Entering the Georgia Bulldogs' 2026 season opener against the Tennessee State Tigers, Georgia is a perfect 10-0 in season openers during the coach Kirby Smart era (2016-present). Georgia has earned some impressive opening game wins during the Smart era including dominant performances over the Oregon Ducks and Clemson Tigers.
Georgia has played six Power Four opponents during the Smart era in season openers. Georgia's defense has been particularly stout in opening games with the Bulldogs holding nine straight Week 1 opponents to 10 points or less. Georgia's offense has also been effective in season openers during the Smart era with UGA scoring over 30 points in nine of 10 opening games. UGA has won eight of Kirby Smart's 10 season openers by 20
points or more.
Georgia's dominance is expected to continue on Saturday, Sept. 5 with the Bulldogs' heavily favored over Tennessee State (Football Championship Subdivision).
Every Georgia season opener during the Kirby Smart era
- 2016: Georgia 33, North Carolina 24
- 2017: Georgia 31, Appalachian State 10
- 2018: Georgia 45, Austin Peay 0
- 2019: Georgia 30, Vanderbilt 6
- 2020: Georgia 37, Arkansas 10
- 2021: Georgia 10, Clemson 3
- 2022: Georgia 49, Oregon 3
- 2023: Georgia 48, UT Martin 3
- 2024: Georgia 34, Clemson 3
- 2025: Georgia 45, Marshall 7
- 2026: Georgia vs. Tennessee State
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Every Georgia football season opener during the Kirby Smart era
