Clean Old-Fashioned Hate: Bulldogs Top Tech in Atlanta

The Rivalry Renewed in Atlanta

The annual clash between Georgia Bulldogs and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets delivered its usual drama in the 2025 installment of Clean Old-Fashioned Hate. This year's edition moved from the traditional campus venues to the neutral site of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, creating a unique backdrop for the top-25 showdown. No. 4 Georgia emerged victorious with a 13-3 triumph over No. 23 Georgia Tech, extending their dominance in this historic rivalry while showcasing the Bulldogs' resilience in unfamiliar territory.

A Stadium Shift for Financial Gain

The game marked the first time in over a century that the rivals met away from either campus, as Georgia Tech moved its home game to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a $10 million revenue guarantee. Athletic Director Ryan Alpert defended the decision, emphasizing its financial necessity for the program. "The revenue lift was essential," Alpert stated, noting that future home games will return to Bobby Dodd Stadium in 2026. Despite the Tech-centric branding as the "Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic," Georgia fans filled the venue, with the Dawgs' presence palpable despite Tech's season-ticket holder priority.

Key Moments and Defensive Battles

The game unfolded as a defensive struggle, with Georgia Tech drawing first blood for the fourth straight year. A 30-yard field goal put the Jackets ahead 3-0 in the first quarter, highlighted by Tah'j Butler's crucial interception of Gunner Stockton—Tech's first takeaway since October. The Bulldogs responded methodically, relying on a ground-heavy approach with 16 carries on a 13-play drive that stalled at the Tech 1-yard line. Peyton Woodring's 22-yard field goal tied the game before halftime.

Zachariah Branch provided the game's lone touchdown with a 40-yard catch-and-run in the second quarter, giving Georgia a 10-3 lead. The Jackets' offense struggled, particularly on special teams, when a 22-yard punt set up Georgia in prime scoring position. Gunner Stockton faced consistent pressure, but the Bulldogs' defense held firm, allowing only a late Woodring 30-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to make it 13-3.

Georgia's Mercedes-Benz Advantage

For Georgia, the Atlanta venue felt like a home away from home. The Bulldogs are 5-1 at Mercedes-Benz since 2022, with London Humphries noting the familiarity of the locker rooms and tunnels. "It's almost like a home game feeling," Humphries said. This comfort contrasted with Georgia Tech's struggles in the stadium, where they've lost three of their last four games. The victory improved Georgia to 11-1 overall and strengthened their College Football Playoff positioning.

What's Next for Both Programs

While Georgia looks ahead to potential CFP contention, Georgia Tech faces questions after a 9-2 season. The Jackets' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and Stockton's interception underscored offensive inconsistencies. With the rivalry returning to campus in 2027, both programs will evaluate this neutral-site experiment. As Alpert noted, the game's national exposure on Black Friday drew over 11.5 million viewers last year, ensuring Clean Old-Fashioned Hate remains a marquee event regardless of location.

"It's almost like a home game feeling in how you're just familiar with the stadium and it's as simple as getting off the buses and walking through the tunnels." — London Humphries, Georgia Bulldogs Wide Receiver

As the dust settles on this unique chapter, the core of the rivalry remains unchanged: passion, pride, and the relentless pursuit of bragging rights in the Peach State.