Georgia Tech entered the season as a darkhorse playoff contender, the massive injuries, inexperience, and just plain ole poor football had the team sitting 2-5, and 0-4 in the ACC. They were an afterthought, a forgotten team, and a disappointment. At least that’s what the rest of us thought….
Heck I went to Georgia Tech, and I just wanted the team to get better because I figured this was a lost season.
Paul Johnson would have none of it. Against Notre Dame and Duke, the triple option looked completely helpless. The blocking was atrocious and QB Justin Thomas was trying to do too much. Quietly Georgia Tech has shown signs of life since early September. There was 376 yards rushing against Pittsburgh in a 31-28 loss. They led UNC 21-0 before the Heels stormed back to win 38-31. There was a 43-24 defeat to Clemson, but the Tigers look like a playoff team.
The defense held FSU’s Dalvin Cook to 82 rushing yards, and the Noles to 280 yards total. Now Georgia Tech has a chance to turn their season around. Next up is a Virginia team that sits 2-5 with their best win over Syracuse. Paul Johnson and Georgia Tech have now beat Florida State, Clemson, Georgia and and top 10 Mississippi State team in the last year. That’s impressive stuff. I think the Jackets make a bowl now which was unheard of less than 24 hours ago.
For FSU it was the end of a 28 game ACC winning streak, and it likely knocked them out of the College Football Playoff. They could still win at Clemson, Florida, and win the ACC to finish 12-1, but would that be enough? The Noles would need a lot of help. This loss probably drops them into the high teens in the rankings. That’s a lot of ground to make up in just over a month. They don’t looked equipped to make that kind of run anyways. Going 9-3 or 10-2 in a rebuilding year still isn’t bad. They will be back.
Clemson? Did they need a Florida State to win to enhance their resume. It wouldn’t hurt, but Clemson has been so impressive outscoring their last 3 opponents Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Miami 135-40 they really didn’t need it. Their path to the playoff is clear… win out.
With Utah, losing the Pac 12 can’t play their way into the playoff without help. The conference can’t leap frog any undefeated power 5 champion. It just isn’t happening.
