Kirby Smart (HC) – Head coach Kirby Smart is entering his eighth matchup against the in-state rival Yellow Jackets. As Georgia’s HC, Smart currently has a 6-1 record in the “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate,” game. After the Dawgs’ 59-21 win over Massachusetts, Smart said the team was not ready to play. It will be interesting to see how preparation goes this week, since Georgia is forced to play Friday night with a quick recovery time. Also, once the Tech game is complete, the Bulldogs will now find themselves with yet another quick turnaround to the SEC Championship game.
Nitro Tuggle (WR #2) – True freshman wide receiver Nitro Tuggle has seen more action as the season has progressed. He recorded two catches for 25 yards in the Dawgs’ crucial matchup against Tennessee. In addition, he saw the field against UMass and was targeted the football but could not come down with it. Anyone in Georgia’s receiving room can make an impact. With Tuggle’s natural release and route-running presence on the field, expect him to be one of those future playmakers.
Chauncey Bowens (RB #33) – Another true freshman Bulldog makes the list. Running back Chauncey Bowens, from North Palm Beach, Florida, has worked his way into a larger-than-expected role for the Georgia offense. With Etienne and Robinson II out due to injury, Bowens currently sits at the RB3 spot behind Nate Frazier Jr. and Cash Jones. Bowens had his best game yet for Georgia, recording five rush attempts for 31 yards against UMass.
Dylan Fairchild (OL #53) – Redshirt junior guard Dylan Fairchild has certainly made an impact this season for Georgia’s offensive line. After starting 10 of 14 games last season, Fairchild has been Georgia’s No. 1 option at left guard. He has worked his way up to being rated as a potential day two or three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cumming, Georgia native has been a bully in the run game to unsuspecting defensive linemen and linebackers.
Smael Mondon Jr. (LB #2) – Senior linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. is finally getting healthy after dealing with a foot injury earlier in the season. He showed up big against Tennessee, with eight total tackles, including a sack. In a relatively young linebacker group, it’s important for players like Mondon Jr. to show up as leaders. Matching up against the Yellow Jackets for the fourth time in his collegiate career, Mondon Jr. will be fighting for a clean career sweep against Georgia’s rival.
Daniel Harris (DB #7) – Cornerback Daniel Harris seems to have earned the starting spot over Julian Humphrey as the season has progressed. His coverage has shown promise but has also shown some weakness at points. In addition, tackling, not just for Harris, but for the whole team, has been a struggle. Coach Smart recently talked about his continued improvement throughout the season in practice.
Chaz Chambliss (LB #32) – The 2024 season has been the best yet for senior linebacker Chaz Chambliss. The former five-star from Carrollton, Georgia, has 5.5 sacks on the season. Thus far, Georgia Tech has only given up five sacks on the year. Plus, they have a new threat in their running game. True freshman QB Aaron Philo, from Athens’ Prince Avenue Christian, worked his way into a big role for Tech as starting QB Haynes King was either out or limited due to injury. Both signal-callers are talented on their feet, though, which will provide Chambliss with the opportunity to set the edge and eliminate big plays on the ground.
In SEC champion Georgia’s 44-7 victory over the Yellow Jackets in 1981, Buck Belue connected with Lindsay Scott on an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage.
One of the big plays in the Bulldogs 30-16 victory over Jackets in 1987 came on special teams, as Athens native David Dukes retrieved an errant high snap and got off an excellent punt.
Jonathan Wyatt homered for the first time in his career with the go-ahead round tripper in Game 2 of the Dogs Super Regional sweep at Tech in 2004 as Georgia advanced to Omaha.