Georgia football gets a bit of a breather on Saturday as they host their second straight home game against an undermanned 2-8 UMass team who just fired their head coach Don Brown.

 Georgia has opened as a 42.5-point favorite. This matchup marks only the second meeting between the two teams, with UGA previously defeating UMass decisively in 2018, 66-27.

   The Minutemen will limp into Athens and take their lumps and sacrifice for a nice $1.9 million payoff. 

   Georgia (8-2, 6-2 SEC) is ranked 12th in the nation, coming off a impressive pressure filled win over #7 Tennessee. After falling behind 10-0, the Dawgs dominated the Vols the rest of the way outscoring them 31-7 after that.

   A ton was on the line. Had they lost, they would definitely be out of the SEC Championship Game and probably also not make the 12 team expanded College Football Playoffs.
   But, with the win, they look like a lock for the playoffs with an outside chance for the SEC Championship needing a few things to happen to Alabama, Texas and Texas A&M.

   UGA has owned Sanford Stadium, winning all three of their home games this season and 29 straight overall going back to 2019.

   Head Coach Kirby Smart has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and execution against UMass, stating, “We won’t take any major chances here. Run, keep running, and assume UMass will give up about six yards per pop.”

   Quarterback Carson Beck has thrown for over 2,800 yards this season with 19 touchdowns.

   The Minutemen have struggled throughout the season and have yet to win a game on the road (0-5). UMass’s last outing was a narrow overtime loss to Liberty, showcasing some resilience but ultimately falling short.

   QB Taisun Phommachanh has been pivotal in both passing and rushing but hasn’t seen a defense like Georgia’s.
RB CJ Hester should also struggle to get a ground game going.

   The game presents an opportunity for Georgia to rest some starters and give younger players valuable playing time as they prepare for their tough season finale against Georgia Tech.

    The game is an early 12:45 p.m. kickoff on the SEC Network.