Don't Bury Tech Yet

Another year, another round of conjecture on whether the Georgia- Georgia Tech series is worth preserving. The question is understandable given the recent results of games between the two teams. It’s been pretty one-sided. But emphasize the word recent because a careful review back thru the years shows plenty of reason to keep the rivalry alive.

Having said that, the onus is on Georgia Tech to step up their game. A recent casual conversation with a Georgia fan on the streets of Dahlonega made that point. I encountered an elderly gentleman who was wearing a DAWGS ballcap. We exchanged pleasantries before I told him I was a Tech fan and a Tech grad. His eyes narrowed and he leaned in to make several salient points. ” Georgia Tech is letting the whole state down,” he said. “They are not respecting the rivalry”. Point taken.

He went on..” Sometimes I wonder if they’re still serious about playing big time football”. Ouch. Though that’s another understandable point. Especially given last year’s game at which Tech absorbed its worst beating ever from the Dogs, 45-0. At home no less, in front of a half-full stadium. And, just for the cherry on top, Tech’s then-coach was continuing to insist that “progress was being made”.

But the old timer wasn’t through with his opinion. He looked me in the eye and with his index finger jabbing the air he said,” And don’t tell me they don’t have the money!”

Again, point taken. They do have the money. Or at least they can gather the money. The money-gathering talent is among the most praised of new AD J Batt’s qualifications– Including the fact that he comes from a school in Tuscaloosa where they take the whole football thing pretty seriously.

The overall appearance is one of a school ready to make a more serious commitment to football at the D1 level.

They’ll be back.

Patrick Conarro

RamblinSports.com