Georgia-Boise State game set; UGA cancels two games vs. Louisville (updated)
(Updated 8 p.m.)
Georgia’s football team will open next season in Atlanta against Boise State, which has emerged as an improbable powerhouse in recent years.
The Bulldogs and Broncos will play on Sept. 3 in the Georgia Dome in the fourth annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, event organizers announced Friday. The game will be nationally televised in prime time on ABC or ESPN.
The Georgia-Boise State pairing marks the first time Atlanta’s season-opening event has included a team from inside the state or a team from outside the SEC/ACC footprint.
“It was too good an opportunity to turn down,” Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity said.
Arranging the matchup required machinations involving a number of schools. The final contractual obstacles were cleared mid-afternoon Friday, game president Gary Stokan said.
To clear room on its schedule, Georgia canceled a contract with Louisville that had called for games against the Cardinals in 2011 (in Athens) and 2012 (in Louisville). The Chick-fil-A Game will pay Louisville $600,000 to buy out the contract with Georgia, Stokan said. North Carolina agreed to replace UGA on Louisville’s schedule in 2011 and 2012.
Boise State also had to alter its schedule to accommodate the game. The Broncos had been scheduled to open next season at Ole Miss, but the Boise State-Ole Miss game will be pushed back to 2014, when it will be played in the Georgia Dome as one of two “Kickoff” games that year. Alabama will face a team yet to be determined in the other 2014 game, Stokan said. BYU agreed to replace Boise State on Ole Miss’ 2011 schedule.
ESPN was instrumental, Stokan said, in finding ways to make the pieces fit.
In the end, Georgia traded home-and-home games against Louisville -– a series that did not fit McGarity’s scheduling philosophy – for a high-profile, close-to-home matchup against Boise State.
“We felt like it was important that we be on the national stage,” McGarity said. “We felt it would bring a level of excitement that we really need in our program.”
McGarity noted that the arrangement leaves Georgia with six games in Athens in 2011 but will allow a seventh home game to be added in 2012. He said Georgia is close to a deal with a non-BCS opponent, which he would not name, to play in Athens on the 2012 date that the Bulldogs previously were scheduled to be in Louisville.
Louisville said in a news release that Georgia’s decision came “much to the dismay of the Cardinals.”
“While we certainly would have preferred to keep the series with Georgia, we are pleased to open up the season next year at North Carolina and look forward to hosting them … in 2012,” Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich said in the release. “We were thrilled when we secured a series with Georgia five years ago. We were approached to mutually agree to cancel this series, but we declined. Georgia exercised their option to cancel our series.”
The three previous Chick-fil-A Kickoff games matched an SEC team vs. an ACC team: Alabama vs. Clemson in 2008, Alabama vs. Virginia Tech in 2009 and LSU vs. North Carolina this year.
Boise State brings “a nationally known brand” to the game, Stokan said. The Broncos, ranked No. 3 in this week’s Associated Press poll, carried a 9-0 record and a 23-game winning streak into Friday night’s game against Fresno State.
The Georgia-Boise State game will change the dynamics of the 72,000-seat Georgia Dome for the event. While tickets were evenly distributed between the teams in the previous three Kickoff games, the planned allocation for this matchup is 7,500 tickets to Boise State and the rest of the available seats to Georgia, Stokan said.
Georgia will receive about $1.7 million and Boise State about $1.4 million for playing in the game, Stokan said.
As previously announced, N.C. State will face Tennessee and Auburn will play Clemson in two 2012 “Kickoff” games at the Dome.
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473 comments Add your comment
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:38 pm
“again”
dawggone shame
November 19th, 2010
4:38 pm
Love the photo caption that refers to Boise State as “perennial BCS contenders” and no such flourish for the leghumpers. More proof for you delusional mutts that you are irrelevant in the big picture of college football. Why would Boise settle for such a “cupcake” pairing if they are trying to get national respect?
GTFan
November 19th, 2010
4:40 pm
y
November 19th, 2010
4:37 pm
GTFan
Your as jealous as they come fool. Why are you on a UGA blog? You hate it and you know it! Now, go back to your own sorry blog. UGA will give you a taste of what they will do to BSU in the way they treat the Nerd Herd on the 27th. Going down….. agian!
LOL, really?? Believe me I am not jealous at all! I am so happy not to be a UGA fan, because at least with me being a Tech fan I am realistic about our team.
Burdell
November 19th, 2010
4:40 pm
Sorry it was the 2010 game:
“Auburn and UCLA were contacted about playing in the Georgia Dome in 2010, but Auburn backed out of the offer. ABC then attempted to substitute Georgia Tech for the Tigers, but UCLA opt-ed out because the game would essentially be a home game for the Atlanta-based Yellow Jackets, with no return trip to Los Angeles.[3][4] Finally, an agreement was reached with North Carolina and LSU to face off in the 2010 game.”
GTFan
November 19th, 2010
4:40 pm
Ty,
Same reason why UGA fans go onto the Tech blogs and talk trash!!!
MURPHY
November 19th, 2010
4:40 pm
Boise Dawg,
I can understand why the no love for UGA isnt there-I dont blame them. If I got beat like that I would want revenge also. Got a give them kudos for signing a rematch. The Georgia Dome will be rocking!
UGA to start out 2011 0-1
November 19th, 2010
4:41 pm
[...] [...]
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:41 pm
Listen to all the tech cry babies on here. Absolutely love it!
I know that your little minds can’t wrap you brain around, “Why don’t we get invited to play ina special game?”
27th UGA 48-nerds 10
Georgia To Play Boise St To Open 2011 Season
November 19th, 2010
4:42 pm
[...] [...]
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:42 pm
GTFan – Shoo little boy!
puppydawg
November 19th, 2010
4:42 pm
GTFan, “half the UGA sidewalk alums are ready to give up on their team!!!”??? Really??? You counted them??? Even if that was true (which it isn’t), the other half would equal about 2 seasons of attendance by the Rambling Wretches..
senoiadawgs
November 19th, 2010
4:43 pm
Simple, last time we were worried when Boise came to town with a hotshot QB. That opener spiraled into their coach leaving and Zabransky losing his job.
I see it playing out no differently this time.
Burdell
November 19th, 2010
4:43 pm
Ty— Reading comprehension is obviously not one of your stronger attributes…
Tech was invited to play in the game this season. UCLA opted out.
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:43 pm
puppydawg
Your being generous I would have said 3 seasons!
GTFan
November 19th, 2010
4:43 pm
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:41 pm
Listen to all the tech cry babies on here. Absolutely love it!
I know that your little minds can’t wrap you brain around, “Why don’t we get invited to play ina special game?”
27th UGA 48-nerds 10
I am not crying about anything because I know our team needs LOTS OF WORK! But, at least I can admit that unlike the sidewalk UGA alumni fans!! Like, I stated before it’s a nice match up, but I don’t see UGA pulling the win off.
dawggone shame
November 19th, 2010
4:44 pm
Bluedawg,
You forgot that some Boise State player will be playing dirty the entire game and hitting uga’s qb. To here all the talk this week, you would have thought that Nick Fairley came after Murray with a tire iron the entire game. Would you like some cheese with that whine.
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:44 pm
GTFan
UGA 48 Nerds 10!
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
4:45 pm
after Ga gets beat between the hedges by Tech again they will be so distraught that they will cancel their entire 2011 season
npgator
November 19th, 2010
4:45 pm
0 and 1 has become the standand start for the bulldogs and next year will be no different.
Daisy Mae
November 19th, 2010
4:45 pm
I have been quite all year, but now I just can’t help myself. Boise State?????????? Are you kidding me. Georgia will get whipped like a step child. Just look at what has happened this year. Did you ever think you would see DAWG fans getting excited about beating Vandy and Kentucky. The DAWGS couldn’t even beat Colorado. This program is almost at Rock Bottom. It will take maybe another 2 years but it is coming people. Face it–The past 3 years have been terrible. You have the No.1 pick in the draft in Matt. Stafford, and running back and receiver in the 1st round and still lose 4 games. I have said it before (last year and the year before) CLEAN HOUSE and stop recruiting these thugs. The program isn’t somewhere any parent wants their child to go unless he can’t go anywhere else. The best recruits are leaving the state because they want to play for a WINNER.
GTFan
November 19th, 2010
4:46 pm
puppydawg
November 19th, 2010
4:42 pm
GTFan, “half the UGA sidewalk alums are ready to give up on their team!!!”??? Really??? You counted them??? Even if that was true (which it isn’t), the other half would equal about 2 seasons of attendance by the Rambling Wretches..
I know a lot of UGA sidewalk alums, and most of them act like this!! I will admit that our attendance does blow, and the GT fans act like bandwagoners, but I have been a season ticket holder for a while and try to attend every game!
dog lover
November 19th, 2010
4:46 pm
John Gibson must be a Tech Fan….they are not good with numbers.
GTFan
November 19th, 2010
4:47 pm
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
4:45 pm
after Ga gets beat between the hedges by Tech again they will be so distraught that they will cancel their entire 2011 season
As much as I love my Jackets, I don’t see them winning the game against UGA!
Ty
November 19th, 2010
4:47 pm
npgator
Lets see if your on here after App. State beats you on saturday! Then FSU will beat you and then you will have the same record as UGA. Nothing for either team to brag about!
civilized white trash
November 19th, 2010
4:47 pm
somebody made a comment bout bsu fan being smart and logical… well since i live in idaho i can tell you i have come to absolutley despise bsu fans because they are inbred freaking idiots. i actually root against bsu because of their fans…i cannot wait for the day the dogs crush bsu so i dont have to hear another year bout how mythically good bsu is………….. hell ya i am all for this game
Fan-attic
November 19th, 2010
4:48 pm
Sounds like Ty graduated from uga Magnum Cum Lawdy!
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
4:49 pm
Depends on how over confident the dogs are. They lost to Colorado.
59bulldawg
November 19th, 2010
4:49 pm
Boy we in a heap of trouble!
Andy S
November 19th, 2010
4:50 pm
The BCS tells us that every game counts; the facts tell us otherwise
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/11/19/week-12-cupcakes-bcs/index.html#ixzz15le9RZ3J
RUMBLON
November 19th, 2010
4:51 pm
From a BSU fan- I dont think Kellen Moore (QB)is going anywhere early. Hes an even 6FTer and not an early draft prospect at all. He will be here, and many of the current line up is leaving, but they have depth. The early games are and have mostly been dictated by VT, Oregon two eyars ina row where we beat them in both location and this is because BSU is a Wac Team, next year moving to the Mountain West where we play TCU every year from now on until someone leaves. I hear Boise is also scheduling a game against Ole Miss???? Dont knock Boise for trying to play a tougher schedule and I for one certainly respect the Dawgs!!!!
frank
November 19th, 2010
4:51 pm
stacking the schedule so it will be easier to fire mark rick.
Adams a genius.
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
4:51 pm
Also in 2008 look at the team they had, with a 16 point lead and still they lost.
john
November 19th, 2010
4:53 pm
Please UGA,
Well…..
Guess that means you are Isiah’s BABYDADDY then huh?
Smurf Herder
November 19th, 2010
4:53 pm
First of all, I am glad to see at least one SEC team willing to play Boise, you should be proud of yourselves for scheduling a tough game. But keep in mind that I do not want to hear any complaining when Boise wins that they only have to get up for one game a year, you have all off season to prepare for this game too. As a matter of fact, you are not really playing for anything right now anyways, maybe you should start preparing for the Boise game this week . . . just saying.
John
November 19th, 2010
4:53 pm
If UGA still have the same coaching staff, this could get ugly! I have NO faith in this coaching staff. ZERO!!
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
4:53 pm
Besides I love rooting for the underdog, and it will be great to knock ga out of a bowl trip this year.
DIT
November 19th, 2010
4:53 pm
I don’t see UGA being over confident next year. This year smacked a little reality into them. There should be a sense of urgency next year. This game will set the table on what kind of year it will be. Again, It should be a great game.
Jordan
November 19th, 2010
4:54 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2010/11/19/georgia-vs-boise-state-in-the-dome-in-11/
Patrick Romano WAR DAMN EAGLE
November 19th, 2010
4:55 pm
Worthless game, a BCS Non-qualifier and a sub-par UGA team….Boooo
Kevin
November 19th, 2010
4:55 pm
I am a huge AU fan but I am excited for the Dawgs. Get em’ dogs!
Erk
November 19th, 2010
4:57 pm
Sorry if already answered, but who do we play to replace the away game vs. Louisville for 2012?
DAWG ONE
November 19th, 2010
4:57 pm
This is very disappointing. We miss a home game in one of the nicest stadiums in the country in order to make Gary Stokan happy. He has tried for years to get UGA, and now with a new AD, he has.
It is just absurd. It is going to be interesting to know the financial details about this game. I hope the Athletic Department does not ask me for money for several years.
Einsteindawg
November 19th, 2010
4:59 pm
As I think I said in a post that didn’t go through…Great!!! Time for our coaches to actually earn their salaries without padding their win record with a bunch of weak sisters. How ’bout Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Miami next? True UGA fans want to see real competition.
Don the dog
November 19th, 2010
4:59 pm
Hello Daisy Mae, I remember you. Girl you are right on the money again
Chuck Allison
November 19th, 2010
5:00 pm
As a Tech fan, I love it when UGA fans call us the nerds. It is a tacit admission of our academic emphasis and superiority. Actually, it is not hard to shine academically when you are surrounded only by SEC schools.
Jingle Dingle
November 19th, 2010
5:00 pm
Bulldawg Richie,
And their obviously not afraid to lose to anybody either.
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
5:01 pm
and is it not great that they must beat Tech to go to a bowl. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
OkefenokeeDawg
November 19th, 2010
5:02 pm
Well, that’s one way for us to get back to the Georgia Dome . . .
nerds! nerds! nerds!
November 19th, 2010
5:04 pm
Like UCLA vs Nerds would have been near a sell out. Give me a break. It sounds like you hear whatever they want to tell you.
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
5:04 pm
Fortunately, they will have from late November until next year to prepare for BSU because Tech is going to send them home for the holidays next week.