The Georgia-Georgia Tech football rivalry, steeped in tradition and animosity, is aptly nicknamed “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” This enduring rivalry, spanning over 130 years and 70 miles, embodies the essence of intense in-state competition. This article delves into the history, traditions, and significant moments that define this iconic college football clash.
The Origins of “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”
While the exact origins remain shrouded in some dispute, the moniker “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” is attributed to author Bill Cromartie, who published a book with the same title in 1977. The name perfectly encapsulates the intense rivalry, characterized by juvenile nicknames, spirited chants like “To Hell with Georgia,” and a deep-seated dislike between the two institutions. The rivalry ignited from their first encounter in 1893, instantly fostering an atmosphere of fierce competition and mutual animosity.
A Legacy of Pranks and Disputes
The rivalry’s history is replete with claims and counterclaims of stolen artifacts, including Georgia’s Chapel Bell and Georgia Tech’s Ramblin’ Wreck. While separating fact from fiction proves challenging, the enduring animosity between the schools is undeniable. One notable incident occurred in 1919 when Georgia mocked Georgia Tech for fielding a team during World War I while many other schools suspended their programs due to the war effort. Georgia Tech served as a military training ground during this period, further fueling the rivalry.
A Rivalry Interrupted: The 1920s Hiatus
The rivalry reached a boiling point in the 1920s, culminating in a nine-year hiatus. A Georgia parade featured a tank representing Georgia’s wartime service and a Model T mocking Georgia Tech’s presence in Atlanta during the war. This deeply offended Georgia Tech, leading to the suspension of all athletic competitions between the two schools from 1919 to 1924.
Fight Songs Fuel the Fire
Georgia Tech uniquely calls out its rival in two fight songs. “Up With The White And Gold” indirectly references Georgia with the lyrics “down with the red and the black,” while “Ramblin’ Wreck” explicitly includes the infamous “to Hell with Georgia” line. Georgia retaliates with “to Hell with Georgia Tech” in “Glory, Glory,” a popular in-game song often considered its secondary fight song.
A Modern-Day Dominance
Georgia currently holds a commanding lead in the all-time series, boasting a 70-41-5 record and a current five-game winning streak. Despite Georgia’s recent dominance, the Yellow Jackets historically held the longest winning streak in the rivalry, claiming eight consecutive victories from 1949 to 1956 under legendary coach Bobby Dodd.
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate Endures
The “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry between Georgia and Georgia Tech transcends the football field, representing a deeply ingrained cultural clash between two prominent institutions. This enduring rivalry, filled with historical anecdotes, passionate traditions, and unwavering animosity, continues to captivate college football fans nationwide. Every year, the clash between the Bulldogs and the Yellow Jackets reaffirms the enduring power of this unique and intense rivalry.
