As we draw closer to the start of the 2025 Georgia Bulldog football season, the news drought around the program has begat a trickle. Instead of the tangential stories of Kirby Smart addressing macro CFB issues like NIL and the transfer portal window, some snippets germane to actual Bulldog football have surfaced.
Game times and broadcast partners have been announced for 5 of the scheduled 12 contests.
First up, the August 30th season opener against Marshall will kick off at 3:30 and be televised on ESPN. This was supposed to be a home and home series against UCLA, and likely a marquee TV game on opening weekend. But by “mutual agreement”, the contract was canceled. DeShaun Foster may not know how to prepare an opening statement at Media Days, but at least he doesn’t have to prepare for a beatdown.
Next on the docket is Austin-Peay. It will also be in Sanford Stadium, also kick off at 3:30, but is relegated to ESPN+ . I don’t blame anyone here. It was always going to be a less difficult opponent leading up to the SEC opener.
Which is the Week 3 tilt in Knoxville. Kirby Smart will take his charges north to start SEC play against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 13th. We knew it was going to be a hostile reception, made even more so by Vol fans having to abide by a dress code. And now we know it to be an ABC game, but at the favored 3:30 pm slot.
And ABC liked the prospect of Georgia playing an orange opponent so much, they picked up the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and will broadcast that at 3:30 pm ET as well. We’re just assuming the game will be played in Jacksonville this year as per contractual agreement, but I’ve seen stranger things happen.
Last on the announcement page is Clean Old-Fashioned Hate. As these times are a-changing, this game will not be played at Sanford Stadium, and it will not be played at Mark Richt Field at the North Avenue Trade School. Instead, Arthur Blank has graciously offered to host both teams at the Benz. Who is going to broadcast it? That’s right… ABC. And what time will it begin? Also right… 3:30 pm ET.
It may not be the sexiest or most titillating story, but it is concerning your favorite football team and that, in these times, is something. Personally I’m weary of the CFP format discussions, or which conference commissioner is side-eyeing another. I’m ready for some By Gawd Georgia football. I hope this brought you a smidgen of joy like it did me. Savor it, and as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!