It’s time to add another chapter to “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” And the Egg Bowl. Don’t forget about the Apple Cup. Or the Iron Bowl! Here we go, again. These “Rivalry Games” are intense!

The Bulldogs-Jackets football tradition goes way back to 1893 and it’s been turned up the last 3 years, as Georgia Tech has won twice. Obviously, Kirby Smart enters this one 0-1 against the Jackets and he is anxious to put this one in the win column. Bet he’s tired of hearing about losing last year.

The last time Georgia Tech beat Georgia at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta was 1999. Bet the Jackets are sick and tired of losing to the ‘Dogs at home. That’s embarrassing.

This year’s match-up features two quarterbacks who are enjoying breakout seasons; TaQuon Marshall and Jake Fromm have been nothing short of impressive, as first year starters.

Marshall is operating Paul Johnson’s option attack to a level similar to former Jackets QB Justin Thomas, so there has been little if no drop-off. TaQuon has been a dangerous runner and also is hitting the big-play in the passing game, taking shots downfield. I’ve been impressed.

Fromm has also delivered in his first season! Jake enters this game ranked #10 in QBR nationally. For a freshman, that is nothing short of amazing. He’s managing the offense beautifully (getting team out of a bad play & into a better play). He’s been accurate with the ball and most of the time outstanding maneuvering in the pocket. Fromm’s performance is a big reason why Georgia is in the CF Playoff mix.

It appears to me the big key to this GA-GT Showdown is this: Can the Jackets defense handle the Bulldogs running attack, which features Nick Chubb & Sony Michel, without committing extra players from the safety spot to help defend the run. Georgia Tech’s defensive line appears to be one that the Georgia O-Line can handle…and that’s bad news for Tech.