One of the most significant home games in Gamecocks history now has a stage to match. No. 21 South Carolina will welcome Georgia, expected to take over the No. 1 spot in the rankings, to Williams-Brice Stadium under the lights on Saturday, Nov. 21. The SEC announced Monday that kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on ABC.
**A Rare Night Game in Columbia**
The matchup will be South Carolina’s first home night game in conference play this year and only its second at home overall. The other was a 45-9 win over Towson on Sept. 12, which kicked off at 7 p.m. The game is also the Gamecocks’ final home date of 2026, so it doubles as Senior Night.
**Reviving a Permanent Rivalry**
Georgia is one of three permanent SEC opponents South Carolina will face every season going forward, along with Kentucky and Florida. The teams haven’t met in three years, and the Bulldogs hold a 55-19-2 edge in the all-time series. South Carolina’s last victory in the series was a 20-17 win in Athens in 2019.
**Georgia Rolling in Year 11 Under Smart**
In Kirby Smart’s 11th season as head coach, Georgia sits atop the SEC at 8-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play. The lone blemish was a 27-24 loss to unranked Auburn on Oct. 17. The Bulldogs have bounced back with lopsided wins over No. 17 Florida and No. 8 Ole Miss. They are projected to move to No. 1 in Tuesday’s College Football Playoff rankings and will host No. 18 Missouri this Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
**Gamecocks Face a Road Test First**
South Carolina, now 6-3 overall and 4-3 in SEC play, has a trip to Fayetteville to deal with before Georgia arrives. The Gamecocks visit Arkansas on Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, with kickoff at 7:45 p.m. on SEC Network.
**Bottom Line**
Few home games carry this much weight: a No. 1 opponent, a primetime slot on ABC, and a senior class playing its last game in Columbia. The Gamecocks first need to take care of business at Arkansas. If they do, Williams-Brice should be at full volume on Nov. 21, with a chance for a signature win over the nation’s top team.
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