ATLANTA — College GameDay is live today in Athens, setting the stage for the highly anticipated matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers at 7:30 p.m.
Fans wasted no time gearing up for the big game.
The Bulldogs and Volunteers are facing off at Sanford Stadium with playoff hopes on the line. The game has sparked excitement across Athens as fans rally to support their teams.
For some, the game brings unique dynamics. A couple, one a Georgia Tech alum and the other a UGA graduate, often find themselves cheering for different teams. But today, they stand united.
“We’ve got a house divided, and our dogs have different collars on,” said Ben Dolezal. “Georgia Tech, of course, won last week against Miami, and the Dawgs dropped one. We’re hoping we rebound today.”
Lifelong UGA fan Bruin Johnston said his allegiance started at home.
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“I’m a huge Georgia fan,” he said. “I guess because my mom went to Georgia, I just grew up being a huge Georgia fan.”
In downtown Athens, fans are abuzz with plans, from attending the live GameDay broadcast to tailgating and preparing for the evening kickoff.
“We’re going to Game Day, of course, and we’re gonna do a little tailgating," Dolezal said. "Then we’re gonna make it home for the game."
He and his partner, Gracie Williams, agreed the stakes couldn’t be higher. “It’s a big game, a Tennessee-ranked game. It’s kind of win or go home,” Dolezal said.