators, but they should be well-rested and ready for this massive in-state rivalry. I think State hangs in there as long as they can, but the Rebels cruise in the second half. Ole Miss (-7.5).
Ryan’s Pick: I don’t like it. Lane Kiffin’s big announcement is coming after this game. What is it and is his drama a big distraction to the team? All of that and the stupidity that this game brings makes me want to take State. I just can’t. Ole Miss’ offense has too mich juice for the Bulldogs to handle. I have Ole Miss (-7.5).
Dean’s Pick: I look forward to watching this game each year, but I won't be about to do much of that this season. I will be getting ready for Tech-Georgia at the Dome, and it is hard to watch the game before your game. This is such a strange rivalry. These two can not stand one another less. The hate is real, and after seeing both fanbases in person this season I have to say they could not be less like one another. And that's strange considering they are from the same place. Lane Kiffin's likely departure to LSU 24 hours after this game makes this one even stranger, and I have seen some strange Egg Bowls. State can't stop anyone - give me the Rebs (-7.5) to cover.
No. 3 Texas A&M (-2.5) at No. 17 Texas | ABC | 7:30 PM, Friday
Matt’s Pick: I don’t trust Aggies still, but I still don’t really like this Texas team. I don’t care that they hung 50+ points on Arkansas. They still can’t run the ball and Arch Manning could have his hands full against that Aggie defense. If Marcel Reed can limit the turnovers and distribute the ball efficiently to his playmaking wideouts, I think they could be tough to beat. I don’t expect the atmosphere to have much of an impact. I think this will be a four-quarter game, but I think A&M is just better. They don’t feel like the same old Aggies. This game means everything to them and I think they’ll get the job done. Texas A&M (-2.5).
Ryan’s Pick: It is difficult deciding how much to weigh in the mental side of these rivalry games compared to how much I weigh in what I have seen this year. What I have seen this year tells me that Texas A&M is the better football team with plenty of experience winning tight games. The mental side tells me that Texas is going to win this rivalry game at home at night. It feels like the Aggies are bound to slip up. I’ll take the Texas (+2.5) cover. I still have hearing damage from the cannons at that stadium.
Dean’s Pick: I will attempt to get back to Athens for the conclusion of this one, but that's unlikely considering all of the post-game things I will have to handle in Atlanta. This is another rivalry game that is worthy of your attention. I'm going to take Texas (+2.5) getting that handful of points at home against an A&M team that's not overly steady. No outcome in this game should be surprising. For so long the Aggies have lived in Texas' shadow - and now the Horns have a chance to take big bite out of A&M's season.
No. 1 Ohio State (-10.5) at No. 18 Michigan | FOX | 12:00 PM
Matt’s Pick: Oh boy. The Buckeyes and Wolverines in Ann Arbor. I really want to take Michigan here. They’ve got Ohio State’s number and that’s a lot of points they’re getting at home. This Michigan team isn’t bad, but I just can’t see true freshman Bryce Underwood doing much against that Buckeye defense. I don’t like that matchup for Michigan at all. I think they’ll hang with Ohio State physically, but I think the Buckeyes are the better, more talented team. They absolutely can’t lose to Michigan for a 5th year in a row. I think Ohio State’s defense steps up in a big way and the offense scores enough to get the cover. This is the year Ohio State turns it around. Ohio State (-10.5).
Ryan’s Pick: You cannot lose this game if you are Ohio State. Playoffs and B1G Championship game aside, this is a must-win. Ohio State has been the better team and lost this a couple of times in this four game stretch. I think that comes to an end on Saturday.
Ohio State is more talented overall and has the better top end talent. The Buckeye defense has been the best in the sport all season. True freshman Bryce Underwood is going to have some real problems, I suspect.
I just feel revenge here, and I feel a cover for Ohio State (-10.5).
Dean’s Pick: Here we go on this deal. The hype train has not yet gotten out of control on this contest, but I'm writing this early in the week. This is a good rivalry, but for me it has always been overrated. It is probably the premier rivalry in college football - certainly the most-watched - I think the passion for this game is a big deal, but I have been to rivalries in the South that are bitter and ugly. The Egg Bowl. The Iron Bowl. Shoot, Clemson-Carolina. Those are nasty beefs. Ohio State-Michigan is a big game between two schools with massive fanbases. That's the draw. But is it more passionate than down here? I wouldn't immediately say that at all. Again, the Iron and Egg Bowls are something to behold. I wouldn't undersell Georgia-Florida, or the Third Saturday in October, either.
As it relates to the game - what do we know about Ohio State? That's my issue here. I do think they are the best team in the nation, but it is hard to make that proclamation and back it up. Why? The Buckeyes have played some really bad teams over the last six weeks. They should be killing people - and they are. But the win over Texas to start the season... that doesn't look like it was supposed to. Georgia throttled Texas in Athens... Ohio State won by a score. Are these things the same thing?
Michigan, with its double-digit loss to Oklahoma in tow, will be one judge of where the Buckeyes are. But my guess is that we won't know what Ohio State is actually like until they play an elimination game. Give me Michigan (+10.5) because they are at home, and the hook. Ohio State wins the game.
No. 7 Oregon (-6.5) at Washington | CBS | 3:30 PM
Matt’s Pick: Dan Lanning is in a bad mood right now and that’s bad news for Washington. The Ducks now have two relevant wins over Iowa and USC. They’re a good team, but I don’t know if they’re a great team. However, they do have a quarterback and I think he’ll lead the Ducks to a close victory on the road. It won’t be easy, but I think Oregon gets out of Seattle with a 7-10 point win. They’re playing well at the right time and get cover. Ducks (-6.5).
Ryan’s Pick: I think Washington has some real players, and that going up there and leaving with a win will not be an easy task for the Ducks. Oregon is the better football team. I think the Ducks got a tough draw at the beginning of the season with some key injuries. BUT, they lost their opportunity to be considered the best team in the country with that home loss to Indiana where the offense really struggled to score.
I like Oregon’s offense. I think Dante Moore is the most talented passer in college football right now. I am going with Oregon (-6.5).
Dean’s Pick: Dan Lanning is out here chirping about Chattanooga State.
Dan... not only is Chattanooga not a state, Chattanooga State is a community college. But the traffic there is totally insane. First, the SEC had five ranked teams playing in four league games on Saturday. We need to quit the narrative that the SEC takes this week off each yer.
Second, A&M, Texas, Ole Miss, State and Georgia all play a day early. So it is understandable that they wouldn't play overly difficult games - or games at all Saturday. Finally, the Big Ten sucks. It is pretty much the ACC with Ohio State, which is to say that it is the ACC of the 1990s with Florida State. Purdue, UCLA, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Maryland, Rutgers... when half of your league is horrible/bad... then when the 7-4 and 6-5 contingent of you league has losses to Cal, Penn State and Tulane... just stop, bro.
You know better than this. The top of the Big Ten, which includes your Ducks, is quality. But that's it. Serious question: Would Washington beat Kentucky?
Give me the Ducks (-6.5) to cover the line against UW, but I am not amused.
No. 14 Vanderbilt (+2.5) at No. 20 Tennessee | ESPN | 3:30 PM
Matt’s Pick: I can’t wait to watch this one. Maybe the biggest Tennessee/Vandy game of all time? I still think the Vols are a good football team, and Vegas has them favored for a reason, but I think this one’s a toss up. I can absolutely see the ‘Dores pulling this one out, but I think Tennessee’s playing well right now. This is still a successful season in Knoxville if they get this win. I think their offense is rolling and I think their defense will step up and play well at home. Give me the Vols to win a wild, shootout game that comes down to the end. Tennessee (-2.5).
Ryan’s Pick: I think this could end up being a really fun one to watch, especially if you like offense. If Diego Pavia puts on an incredible performance and Vanderbilt wins, there is no question he will be invited to New York as a Heisman finalist, and he might even be without a win.
I don't think they will win. I have Tennessee (-2.5) covering this line at home. That place is going to be rocking.
Dean’s Pick: The loser of this game is going to be insufferable. Tennessee really should lose this game, but why are they favored? Vanderbilt sure seems like the better overall team. But the Vols put together a very solid performance in the Swamp. I bet Tennessee gained some confidence from the win down there - even if the Gators are a full-on mess. I will take Tennessee (-2.5). I will also sell seeing Antoinette Padilla on TV anymore. Diego Pavia is amazing. Its enough already with the mom.
No. 10 Alabama (-5.5) at Auburn | ABC | 7:30 PM
Matt’s Pick: Depending on where my kids are and if I have any responsibilities, this will be the time of the day where I open my first beverage of the day. This Auburn team stinks, but you can never count them out completely when this game is played on the Plains. Alabama should win this game and they should cover if they truly are a top-12 team. The Tigers will have true freshman Deuce Knight out there for his first SEC start. Against Alabama. I think the kid’s talented, but he’s bound for several mistakes in this one. The Auburn defense will keep them in this game, but I just don’t see them being able to score with the Tide. I expect a four-starter game, but the Tide roll late. Alabama (-5.5).
Ryan’s Pick: h man. Nick Saban was right about Jordan-Hare Stadium being cursed. This kick being at night makes it even more inevitable. Alabama is not playing its best football right now. Auburn has a new quarterback and an interim coach. Throw all of that out. This is the Iron Bow, and it is at Auburn. I think Auburn (+5.5) covers but Alabama wins a classic.
Dean’s Pick: There is certainly an undercurrent out there that Auburn could win an upset this year in the Iron Bowl. I'm not sure I am ready to go there right now. But there are three things that are concerning about this game for Alabama.
First, the Tide just isn't playing well right now. Second, Bama can't run; and Auburn and stop the run... that's not a good combination. Finally, this game is at Auburn. The Tigers don't win this game very often, but when they do it is at Jordan-Hare. In fact, this game has been an Auburn win or has come down to the final play of the game each game in Auburn except the 2015 edition of the game, a 29-13 Bama win.
It is a tough place to play, but usually Alabama gets out alive. I think they will this time as well, but I'll grab the points. Give me Auburn (+5.5).
Clemson (+2.5) at South Carolina | ESPN | 12:00 PM
Matt’s Pick: This game last year was absolutely wild. One of the ages. But this year we’ve got two losers going at it to determine the state’s biggest loser. Will Dabo Swinney and the Tigers get it done on the road? It’s been a season to forget, but a big win gives the Clemson fans something to smile about. I don’t trust Carolina’s offense one bit, but they’ve been through the gauntlet this year. They’ve hung with teams better than Clemson. I have no idea who comes out on top, but I’m rolling with the home team. They may be the Atlanta Falcons, but the Falcons can still beat the Saints, and the Cocks can still beat Clemson. Give me the SEC team at home. South Carolina (-2.5).
Ryan’s Pick: This game last year was one of the most entertaining of the season. LaNorri Sellers made some of the best scramble drill plays that I have ever seen to win that game.
Clemson has been a disaster. They have to go on the road to face a better (I think) South Carolina team that has been more battle tested. I’ll take the Gamecocks (-2.5).
Dean’s Pick: I was kind of surprised to see that Clemson was the underdog in this game, but then I remember as bad at the Cocks' season has been - the Taters' has probably been worse. Outside of FSU-Florida, I am not sure there is a rivalry game this season with two teams more disappointed in their coaches and programs. Remember that after week one of the season Florida (13), FSU (14), Clemson (8) and South Carolina (10) weren't just all ranked - they were viewed as teams with a shot to get to the playoff. They are a combined 18-26 this year.
There was a fan at the Furman-Clemson game over the weekend that had a sign with Shane Beamer on it that read: "I'll be home for Christmas." But Shane could be at home opening his 3rd win in four seasons over the Tigers...
We would be approaching freakout time for Clemson. If that happens Dabo Swinney, with all of his success, would only be 9-8 over the Cocks in his tenure. If we are being honest that's not very good at all. Out side of Steve Spurrier's five wins in a row, 3 out of 4 would be the most success for Carolina over Clemson since the late 1960s.
Clemson folks are used to beating Carolina - being up 73-44 in the series will do that. But things are sideways right now at both schools. Frankly, I expect some massive change at Clemson this winter. We will see what that entails. This week? I'll take the Cocks (-2.5) to win a game between two teams that just are not good.
No. 4 Georgia (-12.5) at No. 23 Georgia Tech | ABC | 3:30 PM, Friday
Matt’s Pick: The more I dig into this game the more I like Georgia’s chances to cover. I do think Tech will give it everything they have, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this game was close at the half, but the Jackets have completely fallen apart defensively. They’ve been one of the worst defenses in college football over the last three weeks and I don’t see that changing on Friday. They’ll move the ball on Georgia, but it won’t be all game long. I expect Georgia to hit the 40-mark and do what they’ve done all year. Dominate the 4th quarter. Dawgs roll late and get the cover. Georgia (-12.5).
Ryan’s Pick: I don’t think this will be like last year. Georgia should be able to score at will against this Georgia Tech defense that is bad at stopping the run- one of the worst in the ACC at doing so.
Haynes King will get his. Tech has firepower on offense, but I don’t think it will be enough.
Give me Georgia (-12.5) in the Benz.
Dean’s Pick: I have no confusion about who will win this game - I would be shocked if I left the Dome without witnessing Georgia with its 9th win in a row over the Jackets. That wasn't so clear earlier in the season when Haynes King was flying around, and Tech looked the part of a good team. Tech just kept winning.
The three-turnover game at Colorado was still a touchdown win for Tech. The upset over No. 12 Clemson was one of the the great wins for Tech lately. Then things started getting a little jumpy. Tech beat Wake by a point, but that should have been a lost, and the ACC pretty well confirmed that in an official statement. A couple weeks later, really played poorly for a half against Duke before scoring 17 in a row to pull away in that one. And then of late Tech has really fallen flat. The loss to NC State showed just how bad Tech's defense is. The performance against Boston College was atrocious, but Tech won by two. And then after getting down 28-0, Tech tried to rally, but was outclassed by Pitt.
Georgia Tech has not gotten better as the season has gone on. It won multiple tight games against bad teams; Tech has even lost to a not-great team in NC State. But I learned a long time ago two things: the ACC is not at all the SEC; Georgia Tech will play its best game of the year against Georgia.
I'm certain Tech will play as well as it can play, but it won't be able to stop this Georgia offense for four quarters. In addition, this situation heading into this game is quite different than last year when UGA simply couldn't run the football, and Haynes King was fully rested. Both of those things are not true this year. Also, Georgia has improved from No. 36 in the nation against the run to No. 5.
All of the formula for big success at Georgia is back with this team. They have improved on defense, and the offense is a model of consistency - particularly since the Alabama game. UGA has scored at least 35 in its last three games. Tech has given up at least 34 in its last three games, and twice has give up over 40.
I'm going to take Georgia (-12.5) here because it feels like Tech has run out of steam. I'm not sure this game is going to be close, but we will see.
Season ATS
Matt - 38-69
Ryan - 59-48
Dean - 48-59
