Rivalry games are always fun.

There is always an added excitement to games that split a state in half, or at least close to half, no matter how the teams are doing. Throw out the records, you know.

But these games are even more interesting and exciting when they actually mean something ... when both teams are having good seasons.

That’s the case in Saturday’s Georgia-Georgia Tech game.

Don’t believe that? Well, just think back a year.

Yes, Georgia’s 42-34 win was thrilling to watch, but it didn’t really mean anything in the grand scheme of things. Both teams were awful, and both finished 6-7. The fan bases were upset with their teams and their coaches, and there just wasn’t much interest in the game outside of playing for Peach State pride.

This year, things have turned around for both programs, and Saturday’s game could have big implications for how these two teams’ seasons finish and are viewed by their fans.

Georgia is 9-2 and has won nine straight games. The Bulldogs will play in the SEC championship a week from Saturday, and they have had a bounce-back season. Mark Richt, who started the season on the hot seat, should not be worrying about his job status anymore, not after a terrific season that has seen the Bulldogs get their program going back in the right direction.

But the Bulldogs need to maintain their momentum going into a game next week that will see them viewed as huge underdogs. A loss to the Yellow Jackets could slow down the Bulldogs’ surge just a little bit, and they want to keep things rolling for next week’s trip to Atlanta with a strong showing in Saturday’s trip to Atlanta.

Georgia Tech is 8-3 and had a shot at playing in the ACC title game but came up a little bit short. Paul Johnson’s team has rebounded, as well, from a difficult 2010 season with a team not too many people expected a whole lot from entering the season.

The Yellow Jackets were so good early in the season only to hit a little bump in the road. But their season will be much more memorable if it includes a win over their biggest rivals, and a win Saturday also would help improve Georgia Tech’s bowl status.

There is a lot riding on Saturday’s game, much more than just playing for pride. And that’s good for both programs.

Contact Daniel Shirley at 744-4227 or dshirley@macon.com