This game for Georgia Tech marks several first-time occurrences and last-time occurrences.
Key among the “lasts” is that this will be the last game coached at Tech by Paul Johnson. Also, the senior class will play its final game, including a possible 12 starters. For key senior starters are quarterback TaQuon Marshall, A-backs Clinton Lynch and Qua Searcy and wide receiver Brad Stewart.
Speaking of the A-back, with Johnson leaving and Geoff Collins already on the job as Johnson’s successor, terminology such as the A-back and B-back likely will make their final occurrences, too.
Among the first occurrences: This is Tech’s first game time in the Quick Lane Bowl, which is played at the home of the Detroit Lions. This is Tech’s first football game in Detroit – and the first in Michigan since a regular-season victory against Michigan State on Sept. 23, 1972.
This also is Tech’s first game against Minnesota. Excluding Maryland, once a longtime member of the ACC, Tech is 8-7 against teams in today’s Big Ten.
During Johnson’s 11 seasons at Tech, the Yellow Jackets have faced one team from the Big Ten, losing to Iowa 24-14 in the Orange Bowl in the 2009 season.
The Quick Lane Bowl will be Tech’s 45th bowl appearance. The Jackets are 25-19 in bowl games.
Here is some important information regarding how to follow the action:
Time: 5:15 p.m. ET
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 26
Location: Ford Field, Detroit
Television: ESPN will televise the game. Mark Neely will handle play-by-play. Ray Bentley is the analyst, and Allison Williams is the sideline reporter.
Streaming: The game is available online at WatchESPN.com.
Local radio: The game will be broadcast on the Georgia Tech IMG Sports Network, heard in metro Atlanta on The Fan 680/93.7. Andy Demetra is handling play-by-play. Sean Bedford is the analyst, and Wiley Ballard is the sideline reporter.
Satellite radio: You can listen on Sirius XM Radio Channel 98/193.
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