Live from Georgia Tech, where there’s a *BCS berth at stake

Yes, this post is about Tech. But here's a look at the 2009 Independence Bowl. (AP photo)

(*In this case, “BCS” stands for “bowl of cruddy stature.”)

Georgia Tech is 5-5. It needs to beat Duke, which is terrible, to become bowl-eligible. If the Jackets lose here today, they’ll need to beat Georgia, which is the best sub-.500 team in the country, in Athens next week to secure a postseason invitation. And where might Tech go if it notches Victory No. 6?

ESPN.com has Tech ticketed for the Military Bowl, which will be staged in Washington D.C. on Dec. 29. Scout.com, SI.com and CBSsports.com all have the Jackets headed to the one place guaranteed to slash Tech fans’ arsenal of ever-ready UGA insults by 67 percent — the Advocare  V100 Independence Bowl, which is staged you-know-where.

For 51 weeks Georgia fans have gigged Tech with these four words: “We run this state.” For 51 weeks Tech backers have responded with one word: “Shreveport.” And — wouldn’t you know it? — the Jackets could well be bound for that charming city to play a bowl game on Dec. 27. Yikes.

That said, the only thing worse than going to Shreveport is not being eligible to go to Shreveport. Tech could and should take care of that today. (Did I mention that Duke is terrible?) Even without its best player, the Jackets are 10-point favorites. Should his Jackets somehow mess up and get beat, I fully expect Paul Johnson to punch someone, even if it’s only himself, in the face.

And with that, the floor is again open for questions, comments and testimonials from the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. And it must be stated that at least one outsider attaches great value to an Independence Bowl bid. I remind you that A.J. Green got $1,000 for his jersey from the 2009 installment of that epic event.