Kirby Smart (HC) – Head coach Kirby Smart enters the Georgia Tech rival game with the consistency that has defined his decade in Athens. Saturday’s win over Charlotte marked the eighth time in his 10 seasons that Georgia has hit double-digit victories, a benchmark that reinforces both the stability of the program and Smart’s ability to keep the Bulldogs sharp deep into November. With rivalry week ahead and the postseason looming, Smart’s emphasis on physicality, discipline, and complementary football becomes even more pivotal. This group, under Smart, looks prepared for its final regular-season test.
Gunner Stockton (QB #14) – Quarterback Gunner Stockton continued his steady rise with one of his cleanest outings of the year. Before giving way to Ryan Puglisi in the third quarter, Stockton completed 17-of-21 passes for 196 yards, spreading the ball around to 10 different receivers in the win over Charlotte. He operated the offense with command, moving through progressions efficiently and keeping drives alive with accurate short-to-intermediate throws. As Georgia turns its attention to Georgia Tech, Stockton’s poise and ability to distribute the ball will be crucial. His growth each week gives the Bulldogs flexibility in the passing game and presents new challenges for defenses preparing to contain him.
Zachariah Branch (WR #1) – Zachariah Branch remains one of the most dynamic pieces in Georgia’s offense, and he added another solid outing with four receptions for 55 yards against Charlotte. Branch now sits at 63 receptions on the season, a testament to both his reliability and explosiveness in space. This week marks his first matchup against rival Georgia Tech, a stage well suited for a playmaker with his speed and elusiveness. Whether stretching the field vertically or creating separation underneath, Branch provides a spark the Bulldogs will look to tap into early and often.
Lawson Luckie (TE #7) – Tight end Lawson Luckie delivered one of the first defining plays of last Saturday’s game with his 29-yard catch from Stockton to the 2-yard line, setting up Georgia’s first touchdown. Luckie continues to show soft hands, strong route-running, and resilience after the catch–traits that make him a valuable piece. His ability to exploit mismatches, especially against linebackers and safeties, could play a key role against a Georgia Tech defense that has struggled at times with defending tight ends.
Cash Jones (RB #32) – Cash Jones brings a change-of-pace element to Georgia’s backfield with his burst, vision, and ability to create in space. Jones has earned trust through his versatility–whether working the tackles, bouncing runs outside, or contributing as a pass catcher. As Georgia looks to keep the ground game steady heading into rivalry week, Jones’ reps offer a spark and help maintain depth at the position.
KJ Bolden (DB #4) – Defensive back KJ Bolden continues to impress with his range, instincts and physicality. Bolden brings an edge to the defense, showing growth each week in both coverage responsibilities and tackling efficiency. His ability to anticipate routes and close windows quickly will be critical against Georgia Tech’s passing attack. Bolden’s emergence has added valuable depth and playmaking ability to the defense, which thrives on cohesion and communication.
Gabe Harris Jr. (LB #0) – Linebacker Gabe Harris Jr. has steadily carved out a role defensively with his high motor and ability to set the tone. Harris’ physical style of play fits well within Georgia’s front seven, and his comfort level in run-stopping situations continues to grow. As Georgia Tech leans heavily on misdirection and perimeter action, Harris’ discipline and pursuit will be essential. His development gives the Bulldogs another dependable rotational option as the defense sharpens for the postseason.
Georgia beat the Jackets 44-7 to cap off the 1981 regular season in Atlanta as Lindsay Scott raced 80 yards for a touchdown on a Buck Belue aerial on the first play from scrimmage.
In the Bulldogs 38-18 victory over the Jackets to cap a perfect 11-0 regular season in 1982, eventual Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker broke loose for a 59-yard touchdown run.
Georgia defeated the Jackets 45-21 Between the Hedges to cap an 11-1 regular season in 2018, with quarterback Jake Fromm leading the Bulldogs to seven consecutive scoring drives.