Georgia Set to Face Austin Peay for the Second Time in Program History After Dominant 2018 Season Opener

On September 6, 2024, the University of Georgia Bulldogs will once again meet the Austin Peay Governors for only the second time in the history of their football programs. This game holds special significance for both teams, as it marks a rare occurrence where two programs that don’t regularly play each other on the field will square off in a contest that carries both historical and contemporary importance.

The first meeting between these two teams came on September 1, 2018, when Georgia opened its season with a resounding 45-0 victory. In that game, the Bulldogs showcased their dominance from the very first whistle, limiting Austin Peay to a mere seven first downs and just 152 total yards of offense. The performance was so impressive that the victory still stands as Georgia’s lone shutout to open a football season since 2003.

Fast forward to 2024, and Georgia enters the game with a much different roster than the one that took the field in 2018. The Bulldogs have seen their football program evolve into one of the most dominant forces in college football under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart. With multiple national championships, an unparalleled recruiting pipeline, and a defense that ranks among the best in the nation, Georgia has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the SEC and on the national stage.

Meanwhile, Austin Peay, a program from the Ohio Valley Conference, continues to build on its football tradition, striving to compete against bigger, more established teams. The Governors have seen growth in their football program over the years, but they still face an uphill battle when it comes to taking on elite programs like Georgia.

As the Bulldogs prepare to face the Governors once again, let’s take a closer look at the historical context of this matchup, the significance of their 2018 meeting, and what the game in 2024 might bring to both teams.

The First Meeting: A Historic Opener for Georgia in 2018

Georgia’s 45-0 victory over Austin Peay in 2018 was more than just a dominant opening game. It was a statement that set the tone for the Bulldogs’ season and showcased their ability to control the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively. The game was highlighted by Georgia’s suffocating defense and efficient offense, with the Bulldogs proving that they were a team to be reckoned with on the national stage.

Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia’s defense had become one of the most formidable units in the country. That year, the Bulldogs’ defense was led by players like Roquan Smith, who had been a standout linebacker, and a secondary that was quick to close in on any potential threat. In the game against Austin Peay, the defense was unrelenting, as they stymied the Governors’ offense at every turn.

Austin Peay’s offensive struggles were evident from the start. The Governors were only able to muster a paltry seven first downs, and they couldn’t break past 152 yards of total offense. The Bulldogs’ defense was quick, disciplined, and aggressive, never allowing Austin Peay to build any sort of rhythm. Whether it was stopping the run, pressuring the quarterback, or suffocating passing lanes, Georgia’s defense was in full control.

On the offensive side of the ball, Georgia didn’t need to do much to secure the victory, but they were efficient and effective when they did execute. Quarterback Jake Fromm, who was entering his sophomore season, led the offense with poise, throwing for two touchdowns and managing the game efficiently. The Bulldogs relied heavily on their running game, with a stable of running backs—led by D’Andre Swift—gaining consistent yardage. The offensive line dominated up front, opening holes for Swift and his fellow backs to run through.

The victory not only marked Georgia’s first shutout to open a season since 2003 but also sent a message to the college football world that the Bulldogs were a serious contender. While the competition wasn’t exactly fierce, Georgia’s thorough dismantling of Austin Peay showed that they were a team to watch in the 2018 season.

A Look at Georgia’s Rise Under Kirby Smart

In the years since that 45-0 victory over Austin Peay, Georgia has risen to unprecedented heights under the leadership of Kirby Smart. After taking over as head coach in 2016, Smart wasted little time in rebuilding the Bulldogs into a perennial powerhouse. His relentless focus on recruiting, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, has transformed Georgia into one of the most physically dominant teams in the country.

Smart has been able to recruit some of the best high school talent in the nation, creating depth at almost every position. Georgia has been able to dominate the trenches on both sides of the ball, which is a testament to Smart’s ability to identify and develop elite talent. While the offense has evolved into a more balanced unit with a focus on the run game, it’s Georgia’s defense that has truly set the team apart from the rest.

In recent seasons, Georgia’s defense has been consistently ranked among the top units in the country. The Bulldogs have routinely shut down opposing offenses, forcing turnovers, pressuring the quarterback, and limiting the run game. This type of dominance has made Georgia one of the most feared teams in college football.

The Bulldogs have also become a staple in the College Football Playoff, making appearances in both 2017 and 2021. In 2021, Georgia reached the pinnacle of college football, winning their first national championship in over 40 years, defeating Alabama in an epic rematch after having lost to the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship.

While Georgia has maintained its status as an elite program, the game against Austin Peay in 2024 represents a chance for the Bulldogs to showcase their continued dominance at the start of a new season. With expectations high once again, Georgia will look to continue building its legacy while keeping their eyes on the ultimate prize—another national championship.

Austin Peay’s Growth and Challenges

While Georgia has been ascending to the top of college football, Austin Peay has been working tirelessly to grow its football program. The Governors have seen incremental progress over the years, improving their overall competitiveness within the Ohio Valley Conference. However, their level of competition is not on the same tier as that of Georgia, making this game a significant challenge.

Austin Peay’s football program has experienced a resurgence in recent seasons under head coach Scotty Walden. Walden, who took over the program in 2020, has worked hard to change the culture and elevate the level of play. In 2021, the Governors made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA FCS playoffs, which was a huge accomplishment for the program.

Despite their success in the FCS, Austin Peay remains a program that is still working to close the gap between themselves and the powerhouse teams of FBS football. Facing Georgia will be a monumental test, but it also serves as an opportunity for the Governors to prove that they can compete against some of the best teams in the country.

Austin Peay has been successful in building a solid foundation for its football program, but a matchup against Georgia, with its wealth of talent and championship pedigree, is a challenge unlike any other the Governors face. While the outcome of the game is almost certainly a foregone conclusion in Georgia’s favor, it’s a valuable opportunity for Austin Peay to measure where they stand and potentially learn from a program that represents the pinnacle of success.

The Importance of the Game for Georgia

For Georgia, the game against Austin Peay represents more than just a win in the record books. It is an opportunity to set the tone for the upcoming season, particularly in a year where the Bulldogs are once again considered national championship contenders. Georgia’s path to the playoffs and a potential second national championship in three years starts with games like these, where they must perform at a high level and avoid any letdown.

The Bulldogs’ opener will also serve as an opportunity for Smart and his coaching staff to evaluate their roster and get a good look at the depth they have across the board. With so many talented players on the roster, it will be interesting to see how Georgia distributes playing time and identifies key contributors who will help them throughout the season.

Additionally, the game against Austin Peay provides Georgia’s players with the chance to shake off any rust and fine-tune their execution before facing tougher competition in the coming weeks. With a loaded SEC schedule ahead, every game counts, and setting the right tone early can be vital for maintaining momentum.

Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds

While Georgia will undoubtedly be the favorite to win this matchup, both teams have their eyes on the future. For Georgia, the focus is on continuing to build upon its success, keeping its eyes on the ultimate prize of a national championship. For Austin Peay, the game represents a chance to learn and grow, building experience for a program that is on the rise.

This game, while it may seem like a routine early-season matchup, holds significance for both teams. Georgia has the chance to continue asserting its dominance as one of the best programs in college football, while Austin Peay can measure its progress and hopefully use this experience to fuel future success.

As both teams prepare to face off for the second time in history, all eyes will be on the field, where Georgia will look to live up to its reputation as one of college football’s elite programs and Austin Peay will seek to prove that they are capable of competing against the big dogs.