Jun 33 min read

Ranking Georgia Bulldogs Nonconference Games by Importance

Georgia Football — © Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Nonconference for Georgia Bulldogs is a Split of Challenge and Ease

The Georgia Bulldogs head into the season with thoughts of returning to the National Title game and winning the Southeastern Conference. Carson Beck returns as the signal caller for the Dawgs offense, looking to leave his mark and legacy at Georgia. The big key is how Georgia will replace Lad McConkey and Brock Bowers and their output. The offensive line has a chance to be the best in the country, and the defense is once again a formidable force. The Southeastern Conference will be extremely tough once again, and the nonconference has games that should be easy for Georgia and games that may pose more of a challenge.

No. 4: Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (2023 4-7, 2-4 Ohio Valley Conference)

The Golden Eagles are a mid-level Football Championship Subdivision team that comes to Sanford Stadium early in the year. This should be a good opportunity to get young and inexperienced players some game time, as this should not be a close game. The Bulldogs are bigger, faster and stronger. Just plain and simple, this is an easy win and a way for guys to get something on tape.

Golden Eagles coach Bobby Wilder liked how his team did all the small things and paid attention to detail in the spring game in Cookeville, Tennessee. Wilder was pleased with both of the quarterbacks that saw action. Dylan Liable may have the edge after transferring from Missouri to the Golden Eagles. Georgia wins this game comfortably.

No. 3 UMass Minutemen (2023 3-9 Football Bowl Subdivision Independent)

This is another easy game for the Bulldogs. The University of Massachusetts will face Georgia for the second time overall, the first time came back in 2018, a 66-27 Georgia win. Dual-threat quarterback Taisun Phommachanh looks to bounce back after a knee injury took him out for the 2023 season. He should be ready for the start of this season, as he did not play or practice in the spring this year. The Minutemen only had one active running back thanks to injuries and transfers. The Minutemen will look to add more depth from the transfer portal. This matchup falls in that late November nonconference game that all SEC teams have on their schedule before rivalry week and should be a good time to get some rest for the starters for the final push.

No. 2 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2023 7-6, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference)

Clean old-fashioned hate, as it is known, will be played for the 118th time. The history of the games leans heavily in favor of the Bulldogs 71-41-5. Georgia holds a six-game win streak and has only lost three times to Tech since 2000. Separated by only 70 miles, these two teams have played since 1893. Only someone who has played in a rivalry like this knows what it means to the school, the fanbase, and the players. Brent Key, the Georgia Tech offensive line alumni, became the 21st coach in school history in 2023. Key also spent a year under the tutelage of Nick Saban as Key was the offensive line coach for the University of Alabama, winning a National Championship in 2017. Transfer quarterback Haynes King returns to lead the Yellow Jacket offense and will look to build off an Honorable Mention All-ACC season, throwing for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns while completing 61% of his passes. This game will take place at Sanford Stadium, and Georgia is still light years ahead of Tech in the talent department. The game will be close, but Georgia wins.

No. 1: Clemson Tigers (2023 9-4, 4-4 Atlantic Coast Conference)

What used to be a spirited border battle that played every year from 1962-1987 resumes for two of college football's powerhouse programs. Georgia leads the overall series 43-18-4. The last meeting occurred in 2021, and Georgia won 10-3 with no offensive touchdowns scored in the game. 70 miles separate the two schools, and both teams have had their times recently when they were on top of the college football world. While Clemson may not be on the same level as coach Dabo Swinney would like them to be, the Clemson name still draws attention. This being the first game of the season for both teams gives Clemson a chance to put a marquee win up early, and Georgia will look to benefit from Clemson's name if they win.