With the announcement that Georgia will open the 2020 season in Arkansas, let’s take a look at some numbers to know when the Dawgs play the Hogs this September – including a look back at some notable season openers vs. SEC enemies.
One:
The number of times in the last 24 years UGA has started the season against an SEC opponent. (The Bulldogs opened in 2019 at Vanderbilt).
Two:
Number of touchdowns that Nick Chubb scored to go with 202 yards rushing in the Bulldogs’ 45-32 victory over Arkansas – which was the last meeting between the two programs.
Three:
The number of points allowed in the Bulldogs’ 30-3 win over Arkansas in the 2002 SEC Championship Game.
Four:
The number of consecutive years UGA opened the season against South Carolina (From 1992-95 when the Gamecocks were still a relatively new member of the SEC).
Five:
Margin of defeat in the Bulldogs’ 18-13 loss to LSU to open the 1990 season (Ironically, UGA had basketball rights against the Tigers then after beating LSU – and newcomer Shaquille O’Neal – twice defeated in the basketball season 1990 on his way to an SEC championship).
10:
Number of UGA wins in program history against Arkansas (compared to four for the Razorbacks vs. the Bulldogs).
14:
UGA’s preseason rank in 1988 when the season opened by no. 17 to defeat Tennessee 28-17 in what turned out to be legendary coach Vince Dooley’s final year with the Bulldogs.
24:
Number of points that UGA is favored against Arkansas according to Brett McMurphy.
34:
The number that the Bulldogs released in honor of Herschel Walker before he opened the 1985 season against Alabama.
49:
Rushing touchdowns for Walker while at UGA – the first of which came famous during the 1980 opening season in Tennessee.
71:
Years since UGA and quarterback Fran Tarkenton beat Alabama 17-3 to open the 1959 season. (The beginning of a seven-year stretch in which the Bulldogs opened seasons against the Crimson Tide).
100:
The percentage chance UGA fans will be tired of hearing about new ties from Arkansas coach Sam Pittman to the Bulldogs by the time this game begins on September 26th.
