Although it is unclear if “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” will continue to be performed on Fridays, it makes the rivalry more interesting.
The annual rivalry between the University of Georgia (UGA) and Georgia Tech, known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”, has been one of the most heated and historic matchups in college football. The game has been played for over a century, and its significance has only grown with time. However, as college football continues to evolve and adjust to changing schedules and television rights, a question that has started to linger is: Will “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” continue to be played on Fridays in the future?
The rivalry, which traditionally takes place at the end of the regular season, has been scheduled for Black Friday in recent years, due to the increased emphasis on television broadcast schedules, media contracts, and the desire to make the game accessible to a national audience. The shift to Friday games has added an extra layer of intrigue to the annual matchup, but it has also sparked debate about the future of the rivalry, especially as other factors—such as playoff scheduling, fan experiences, and logistical concerns—come into play.
While the future of the rivalry being scheduled for Fridays remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the impact of this shift on the history, traditions, and excitement surrounding the game is substantial. In this article, we will explore the history of the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry, examine the reasons behind the shift to Friday games, and discuss whether or not this Friday tradition is likely to continue. Additionally, we’ll delve into the broader implications of Friday games in college football and how they might shape the landscape of future rivalries.
The History and Tradition of “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”
Before examining whether “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” will continue to be played on Fridays, it’s important to understand the depth and significance of this longstanding rivalry.
Origins of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Georgia and Georgia Tech dates back to 1893, making it one of the oldest rivalries in college football. As in many college football rivalries, the two teams have battled for state supremacy, with Georgia Tech, located in Atlanta, and Georgia, based in Athens, facing off each year for bragging rights. Over the years, the rivalry has been fueled by intense competition, passionate fanbases, and the clash of two schools with deep roots in the state of Georgia.
While the rivalry has experienced periods of dominance by both teams, one of its most significant elements has been the unpredictability of the matchups. Regardless of records, rankings, or talent, “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” has always been a game where anything can happen. From high-scoring thrillers to defensive battles, the game has seen its share of upsets, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments.
The Tradition of the Thanksgiving Weekend Game
For much of the rivalry’s history, the game was traditionally played on Thanksgiving Day or the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This scheduling allowed the game to become a national television event, drawing attention from college football fans across the country. Thanksgiving weekend was also the perfect time for fans, families, and alumni to travel to the game, making it a major part of holiday traditions for those in Georgia.
However, with the advent of conference realignment, television deals, and the increasing demands for a national broadcast schedule, the landscape of college football began to change. Many traditional rivalries saw their schedules shifted to accommodate a wider audience, and the Georgia-Georgia Tech game was no exception. The rivalry, which had been played on Saturday for years, transitioned to Friday games in recent seasons, a change that would have long-term implications for how the game is perceived and how it fits into the broader context of the college football season.
The Shift to Friday Games
The move to Friday games, particularly on Black Friday, was driven by several factors, primarily revolving around the television broadcast rights and the increasing demand for content. Here are some key reasons why this shift occurred:
Television Rights and Broadcast Scheduling
Television deals have become a central aspect of college football scheduling, and with the increased prominence of networks like ESPN, ABC, and the SEC Network, Friday games have become a valuable commodity. By scheduling a game on Black Friday, schools and television networks can draw in a wider audience, especially since many fans are off from work and schools are closed for the holiday. The Georgia-Georgia Tech game, as one of the last regular-season games of the year, is seen as an exciting opportunity for broadcasters to generate high viewership and advertise to a wide range of sports fans.
The move to Friday games allows the rivalry to be showcased in a prime spot, competing with fewer games and other major sports events. With the growing media landscape, college football has adapted to the changing demands for television content, which has helped elevate the rivalry and keep it in the public eye.
The Rise of the College Football Playoff (CFP)
Another factor influencing the scheduling of the game is the College Football Playoff and its impact on the postseason picture. As the CFP grows in importance, more and more games are being played during the weekend after Thanksgiving, which historically was reserved for rivalries like Georgia-Georgia Tech. With conference championship games being played on Saturdays, the need for Friday games has increased. This scheduling shift allows teams to wrap up their regular seasons and prepare for playoff contention without conflicting with the league’s major events.
By moving the game to Black Friday, the Georgia-Georgia Tech rivalry maintains its relevance, despite the changes in college football’s postseason structure. This decision also helps keep the rivalry fresh, providing a prime slot for fans to watch before the rest of the weekend’s games kick off.
Fan Experience and Holiday Atmosphere
For fans, the transition to Friday has both positive and negative aspects. The Black Friday game offers fans an exciting and unique atmosphere. With most families having the day off from work and school, the game is an opportunity to gather, tailgate, and experience the rivalry without the pressure of work schedules. Fans can travel to the stadium, spend time with family, and enjoy the holiday season while also enjoying a heated football game.
However, for some fans, the Friday game has taken away from the tradition of Saturday games. Traveling to a game on Thanksgiving weekend or on a Friday can be more difficult for those who are traveling long distances. Additionally, many fans may miss the historical timing of the game, which has always been a part of their Thanksgiving traditions. The Friday schedule, while accommodating for television and media purposes, has disrupted a routine that had been in place for decades.
What Does the Future Hold for Friday Rivalries?
As college football continues to evolve, the question of whether “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” will continue to be played on Fridays remains open. There are several factors that will influence the scheduling of this game in the future, and many of these factors are tied to the changing landscape of college football.
Television and Media Deals
With television networks continuing to play an important role in the scheduling and broadcasting of college football, the Friday rivalry could remain a fixture for many years to come. Networks like ESPN and ABC are highly invested in showcasing marquee games, and the Georgia-Georgia Tech matchup is one that attracts significant viewership. As long as the demand for television programming continues to grow and there are opportunities for prime slots on Black Friday, it’s likely that the rivalry will continue to be played in this time slot.
The SEC and Other Conference Changes
As conferences like the SEC continue to undergo changes, the scheduling of rivalry games like Georgia-Georgia Tech could be impacted. With more teams joining conferences, the number of games scheduled for weekends after Thanksgiving may increase. As a result, the Friday game may become even more prevalent in the future, as schools adjust to accommodate the demands of the postseason and conference schedules.
The Fanbase’s Role
Finally, the decision to continue playing the game on Fridays will likely depend on how the fanbases react to the change. Fans of both Georgia and Georgia Tech are passionate about their rivalry, and it’s important to ensure that they still feel connected to the tradition of the game. If fan enthusiasm for the Black Friday game wanes, or if there is significant pushback regarding the scheduling, it’s possible that the game will be returned to its traditional Saturday slot.
However, for now, the rivalry’s Friday games continue to captivate fans and maintain the competitive spirit that has made Georgia-Georgia Tech one of the most exciting rivalries in college football.
