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
MURPHY
November 19th, 2010
5:50 pm
Paul in RDU,
Ouch-that hurt! Good one. We dont need him-Caleb and Washun do a good job of fumbeling the ball themselves. Ha Ha
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
5:51 pm
I’ve checked the other blogs, no action there. Like any predator, you have to go where the prey is, and today Ga fans are here. And besides since Tech is not having such a good year, I want to have some “good old fashioned hate” fun now. Might be too late by halftime next week, but we shall see.
MURPHY
November 19th, 2010
5:52 pm
Got to go guy;s-High School playoff game to get to. Im out -Go Dawgs-Beat Tech! Nice posting with yall-even the Techies LOL
RAMBLIN WRECK80
November 19th, 2010
5:53 pm
BSU-49 UGA 3
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
5:53 pm
bye Murphy look forward to yacking till next week.
MURPHY
November 19th, 2010
5:53 pm
what will dog fans do?
Come back on Mon-I will jaw with ya some more.Good luck with Duke on Sat.
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
5:54 pm
see ya, hope your team does well tonight
GT FAN
November 19th, 2010
5:55 pm
Easy for you to say! We have a new QB that has played not even two games and the Defense is medicore at best. Georgia Tech has not played the caliber of teams UGA has played. I know UGA is 5-6 but there are 3 games that went against you that either team could have won. SC, UF and Arkansas were close until the end of the game. Georgia Tech had a lot of breaks go there way last year and this year is a completely different story. I would say the score of this game will be 35-10 UGA. I hope GT will win but I am not sure it will happen.
Bad News Bearer
November 19th, 2010
5:58 pm
Not sure provided this bad information, but the Chick-fil-A Bowl is always (ACC vs. SEC). Boise is in neither conference, and will possibly be playing in a BCS Bowl.
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
5:59 pm
GT Fan:
Any thing can happen in football. Was reading today about past upsets. In 1981 Tech went 1-10, their only victory was against the SEC powerhouse and 4th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, so I will keep the faith until the game is lost on the field next week
Paul in RDU
November 19th, 2010
5:59 pm
MURPHY – Yes, but do Caleb and Washun try to recover the fumble or do they just stand there looking at the ball waiting for UM defenders to get it?
Abagadoba
November 19th, 2010
5:59 pm
Boise State loses…..
5 starters on offense. WR(2), OL, TE, K
4 starters on defense. S, CB, DE and Nickle
Looking forward to a great game.
Bad News Bearer
November 19th, 2010
6:00 pm
My bad the article wasn’t complete when I typed my comment. It’s the Kickoff Classic not BOWL.
Dawg tride and true
November 19th, 2010
6:00 pm
Bad news bearer… This isn’t for the bowl game… This is for the kickoff game next year.
Paul in RDU
November 19th, 2010
6:02 pm
Bad News Bearer – The UGA-BCS game is the beginning of the season Chik Fil A game (was UNC-LSU this year) not the end of season bowl game that takes teams from the ACC and SEC
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2010
6:02 pm
Since SEC4Life brought it up, and Paul in RDU artfully replied on the subject of OOC “big time opponents”, I just happened to have this in my archives from July 29:
SEC 2010 Out of Conference Games (* away # neutral site)
Alabama_________San Jose St., Penn St., Duke*, Ga. St.
Auburn__________Ark. St., Clemson, UL-Monroe, UT-Chatt. (8 home games)
Arkansas________Tenn. Tech, UL-Monroe, Texas A&M*, UTEP
Ole Miss________Jacksonville St., Tulane*, Fresno St., UL-Lafayette
Miss. St_________Memphis, Alcorn St., Houston*, UAB
LSU____________UNC#, West Va., McNeese St., UL-Monroe
Florida__________Miami (OH), USF, App. St., FSU*
South Carolina___So. Miss., Furman, Troy, Clemson*
Georgia_________UL-Lafayette, Colorado*, Idaho St., Ga. Tech (5 road games, + #)
Kentucky________Louisville*, W. Kentucky, Akron, Chas. Southern
Vanderbilt_______Northwestern, Connecticut*, E. Mich, Wake Forest
Tennessee______UT-Martin, Oregon, UAB, Memphis*
Fairley is scum
November 19th, 2010
6:06 pm
Oh this is great! We aren’t good enough to beat FLORIDA this year, who isn’t even ranked yet we have the guts to schedule Boise State? I know we smoked them in ‘05, but that was with a different coach and without Kellen Moore. I expect us to be better next year, but give me a break! We almost always suck at the start of the season and we always have someone suspended.
If we do beat them however, that would be great, I just don’t feel too confident after watching our defense this year.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2010
6:07 pm
GT FAN – “the Defense is medicore at best.”
I think you must have meant “mediocre” or “medi-corps” Either would be accurate, I think.
Will Dawg
November 19th, 2010
6:09 pm
Way to go. This game has been a recruiting tool for other schools.
St. Simmons STFU and get off our blog.
We can win this game.
Tix will be hard to come by though.
ole kinkade
November 19th, 2010
6:10 pm
Dawgs suck, how bout dem apples Buck?
UGA will meet Boise and open 2011 in Atlanta | ChuckOliver.Net
November 19th, 2010
6:11 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2010/11/19/georgia-boise-state-announcement-coming/?cxntfid=blo... [...]
biggest fan
November 19th, 2010
6:13 pm
If everyone that knows football knows that the DAWGS is the only one to BEAT THE Bronc’s and will do it again!!!!!!!!!
Paul in RDU
November 19th, 2010
6:17 pm
Delbert D – Interesting OOC schedules. Who would have thought that Vandy would play the most teams from AQ conferences with 3 – ahead of UGA and ALA with 2 a piece.
Ole Miss should be ashamed of their OOC schedule for 2010.
This spud's for you
November 19th, 2010
6:18 pm
Boise State 70, Georgia 10.
A loooooong day for the dawgtards.
Paul in RDU
November 19th, 2010
6:18 pm
Delbert – you left the “e” off the end of corps
what will dog fans do?
November 19th, 2010
6:20 pm
I think the smaller schools should just get a flat percentage from the big schools and scrimmage with them during the week. Why should they have to go on national TV like Ga State did, and get beat 60 something to 7?
yo mama
November 19th, 2010
6:20 pm
folks, with the imminent nfl lockout, it would be wise for many to stay in school, and play another season. AJ and Houston could benefit from the stay. Cam is going to leave auburn and go pro.
better to stay.
Larry gunter
November 19th, 2010
6:23 pm
Like the idea of getting Georgia in this game. Think ot will be great for recruiting
LawDawg
November 19th, 2010
6:24 pm
This Spuds for You:
What happened a few years ago when evryone said the same thing? We beat that a$$ terribly and shut up the Blue and Orange!! Dawgs 53 BSU 7
Larry gunter
November 19th, 2010
6:24 pm
Enter your comments here
check Up
November 19th, 2010
6:27 pm
Will we play in the Blue Rug Bowl this year to get ready???
Dawg'em out!
November 19th, 2010
6:27 pm
boise st. looks better as of right now. lol
Shellacking!
November 19th, 2010
6:28 pm
Its about time a SEC school schedules a real team…………..
Maybe you guys can keep it close instead of needing OT to beat a crap CLemson team.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2010
6:31 pm
Paul – Here was my difficulty ranking back when I posted the stuff in July.
1. LSU
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. SC
6. Alabama
7. Vanderbilt
8. Miss. St.
9. Auburn
10. Kentucky
11. Arkansas
12. Ole Miss
hahahaha
November 19th, 2010
6:32 pm
Boise is going to ROLLLLLL on the dogs. wow.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2010
6:32 pm
Paul – I was alluding to the need for Tech to seek some serious help for the sick defense, but LOL on you suggestion!
Red
November 19th, 2010
6:37 pm
1. Good for recruiting–tired of those other SEC teams coming into Atlanta and getting exposure to Georgia recruits
2. Better match up than Louisville–if you win that one–small deal—if you lose that one–big deal, Boise–if you win it-big deal, if you lose it-small deal
3. ESPN will be here for this one
4. Georgia doesn’t have to travel far
5. With a light schedule in 2011, Georgia needs a game like this to beef up the schedule a little, win this one, and SC, and might be in the top 10 early.
Delbert D.
November 19th, 2010
6:40 pm
Boise St. got thumped severely by Georgia in 2005, and they also lost to Oregon St., Fresno St. and Boston College.
However, Dan Hawkins was the head coach then. Mr. Hawkins recently was fired by Colorado. I heard on the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) that Mark Richt is the anointed replacement.
Just kidding on that last part.
Fairley Fan
November 19th, 2010
6:43 pm
Hey “biggest fan”…is your comment available in english?
Tebow's Gone
November 19th, 2010
6:48 pm
Hey will dawg…nice language. I know your mom would be proud. I bet you were talking the same trash before this glorious season.
crabapplejoe
November 19th, 2010
6:54 pm
@Please UGA who wrote: “Please UGA, do NOT lose that game! I find it interesting how Boise chooses to play their “tough” games early in the season…”
What makes you think that Boise considers this a “tough” game….LOL…I think they would be happy to play any team from the SEC East in the first game next year.
Danny Ford
November 19th, 2010
6:57 pm
Louisville is looking for a more competitive team for it’s schedule!
The last Days of happiness in Auburn
November 19th, 2010
7:07 pm
Just a reminder….The press’ love affair with Boise State began in 2005 and the national press all said they’d come to Athens and destroy UGA…D.J. Shockley said otherwise, had a career day and sent the boys in blue home packing with a 48-13 defeat…
The Dawgs will have all spring and summer to stew on potato soup….I have a gut feeling the Broncos are in for another butt whoopin…Check out the Idaho State film, Buckos…
Let's Talk About UGA!
November 19th, 2010
7:10 pm
DawgNation,
I was just about to step off the curb, in front of an oncoming bus, when I had a vision of me screeching at the Dome. I realize that My Dawgs need me — screaming and slurring at the Boise State crowd.
By the time the game occurs, I will have gotten the car off the concrete blocks in front of our trailer. Its sell will give me enough cash to make the trip to A-town. I might even dip into some of Mama’s ‘government stash.’
I love my Dawgs! I have a tattoo, that I got in prison, to prove it.
Anybody want a beer?
Go Dawgs!
Sic ‘em!
Woof! Woof! Woof!
GEORGIA DOME
November 19th, 2010
7:16 pm
GO DWAGS…. this is going to be a real good for dawgs, Boise will never schedule to play opener UGA again since UGA will work this out real good. It will help UGA in rankings since they will be rank highly begining the season. Uga ranking will move way up
Cindy
November 19th, 2010
7:19 pm
Sorry guys I am from Ga but the Broncos are gonna stomp yall
james
November 19th, 2010
7:22 pm
ooooohhhhhhh this ouht to be a good . l’m a be there
Let's Talk About UGA!
November 19th, 2010
7:29 pm
DawgNation,
So much for the long diatribe that I was about to offer against Tech and Boise State.
I have had too much alcohol today and I just sharted in my red panties.
Time to do laundry. My panties are sticking to my butt cheek.
I need a snikers and a ‘man hug.’
Go Dawgs!
Sic ‘em!
Woof! Woof! Woof!
Deepdiver
November 19th, 2010
7:46 pm
This will be the first game of Richt’s farwell tour and a loss to boot.
DawgsWillCrushThe Ponies
November 19th, 2010
7:54 pm
Mark it down. All you stupid haters will disappear after the game is over.
And St. Simon’s, bite my big dawg a$$. You are so pathetic. We will crush your Nerds by 20+ next week, count on it…….