ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Not so long ago they were raw freshmen, both wearing the red and black, battling each other for the same prize.

Starting quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs.

Of course, Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger wound up taking much different paths.

Murray won the job, guided Georgia back to national prominence, and became the most prolific passer in school history. Mettenberger ran into legal troubles, was forced out of Athens, and landed as the starter for Southeastern Conference rival LSU.

On Saturday, these former teammates will go against each other for the first time when No. 9 Georgia (2-1, 1-0 SEC) hosts No. 6 LSU (4-0, 1-0) in a crucial SEC contest.

At stake: a big boost in the national championship race and bragging rights for the winning quarterback.