Miami self-imposes, Tech headed to ACC title game
It took a second-half resurgence, the fallout of a booster gone wild and Virginia Tech’s worst season since 1992, but Georgia Tech is going to the ACC championship game.
A day after most expected the decision to be made public, Miami announced Monday morning that it will self-impose a postseason bowl ban in anticipation of NCAA sanctions in the wake of an investigation into allegations that Hurricanes booster Nevin Shapiro provided players with thousands of impermissible benefits with the knowledge of coaches. The ACC does not allow bowl-ineligible teams to compete for the ACC championship. As a result, Tech will play Florida State for its third ACC title Dec. 1 in Charlotte. Kickoff will either be 7:45 or 8 p.m., depending on the broadcast outlet, either ABC or ESPN.
The Yellow Jackets’ 42-24 win over Duke Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium turned out to be the clincher. Tech’s 5-3 league record cannot be matched by any bowl-eligible team in the Coastal Division.
It is a stunning turn of events. Oct. 6, Tech fell to 2-4 overall and 1-3 in the ACC with its third consecutive loss, to Clemson by a 47-31 score. It was the third consecutive game in which the Jackets had allowed 40-plus points, a first in the team’s history. The dismissal of defensive coordinator Al Groh followed two days later.
With division losses at that point already to the Hokies and Hurricanes, Tech’s shot at Charlotte was still mathematically alive, but that seemed about it. For Tech to reach the ACC title game would likely require Virginia Tech to lose four conference games, something the Hokies hadn’t done since joining the ACC in 2004. It would seem to have also required the Hurricanes, whose possible bowl ban had yet to surface, to do likewise.
The Hokies lost to North Carolina to drop to 1-1 that day, and then after beating Duke Oct. 13, lost three consecutive games to drop to 2-4 in the league to give the Yellow Jackets a second chance. Virginia Tech has not had a three-game since 2002. Tech has since remained perfect in the league, defeating Boston College, Maryland, North Carolina and Duke with a loss to BYU mixed in.
It is coach Paul Johnson’s second appearance in the ACC title game in his five years at Tech. Were the Jackets to defeat Florida State – Tech will almost certainly be a heavy underdog to the 10-1 Seminoles – Johnson would become the only coach in school history to win two ACC titles. (The first, in 2009, was vacated by the NCAA as a result of impermissible benefits violations.)
The news sets up an interesting week in the state of Georgia. For the first time, both Georgia and Tech will be playing in their respective conference championship games in the same season. While the game carries heavy meaning, both teams will be playing for more in a week’s time. The Bulldogs may be playing for a spot in the national championship game. Tech will have a spot in the Orange Bowl on the line, a remarkable prize for a season that started so auspiciously.
Johnson may have to make a decision on A-back Orwin Smith, who suffered an ankle injury in the second half of Saturday’s game. After the game, Johnson said he didn’t know if Smith would be available for the Georgia game.
The Tech ticket office will likely make information available soon. Tickets are also available at the ACC’s championship game site here.
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485 comments Add your comment
Roger
November 19th, 2012
10:04 am
People saying GT “backed” into the ACC Championship game should think about South Carolina.
The past two years they have beat the Dawgs but had to play both LSU and Alabama, while UGA got a pass. Thats what I call lucky and backing into the SECCG. And this is comming from a fan of both the Dawgs and Jackets.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 19th, 2012
10:05 am
@ mansup…….with all the pot and booze they consume, it’s amazing that they can remember something that happened as recently as one minute ago.
Woofey One
November 19th, 2012
10:06 am
Go NOLES.
Bad Dawg, Bad Dawg
November 19th, 2012
10:06 am
Go anywhere outside Georgia and mention University of Georgia and see the response. Known only for 12 Saturdays a year. Same for Tech is there is immediate respect of the Institute AND well there those 4, yes 4, national champtionships. Dawgs…..1.
Rodster
November 19th, 2012
10:07 am
Wow. Congrtulations to Tech’s football team. After Middle Tennessee State stomped a mud hole with them earlier in the season I thought they were dead and buried. Honestly it was a pretty good turn around to get to this point. However, doesn’t look too good for the ACC.
BigDaddyC
November 19th, 2012
10:08 am
Wow…..Congrats to UGA and GT. As an unusual fan of both teams….This puts me in a tough situation this week. I must pull for the Dawgs because the ramifications of their loss would forfeit any hopes of a national championship. I would love to see Tech beat FS and the Dawgs beat Bama and both Georgia teams make it to a BCS Bowl. If I were PJ ….I would rest Orwin this week in hopes of a full recovery for the one that really means the most.
5150 UOAD
November 19th, 2012
10:08 am
If DUKE beats Miami this weekend then TECH would be in the ACC CG anyway…….
Supersize that order, mutt
November 19th, 2012
10:08 am
@ GTDog and Roger……..THANKS !!!! You are both obviously INTELLIGENT CLASSY dawg fans, and not ignorant trashy trolls.
Gtkenz
November 19th, 2012
10:09 am
Two extra games for the Seniors, but more imporantly, for Vad and the young guys to get in some extra work. I say great job by the entire team and staff to not quit several weeks ago like so many teams do when seasons start badly. Congrats to all, Go Jackets!!! THWG!!!
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
November 19th, 2012
10:09 am
You guys are really good at giving each other the business. Best of luck to your favorite teams going forward. It’s time to get SERIOUS and Roll Tide.
ACC Wrecking Crew
November 19th, 2012
10:09 am
Congrats Tech. Can’t wait to watch it all come crashing down on you over the next 2 weeks. LMAO!!!
lance manion
November 19th, 2012
10:11 am
Look at the difference in class between the UGA trolls and the FSU posts. I look forward to playing them in Charlotte. Again, congratulations to Coach Johnson, Tevin Washington and the Yellow Jackets.
hahahaha
November 19th, 2012
10:11 am
Oh and Mr. Breeze, …., and Randy T….at least we BEAT those teams, instead of getting romped by ‘em, ala Middle Tennesee State Powerhouse.
Mark in ATL
November 19th, 2012
10:11 am
The worst team ever in a conference title game……this team couldn’t win the Sunbelt conf.
Duke Dad
November 19th, 2012
10:12 am
You got to be kidding me? Tech has a chance for the Orange bowl? Wow. Those stands will be EMPTY.
Tech 90
November 19th, 2012
10:13 am
All I want is a win in Athens!!! Dont care bout the rest.. Georgia hasnt played anybody so should be the easiest game left on our schedule..
Rome Jacket
November 19th, 2012
10:14 am
looks like we’re headed to Boise & the Blue Carpet Bowl again!
Sean
November 19th, 2012
10:14 am
Very smart Miami to self impose, because at the most they were going to get 1 year so if that’s the case they can play in a Bowl or Post Season Game. To bad Ohio was not so wise to do that last year because the just wasted a great season.
gtbuzz
November 19th, 2012
10:14 am
Win or Loose I am a Tech fan.. I’ll be rooting for the Yellow Jackets no matter what. Sure I’d love to see Tech kick the “dawgs” but I think we know it won’t happen, not because ga is all that and a bag of chips, but they always seem to be be a team of luck. Even if they loose to FSU (which we know they most likely will) hey we made it,
So here are my final thoughts on both championship games GO JACKETS!!!!! ROLL TIDE!!!
DeezNutz
November 19th, 2012
10:17 am
Congrats Techies. You guys are actually playing pretty well right now. You’ll need the D to play the games of their lives against UGA and Free Shoes U to win, but at least you have chance. To my fellow UGA fans out there giving the Techies a hard time for backing into the ACC championship game, may I remind you that we were in the same boat after the SC game. Go Dawgs!
George Stein
November 19th, 2012
10:17 am
It is true that it doesn’t look good for the ACC. If we can spring one on UGA, though, the SEC gets what the ACC is getting right now.
Tech Forever
November 19th, 2012
10:17 am
So my question is can Tech still go to a bowl with a 6-7 record?
hahahaha
November 19th, 2012
10:18 am
And after next Saturday, we still won’t have played anybody.
Mark in ATL
November 19th, 2012
10:18 am
“…..a second-half resurgence”…….LOL………Ken you’ve got to be kidding me…..this team played exactly no one in the second half of the season….
GT65
November 19th, 2012
10:20 am
TCFATL..we’ll see who beats who…you got to be a idiot.
Tech Guy
November 19th, 2012
10:20 am
Will wonders never cease?
Clemsun Tigger
November 19th, 2012
10:21 am
Good Luck Tech. I don’t think ya’ll win win against either GA or FSU though. You have a better chance agasint FSU.
10 out of 11 supersized
November 19th, 2012
10:21 am
Sweet! Congrats and that is awesome. Dec 1st just got even more interesting. Happy for you guys for real. No doubt about it that this is a good thing for college football!!!!!!
Coastal Champs
November 19th, 2012
10:22 am
Kinda like the 9-7 New York Giants sneaking into the Super Bowl last year.
Morning Reads For Monday November 19, 2012
November 19th, 2012
10:23 am
[...] Other Items – Suddenly, UGA is in the National Championship mix. Of course games against Georgia Tech and Alabama loom but according to what I’ve read on the internet, those games are mere formalities and the Dawgs are poised to rout Notre Dame. #cleanoldfashionhate – The Falcons had 6 turnovers but won anyway. – Maryland will consider today whether or not to bolt the ACC and become a member of the Big 10, or B1G, or whatever they call themselves these days. Tech could join the B1G as well. Wait, What? – UPDATE: Tech to play in ACC Championship. [...]
10 out of 11 supersized
November 19th, 2012
10:24 am
Do you guys know what time your game is yet? I think our game in the dome is at 4. Hoping they don’t conflict but thinking they probably do.
flyingwreck
November 19th, 2012
10:24 am
Who would of thought Baylor would wax K State or Alabama would lose. That’s why you play the game, especially rival games. Records don’t matter. Desire and will do. Here’s hoping we have a ton of it!
hahahaha
November 19th, 2012
10:24 am
Yes, except the Giants had a quarterback, a defense, and a coach.
didntvoteforobama
November 19th, 2012
10:26 am
I guess the North Avenue Trade School will loose the next two games. No chance against my DAWGS or them Noles. Sorry about your luck. You will once again be known as the second best team in Georgia.
Go Protractors!!!!!!!!!
Coastal Champs
November 19th, 2012
10:26 am
…… and the Giants also had SEVEN losses.
Mark in ATL
November 19th, 2012
10:28 am
second best??? try third……Ga Southern is 8-3 and headed to the playoffs….
Coastal Champs
November 19th, 2012
10:29 am
No chance the Jackets win their division, WRONG!
Black Out Pro Combat Dawg
November 19th, 2012
10:29 am
UGA vs GT is shaping up to be like Ivan Drago vs “Rocky Balboa” Rocky
5150 UOAD
November 19th, 2012
10:29 am
@10-11 it will be at 7:45 or 8:00
.....
November 19th, 2012
10:32 am
yes uga you deserve your sec east division championship ring with that big win over lsu, oh wait, i mean that big win this year over bama, oh that’s right, you didn’t play them either…guess you backed in yourself bozos
UGA = Yawn
November 19th, 2012
10:33 am
All the way Yellow Jackets – - – ALL THE WAY!!! THWG !!! And their sad fans that have nothing to do but come on here. Isn’t there a blog on the UGA page for you? We are GT and we are proud of our team. They showed true grit the last few weeks winning 2 games on the road. And all this talk about FSU. Why? They lost to NC St and should have lost to VT (a team that is an equal). We can play with both UGA and FSU – the question is, will we win!!!???
North ave. faithful
November 19th, 2012
10:33 am
This koolaid klan actually think they are the 3rd best team in the country, you gotta love it!
No Chance ?
November 19th, 2012
10:33 am
No chance Baylor beats Kansas State or
Stanford beats Oregon
A&M beats Bama
N.C. State beats FSU etc.
Buddy Landel
November 19th, 2012
10:34 am
Hate to be Grammar Police, but it’s LOSE, not loose. Also, DOMINANT is an adjective. DOMINATE is a verb.
Twilb Dawg
November 19th, 2012
10:34 am
The ACC is such a joke!
Take the Wheel
November 19th, 2012
10:34 am
I believed it all along! YAYYYYYY TEAM! What an awesome turn around! Way to keep it together team! You all deserve it. Hold your heads up and play til the last bell! Thank you CPJ and staff for not giving up on this season like so many fans wanted you to do! Thanks team for working through the rough patches! You are peaking at precisely the right time!
What an honor for the state of Georgia to have 2 teams playing for conference championships!!
hahahaha
November 19th, 2012
10:35 am
Yes, the Giants also didn’t have to get bowl eligible with 7 losses. Which you will have in a few weeks.
Buddy Landel
November 19th, 2012
10:35 am
The SEC East is such a joke.
Wreck1985
November 19th, 2012
10:36 am
GO JACKETS!!!
Coastal Champs
November 19th, 2012
10:36 am
and Georgia Tech has a chance to win 3 in a row.