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
Rational One
November 19th, 2012
1:05 pm
No ID, you are correct: UGA and FSU should roll through the Ramblin’ Trash.
We run this state.
November 19th, 2012
1:05 pm
The ACC is so pathetic that member schools are leaving the conference while other teams simply turn down the opportunity to play in the championship game. Suppose GT won the ACC championship. What is that worth and who cares?
Jacket Detective
November 19th, 2012
1:05 pm
How did FSU lose to NC State if they are so great?
Royal Flush
November 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
How did GA Tech ever lose to MTSU?? Seriously.
We run this state.
November 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
By the way, for all those GT fans that say UGA backed into the SEC game, why don’t you tell us what you would call GTs method of getting to the meaningless ACC game? I don’t have a cliche handy.
I bet the stadium is half empty for the ACC game. It really is a waste of fossil fuels to even have the game. Think of the gas wasted to get there, the coal wasted to light the stadium, and the electrons wasted to put it on TV. Nobody cares anyway.
GTJohn
November 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
Focus on UGA, if we cannot be UGA we cannot beat FSU. UGA can be beaten, they have been and GT can do it if they focus and play a game like they did against UNC or Duke. Although 75 yard drives against UGA will be much tougher than Duke and we will not do it every time like we did against Duke so I hope we opt for a mixture of both with emphasis on the UNC style win. Vad, however, must be prepared for some hits (some very questionable) especially if things start clicking. I saw the Dawgs spear Eddie Lee Ivory in the back at UGA (we still won) to take him out of the game and I have seen them do similar things to other players who started to do well in the game. I even remember the game at UGA where Vince did not cover the field when it rained all week prior on purpose to slow down the running game – that did not work either. The Dawgs will do anything to win and ethics never enters into it for them.
Tech 54
November 19th, 2012
1:09 pm
We have not had a sellout crowd in attendance this year. That is pathetic. Our average attendance for 2012 stands at 43,955.
We R Georgia Tech
November 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Wow!!! we get either the Russell Athletic Bowl or the Sun Bowl after we lose.
CPJ
November 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Maybe the ACC can add MTSU? Wait, they beat us. Nevermind.
John
November 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Jacket fans come to Athens on Saturday. Let’s put some blue and gold in the stands and look like we care about the team. Remeber…it’s any given Saturday. The Dawg players will probaly party Friday night….wake up hungover and play like crap (If they aren’t arrested from the night before = good chance).
Vince Dooley
November 19th, 2012
1:12 pm
GTJohn, are you serious? Have you taken your dementia medications today?
Tech 54
November 19th, 2012
1:13 pm
The Dawgs will do anything to win and ethics never enters into it for them.
GT John should be ashamed of that post. While patently untrue, it is even more unsportsmanlike.
Wally
November 19th, 2012
1:14 pm
The only thing that Tech will beat over the next 2 weeks is their own meat. You heard it here first bugs.
Vince Dooley
November 19th, 2012
1:16 pm
Well put Wally That’s why we named a building after you.
Buzzman
November 19th, 2012
1:17 pm
I am embarrassed going to the ACC championship, we do not deserve it. We will get our butts whipped by Georgia and Florida state. We can keep up on offense but defense is going to kill us
Wally
November 19th, 2012
1:18 pm
Thanks Vince.
Da Bug Zapper
November 19th, 2012
1:19 pm
Come on Jackets. time for the yearly AZZ whooping by us AGAIN. Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Drexel Gal
November 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
I wonder what Dan Rada-Moron at Clemson is thinking now. The Tigers miss out on the championship game, and Tech (Tech?) backs into it. I guess the worst Tech can get now is the Music City Bowl … which is at least on this side of the Mississippi.
hit a single
November 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
I was at a viewing party of the Duke game with the Jacket club in Boise, Idaho (Home away from Home for the Jackets). They are hoping the Jackets come back to play on the Blue Turf. It is like a home game for the Jackets.
MC
November 19th, 2012
1:21 pm
The tragedy GTvegas is that even at it’s best the D is horrible. Especially the pass D. It won’t surprise me if UGA gets close to 700 yards total offense Saturday. We just can’t match up with them physically on either side of the ball.
Bill from Dacusville
November 19th, 2012
1:21 pm
Fire Pitiful Paul
Buzzman
November 19th, 2012
1:25 pm
To techter! Agree with u, another year with CPJ, maybe we can get Big Al back for ga and fla state. Lol lol lol
yeller bug
November 19th, 2012
1:25 pm
Yeah, it’s not an elegant way to get to the championship, but nonsense on not taking advantage of this opportunity. Never thought Sarah Palin was qualified to be VP (or Biden either), but she made the most of the nomination and did well when opportunity knocked. GT can too. Remember, a couple of plays here or there and Tech would have been 7-1 in conference play and no one would be questioning all of this. Tech certainly did not have its “A” game at the start of the season and I still think there is more headroom for improvement. It’s time to execute now—two really tough games ahead and it’s a chance to make a statement. So get focused guys and let’s not squander this second chance on an awesome season—except winning the NC, all of Tech’s goals are still available—granted the betting odds are that we go 6-8 but going 9-5 is a mathematical possibility. We’ve been given new life—let’s make the most of it.
1 4 GT
November 19th, 2012
1:25 pm
I have sat & read all of the posts here up until now. Some say we should not be proud of the football team’s record this year. So many smart people seem to have a huge lack of reading comprehension, common sense and basic understanding of things. Not many Tech folks are overly proud of the record. It has been a schizophrenic season. I don’t guess the players themselves are too proud of being 6 & 5 going into the Georgie game either. What we as fans, and the players too, should be proud of is the fact that the guys have regrouped & turned things around. They have fought hard to get bowl eligible and done so. They have a real chance at proving to the world that they are worthy of respect. They have a real chance of winning 3 more games. They will continue to work and improve, They deserve for all Tech people to root for them to the end. Win, lose or draw, they are our Yellow Jackets. They have learned how to pull themselves up & carry on. They have all proven themselves to be hard working, persevering men that do not quit, but fight thru adversities & find a way to win & reach for their goals. They are a fine tribute to the Institute. Why can’t all GT fans take pride in the young men that play hard for their pleasure. You “fans” that sit on your butts and criticize these young men, and I have done some of it myself after the bad games but was back to being supportive of their efforts by Monday evenings (2 days of pouting & sulking & stewing), should be so ashamed of yourselves. How can you call yourselves Tech fans? Some of the comments from some of the so called Tech fans make me wonder how you relate to your families and coworkers. Your actions & words here are worse than pathetic! GOOOOO JACKETS THWgeorgie
Rob
November 19th, 2012
1:28 pm
I am sure the Orange Bowl is really just as pleased as it can be about this turn of events – the possibility of a 7-6 Tech team playing anyone in the Orange Bowl would be a huge yawner (and I’m a Tech fan!) So, unless Tech beats Georgia, it’s either the Orange Bowl or no bowl at all (since they’d have a losing record and thus bowl ineligible if they lose to both UGa and FSU.)
Al Bundy
November 19th, 2012
1:31 pm
@ugastudent
November 19th, 2012
10:45 am
lol tech iz SO BAD their gonna loose
“loose” Really? Fine education you’re getting in Athens!
Al Bundy
November 19th, 2012
1:33 pm
I think Flounder said it best in Animal House… Oh boy is this great!!!
Go Jackets!
Da Bug Zapper
November 19th, 2012
1:34 pm
TUESDAY 1/8/13 AJC HEADLINES:
“DANG GOOD DAWGS!! GEORGIA BULLDOGS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS”
(suck it techies)
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 19th, 2012
1:35 pm
Keep yelping, pups. The ” YELLOW JACKETS ” will be there soon. Coming in HOT.
Bill from Dacusville
November 19th, 2012
1:37 pm
Fire Pitiful Paul !!!
Munsondawg
November 19th, 2012
1:37 pm
Bug Zapper,
That would be nice! Let’s wreck Tech on Saturday. Will be a huge UGA turnout since there are national title implications involved.
GT-75
November 19th, 2012
1:39 pm
Tech had VT beat until they letup with a few seconds left and lost in OT. Same thing for Miami. Tech was even beating Clempson in the 4th qtr but lost failed to score from the 20 in the 4th qtr and the Tigers came back and scored. So, if Georgia Tech had any kind of defense at all, they’d be up there in the top ten today. Don’t bad-mouth Tech so much. With Vad Lee coming around, and only a slightly better performance on defense, Georgia and FSU will have all they can handle when it comes their turn to play the Jackets! Let’s meet back here and talk about it again next week….whata you say???
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 19th, 2012
1:39 pm
1 4 GT, well said. ” GO JACKETS “
LeftCoastDawg
November 19th, 2012
1:40 pm
Awesome! Another opportunity for Tech to incur another loss. Let’s go Bugs…..lose out!!
The Big Stinger
November 19th, 2012
1:41 pm
I’ll watch the games on TV, but wont attend. I hope Tech pulls off 2 upsets, but if MTSU beats you and BYU trips you up, Lord help us. It may not be pretty.
GT-75
November 19th, 2012
1:46 pm
Hang on, you dawg fans. You gotta go through a swarm of yellow jackets before you take on Alabama! Go ahead, concentrate on Alabama and see what happens when Tech comes rolling in between the hedges! It ain’t going to be just like you think it is!!!
UGA = Yawn
November 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
I went to one home game this year. The Miami game – pure torture. We left before OT started as I knew, as did every wise GT fan, that the momentum had shifted and UM would win. I didn’t want to actually ’see’ it happen. But, we have come far and hopefully we’ll play our remaining 3 games with gusto! And, lots and lots of points!
Jacket Fan
November 19th, 2012
1:49 pm
Tell Radakovich to enjoy the game on TV.
Jacket Attack
November 19th, 2012
1:50 pm
Hey for those saying we didnt deserve this???? What would happen if Duke beats Miami? It was ours anyway now lets hope the team and coaches go to work overtime and find a way to win! Go Jackets
Marmaduke
November 19th, 2012
1:54 pm
Have fun in the
ACC championship game bugs. Not many people care about that game anyway.
After that, you busy little bees can rock on in the Sun Bowl.
UGA = Yawn
November 19th, 2012
2:00 pm
Poor DRad and Clemson. I hope USC beats em!
tupac shakur
November 19th, 2012
2:01 pm
its am embarrassment to the conference that tech is representing the costal
Pour Me Another.
November 19th, 2012
2:05 pm
Am I drunk? I hear a beeping noise. Oh wait… That’s Tech backing into the ACC champ game w/ a pitiful record to date. It only gets worse tech fans.
TechFanForever
November 19th, 2012
2:07 pm
GO Jackets! I suppose on paper this game should be Clemson and FSU. But, like the mighty SEC, its the sub-conference champ vs the other champ. For all the UGA joksters out there, think about the last time UGA played both LSU and AL in the same year. Three years running. Is GA still in the SEC? FL and SC sure are. SC was thumping GA 35-0 before the scrubbs came in. FL turned the ball over 6 times. Vandy is the only other GA victory over a winning SEC team. As of last weekend, KY, TN, and AU where SEC winless. GA struggled against KY and TN. Now that is a worthy BSC #3 ranking…
TechFanForever
November 19th, 2012
2:09 pm
BCS, excuse my typos please…
Sanford Stadium Rocks
November 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
Do you Tech fans really think you will win? GA is unstoppable right now at this point in time. Dawgs will truly be focused on this weekends game. Style points are important. Our team is on a mission. Bend over, because you are about to get hammered Bees.
TechFanForever
November 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
BCS #3 vs No Ranking. Sure, the score should be 63-10 UGA. Let’s see how it plays out.
Da Bug Zapper
November 19th, 2012
2:12 pm
@Tech Fan Forever,
FL & SC would trade places w/ GA right now. Guaranteed
TechFanForever
November 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
Trade schedules for sure.
Munsondawg
November 19th, 2012
2:22 pm
Tech Fan,
GA wont ever play LSU or Alabama in the same yr. It is a rotation schedule. We have 1 permanent west team. That is Auburn. The rest are on a rotating basis. FYI Mark Richt has a pretty good record against Nick Saban…