UNC and Georgia revive historic rivalry, haven't played in 45 seasons

The North Carolina and Georgia football teams were ready for battle.

The two young programs were facing off for the first time, each looking for its second win of the 1895 season. But what followed, a game-turned-folktale, would shape the next 50 years for both schools.

UNC and Georgia took the field in Atlanta that day — much like they will in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday — as closely-matched opponents. The Tar Heels claimed a narrow 6-0 victory.

But in the hard-nosed, low-scoring affair, one play made all the difference.

A 70-yard touchdown won UNC the game, but the way the Tar Heels scored was more momentous: a forward pass, the first ever in college football history. It remains the most debated play in the 76-year series.

The fabled forward pass set up the most legendary game of the rivalry between the two programs. And while the contest had little impact on the 1895 season, it sparked bad blood that manifested itself for decades to come.

But some believe that even without the forward pass, the rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Tar Heels was destined to be.

“Georgia and North Carolina was just a natural rivalry at that time,” said Kevin Best, assistant athletic director for communications. “There were just so many similarities between the schools.”

“They were almost meant to be rivals.”

Deep-seeded similarities

The parallels between the universities date back to their origins.

UNC and Georgia both claim to be the first state-chartered university in the country, and both are correct to some extent. While Georgia was chartered first in 1785, UNC opened its doors to students first in 1795.

And while the lyrics differ, the universities’ alma maters share the same tune — one that will ring throughout the Georgia Dome during Saturday’s game.

The schools even look the same.

“Having walked both campuses, Georgia’s campus is very similar to UNC’s,” said Best, who interned at Georgia after graduating from UNC in 1993.

“They have the arch. We have the Old Well. There are just so many similarities between the two.”

So naturally, the Bulldogs and Tar Heels became rivals as their football teams began clashing. UNC and Georgia both joined the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1894 and moved to the Southern Conference together in 1921.

The battle between the two schools was not just a matchup between football programs, though. In 1927, UNC opened Kenan Memorial Stadium. Just two years later, Georgia sought out the same architect, Arthur Cleveland Nash, and constructed a new venue of its own: Sanford Stadium.

A class above

The rivalry burned until 1932, when Georgia left the Southern Conference for the Southeastern Conference (SEC). But just as quickly as it was sparked by that controversial forward pass, the rivalry died out. While the teams played 17 games after Georgia left the Southern Conference, the Bulldogs proved a class above UNC, winning 11 of the 17— the last a 7-3 Georgia win in the 1971 Gator Bowl. By then, the animosity between the programs had almost completely faded.

The teams have played 30 games total, with Georgia leading the all-time series 16-12-2. But many UNC players were surprised to hear the schools played at all, let alone as bitter rivals.

“For the players, I really don’t think that the history between the programs even registers,” said Coach Larry Fedora. “The last time they played, in ’71, none of these guys were even thought of.”

But even before that 1971 meeting, the programs took two different paths.

“There were a lot of peaks and a lot of valleys for UNC’s football program through the years,” Best said. “Whereas Georgia had that consistency that allowed them to find so much success.”

After leaving the Southern Conference, Georgia won four national championships, 11 SEC titles and produced two Heisman Trophy winners. UNC has shown flashes of excellence but has struggled finding consistent success.

Lost was the parity that had fueled the storied series, and so too was the memory of the rivalry itself.

The right direction

No. 22 UNC and No. 18 Georgia now find themselves in a similar situation ahead of Saturday’s matchup. Just as they did 121 years ago, the teams will meet in Atlanta with plenty to prove.

“Both teams have high expectations for this season,” said Peach Bowl Inc. CEO Gary Stokan. “And both teams want to show the country what they’re all about.

“The country is watching.”

Georgia — having replaced long-time coach Mark Richt with former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart — looks to re-establish itself as a national championship contender after a 36-year title drought.

For UNC, the value in Saturday’s game is quite different. Coming just one win shy of an ACC crown last year, the program is full of promise. A win against Georgia would be a step in the right direction.

Fedora said he knows a win in the season opener doesn’t guarantee future success. But for him, a win against Georgia would bring UNC close to the vision he has for his program.

“I’d like to be up there, just like the basketball program,” Fedora said. “The things that Coach (Roy) Williams has accomplished with that program, and before him Dean Smith — I’d like to have this football program be right there.”

Put simply, Fedora wants his team to win national championships. Plural.

“I want to create a culture of winning,” Fedora said. “I want Carolina to be a factor forever.

“And I believe it can be done.”

For players and coaches, the opener will also serve as a chance to size themselves up against formidable competition. Only then will the Tar Heels know just how close they are to their goals.

“It’ll be a measuring stick for us,” said wide receiver Bug Howard. “We’ll see just how close we are to this vision.”

Saturday’s matchup carries with it the hopes of many. UNC might push closer to becoming a championship contender with a win on Saturday — or they might not. The teams might re-kindle their age-old rivalry — or they might not.

Only one thing is for sure: These two teams are ready for a battle.

They have been since day one.

@_brohammed

sports@dailytarheel.com