Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge has revealed the personal significance of his team’s win over the Tennessee Volunteers this past weekend. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ratledge, who grew up a Vols fan, admitted that defeating Tennessee “meant a lot” to him, given his family’s deep-rooted ties to the program.
Ratledge’s journey to Athens began with a tough decision in 2019 when he chose the Bulldogs over a Jeremy Pruitt-led Tennessee squad. His father’s symbolic act of peeling the iconic Power T decal off his truck underscored the shift. “Half of my family still doesn’t talk to me,” Ratledge joked, reflecting on the divide his choice created.
For Ratledge, a return to action after an ankle injury made his standout performance against Tennessee even sweeter. The lineman’s dominance was crucial in neutralizing the Vols’ formidable defensive line, helping Georgia maintain its perfect record against Tennessee during his tenure.
“It means a whole lot to me to be able to go undefeated against them,” Ratledge said, emphasizing how much the game mattered to both his family and the Bulldogs’ program.
Ratledge’s emotional ties and on-field excellence highlight the personal stakes often intertwined with SEC rivalries. For Georgia fans, his unwavering commitment continues to be a key asset in the Bulldogs’ championship aspirations.
