NCAA Confirms Updated Kickoff Time for Georgia vs. Georgia Tech: A Rivalry Renewed on November 28

The NCAA has officially announced the updated kickoff time for one of college football’s most storied rivalries: the Georgia Bulldogs versus the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Following adjustments made to accommodate Thanksgiving festivities and the nation’s massive Black Friday schedule, the long-awaited showdown will now kick off at 3:30 PM Eastern Time on November 28. For fans across the state of Georgia and beyond, this confirmation does more than settle scheduling questions—it ignites anticipation for a rivalry steeped in history, emotion, and fierce competition.

For over a century, the annual clash known as Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate has stood as one of the most intense and recognizable matchups in American college football. Dating back to 1893, the series has built a legacy defined by unforgettable moments, regional pride, and a tension that transcends sport. While the teams fight for victory on the field, fans—students, alumni, and lifelong supporters—prepare for their own emotional battle. In Georgia, this isn’t simply a football game. It’s a cultural event, a family tradition, and a defining moment in the sporting identity of the state. 

A Schedule Shaped by the Holiday Weekend

This year’s schedule change was not made lightly. With Thanksgiving falling the day before and Black Friday dominating both travel and broadcast schedules, the NCAA opted to finalize a kickoff time that would accommodate large audiences while reducing potential logistical complications. Afternoon viewership is expected to be strong, and playing the game at 3:30 PM positions it as a centerpiece of the day’s sports programming. Families finishing their holiday leftovers and shoppers returning from their early-morning deals will have the chance to settle in for one of the most anticipated games of the year.

Though kickoff adjustments are not unusual for rivalry weekend, the urgency surrounding this announcement created additional buzz. Fans had been watching closely for confirmation, knowing that any change could significantly affect travel plans, tailgates, and watch-party schedules. With the official time now announced, anticipation turns from logistics to football—where emotions are guaranteed to run high.

A Rivalry Fueled by Decades of Tension

The Georgia–Georgia Tech rivalry is not merely defined by proximity. It is fueled by decades of tension, competitiveness, and ideological contrast. The University of Georgia, with its SEC identity and powerhouse football tradition, represents one side of the state’s collegiate personality. Georgia Tech, rooted in its academic rigor and ACC affiliation, offers a contrasting tone—one that has historically prided itself on innovation and intellectual grit. When these two programs collide, the cultural differences merge into a single, high-stakes battle for bragging rights.

Over time, Georgia has maintained a substantial lead in the rivalry, but dominance rarely softens emotions. In fact, it intensifies them. For Georgia Tech, defeating the Bulldogs means more than achieving an upset; it means rewriting the narrative and restoring balance. For Georgia, a loss to Tech would be devastating—an unacceptable blemish on a season and a potential blow to postseason ambitions. Every year, these emotional stakes elevate the matchup into something far larger than football alone.

What This Game Means in 2024

This year’s meeting carries even greater significance for both programs. Georgia enters the game as a consistent national contender, often positioning itself for playoff consideration. A win over Tech would strengthen its résumé and reaffirm dominance in the in-state rivalry. A loss, however, could shake national perception and derail postseason momentum.

For Georgia Tech, this game represents opportunity. The Yellow Jackets have been rebuilding in recent seasons, working to redefine their identity under new coaching strategies and a modernized offensive approach. A strong performance against Georgia would not only energize the program but also send a clear message that Tech is capable of rising once again into the national spotlight.

Beyond standings or rankings, the emotional weight of this rivalry fuels the intensity of every play. Coaches emphasize discipline; players prepare for what is often the most physical game of the season; fans carry years—sometimes generations—of pride and resentment into the weekend. 

A Game That Shapes Legacies

College football thrives on tradition, and few traditions burn brighter than this one. The annual meeting between Georgia and Georgia Tech shapes the memory of every season it concludes. Even in years when national implications are minimal, the rivalry itself remains monumental. Victories are celebrated for years; losses are remembered like scars.

This deep emotional investment is what makes the schedule change so significant. By confirming a new kickoff time amid holiday disruptions, the NCAA ensured that fans across the country could fully engage with a matchup that defines the identity of Georgia football each year. Whether watching from the stands, gathered around living-room televisions, or streaming from post-shopping traffic, supporters will feel the pull of history as the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets take the field.

What Fans Need to Know

• Kickoff Time: 3:30 PM EST on November 28

• Location: As scheduled at the rivalry’s traditional venue

• Impact: Final game of the regular season for both programs; significant rivalry and emotional stakes

• Why It Matters: The game embodies more than sport—it’s a defining tradition of Georgia culture

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to November 28 begins, excitement continues to build. The updated kickoff time has added urgency, but the rivalry itself is timeless. Whether Georgia seeks to continue its dominance or Georgia Tech aims to reclaim pride, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in the history of Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.

When these two programs meet under the late-afternoon lights, fans can expect four quarters of fierce competition, raw emotions, and the unmistakable energy that only a true rivalry can create.