For the first time in a long time, UGA will not be favored against Georgia Tech as these two intrastate foes face off yet again in another rendition of “Clean Old-Fashioned Hate”.

The last time Tech felt this confident heading into a Georgia match up, Jim Donnan was the head coach in Athens. Tech won that game back in 2000. The following year, Mark Richt arrived.

Now, Richt’s job may be on the line.

To say that Tech’s coaching situation has been upgraded since 2000, is an understatement. Coach Paul Johnson has proven in two seasons that he wants a statue of himself outside the Dodd. He may be well on his way to cementing that (bad pun, I know). It started during a basketball game.

“To Hell With Georgia,” exclaimed Johnson during half time. For once, a Tech coach got it. As great as an ACC or National Championship would be, a win over Georgia simply matters more to Tech faithful. After all, the Jackets aren’t always going to be in the running in the BCS (one can dream). They won’t always be able to beat Virginia Tech (one can hope). However, the only beating that really stings, is the one your bully of a brother gives you and then laughs about….for a whole year.

For Mark Richt, he dominated Tech for years. Seven straight wins as Georgia’s head coach.

Then, the unthinkable. 26 points. Third quarter. The rest is history.

Then, UGA lost Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to the NFL Draft. Joe Cox replaced Stafford to the tune of 14 interceptions. Georgia has yet to find the running game. They have also had some embarrassing moments in route to a disappointing 6-5 record (*cough* Kentucky *cough*). Need the defense be mentioned?

If Richt should lead Georgia to a .500 record, he may be replaced. This will be made worse by an exclamation point of losing to Tech again. Bad news for Richt, the series is a streaky one. History is on the side of the Jackets.

At this point, it’s difficult to even see this being close. Tech’s offense scores. It runs the clock. The pressure will be on a terrible defense in an away stadium.

What about the rivalry, you ask? Oh yes, well there is that.

In 2002, UGA was at home. Richt was in his second year as head coach. Getting ready for an SEC Title Game appearance (it’s first of three under Richt), they wasted little time with the Jackets. 51-7 was the final. Tech was blown out. It was the most lop sided final score in the rivalry.

Now, it’s 2009. Paul Johnson is in his second year as Tech’s head coach. The Jackets are at home. They are preparing for an ACC Title Game appearance (first time under Johnson, second time in four seasons). UGA is down. There will be little sympathy.

This game could be over in the first half. First quarter. First minute.

Perhaps the death of another UGA (UGA VII to be exact) is an omen of change.

Change for the better.

THWG!