UGA opens the season with major clash and Georgia Tech looks to stay hot

There aren't many other places that have as an exciting start to their college football seasons than the state of Georgia.

The big picture: For many Georgians, nothing matters more than UGA's shot at a national championship.

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• For the rest of y'all, between football and Dragon Con this weekend, if you decide to head to Atlanta, become fast friends with MARTA.

State of play: Georgia Tech got the 2024 season underway with an international-level upset. The Yellow Jackets knocked off No. 10 Florida State in Dublin on a field goal as time expired.

And if that's a harbinger for things to come, well, buckle up.

Driving the news: Not to be outdone by their downtown rivals are the No. 1 UGA Bulldogs, who open the season in Atlanta this weekend against No. 14 Clemson. If you wanted an early season clash that could have playoff implications, well you got it.

• The game kicks off at noon Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and if you aren't in the stands, you can tune in on ABC.

Numbers to know: The last four matchups between the two schools have all been season openers. UGA has won three of those, losing in 2013 which is also the last time they've lost a season opener.

• UGA holds a 43-18-4 record against the Tigers.
• This is the first time the teams have played in Atlanta.

Who wins: The oddsmakers like Georgia and have them listed as 13.5-point favorites.

Georgia Tech celebrated after defeating Florida State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game in Dublin. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Less than two miles up the road, kicking off at 8pm is what some are calling the Atlanta Bowl.

What's happening: The upstart Yellow Jackets are taking on the Georgia State Panthers. The two schools are separated by less than two miles.

Fun fact: This is the first time the two teams have played each other in football.

Who wins: The oddsmakers like Georgia Tech and have them as 20.5-point favorites.

Burnt ends: Georgia Southern takes on Boise State in Statesboro at 4pm.

• West Georgia hosts Samford at 6pm in Carrollton.
• Mercer won Thursday night against Presbyterian in Macon.

What's next: One more week until the NFL as the Falcons season starts next Sunday.