Bobby Dodd Stadium

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to my first Atlantic Coast Conference game and second game at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium. I had been to watch the Yellow Jackets play once before on their home turf in an early season match-up against my Samford Bulldogs. Needless to say the atmosphere for a non-conference game with a FCS school has a little different feel than when Tech hosts the No. 5-ranked team in the nation, the Clemson Tigers.

The student section 10 minutes to kickoff

I went to the game thinking I would come away with a idea to write about the differences between an ACC and SEC contest. However, the game that would ensue was quite entertaining. Now I am not going as far as to say that the ACC is equal to the SEC atmosphere, not really a contest with about 40,000 less people, but to say I did not enjoy the evening would be lying. If you have never tailgated in an urban environment it's worth looking into.

The crowd with 10 minutes before kickoff was disappointing. Tech is more known for being an academic institution and the students say they have enough time to leave the library, but a half empty student section is inexcusable when you are competing in maybe the biggest game that will happen while you are at school. Nor can a fourth of your stadium be filled with opposing colors. And speaking of the those in attendance, because your team goes down 3-0 in the first quarter to one of the nation's top offenses does not mean you have the right to leave the game, which unfortunately for those who left happened. 



Sammy Watkins about to do work

But after the Yellow Jackets scored on their ensuing drive and the next 17 points, not a soul left (until Clemson fans started pouring out when the game was out of hand). The place was 'buzzing' with excitement and no one sat down, except for halftime and TV timeouts. There was an uneasiness in the stadium with a 24-3 lead because the Tigers can score so quickly (I am now a believer in Clemson WR Sammy Watkins); but with the triple-option offense Georgia Tech 'run's the tension was soon relieved as they pounded the ball on the ground.


Here they come...

When the clock struck 0:00 the students rushed the field, which I had never seen in person. It was a planned reaction, which means it was not the same as if they had won on a last minute field goal but it was impressive nonetheless. Everything that needed to happen in an upset happened for the then unranked Yellow Jackets: turnovers, home night game and an offense that can control clock. Tech fans have become used to this, with coach Paul Johnson undefeated against ranked opponents at home.




It was a great night in Atlanta for Georgia Tech and myself. The next college game on my schedule (unless you invite me to one sooner) is a trip down to a familiar venue in Jordan-Hare Stadium, as the Auburn Tigers host the Samford Bulldogs.