Posse On Bowl-way: Georgia Tech

Happy To Be Here?

Well, from the looks of things, GT should be happy to be in a bowl of any sort at all. Such is the assumption one can make when you've been bypassed by a 6-6 team in the selection process. But the truth is, my lord- GT is one unattractive team right now. Among the things to consider are a passing attack that somehow managed to get worse after the departure of Reggie Ball, the recent dismissal of coach Chan Gailey and a pasting at the hands of Georgia that reversed the trend of GT at least being competitive against at the Bulldogs.

Come Here Often?

This will be the second time the Yellow Jackets have shuffled off to Boise for the postseason, the first being a 52-10 victory over Tulsa after the 2003 season...believe it or not, I actually remember watching this game and having to endure a grueling interview with Steve Largent trying to save face while his alma mater got its ass handed to it.
Why Care?

Because if anything, you get the pleasure of reliving a time when Fresno State's scheduling philosophy actually managed to benefit them. During the first part of the decade, Pat Hill made it abundantly clear that if he had the opportunity, he'd play Notre Dame in a Carl's Jr. parking lot and call them a bunch of nancy boys if they refused. But recently, the Bulldogs have been surpassed in the WAC by more offensively progressive teams like Hawaii and Boise State, and last season, Fresno fell off the map with a velocity that suggested the world might actually be flat after all. However, after that 4-8 season, the Bulldogs are looking for their eighth straight bowl win, a streak that includes their last trip to Boise. A game which I will speak no more of.

And The Winner Is...

One might think to give the advantage to Fresno because GT is playing with an interim coach, but let's slow down there, professor. First off, Bulldogs pwn Chan Gailey, so maybe this is for the best. Second, John Tenuta (GT's defensive coordinator) gets the assignment here and I'm sure it won't be long before he's on the sidelines somewhere else without the "interim" tag. More than likely, the Yellow Jackets will stick to Tashard Choice on the ground, which is a pretty great idea considering that Taylor Bennett's completion percentage is less than 50% and Fresno is likely to stick to the running attack as well; meaning that this will likely be a colossally boring game that will be decided by turnovers and field position. But here's the thing; this is the first time in seemingly forever that the ACC representative will come in with something to prove. Think of the last couple of guys who made the trip: Virginia and Boston College teams that got passed over for more prestigious bids despite top-25 rankings due to their (probably deserved) rep for poor travel. A Miami squad playing their last game for Larry Coker and likely feeling akin to someone at the movies with their parents on a Friday night; they just hope that no one sees them. GT on the other hand is basically performing an audition for Tenuta, a guy they love. And moreover, they're trying to get some semblance of momentum before the Paul Johnson Era begins. Considering the perceived overhaul that could take place, it wouldn't hurt to look useful on national TV. Then again, it's Fresno State and as long as Pat Hill's mustache is in the picture, they'll never look down a BCS team, even it's one that's not all that good. I didn't like the way GT played at all during the end of the season, and Fresno has quitely gotten it together, so another one for the V...

Fresno State 20 Georgia Tech 14