The recruiting benefit of an ESPN Thursday night game is readily obvious — national exposure on a night when there are only two other college games taking place.
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson and his adversary Thursday night, Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, both expressed their appreciation of the platform this week. This is the 19th consecutive season that the Yellow Jackets have played in an ESPN Thursday night game.
Said Johnson, “It’s got to help you, with everybody being able to see you play.”
There is at least one disadvantage, though, in playing Thursday compared with Saturday. Recruits have a more difficult time coming to the game to watch in person, particularly if their seasons are still ongoing. The GHSA playoffs begin Friday.
“By the time they get through practice and fight through traffic and get here and then they’re late and they’ve got to play on Friday night, so their coaches aren’t real excited about them coming to a Thursday night game that doesn’t get over till 11:30 p.m. or midnight,” Johnson said.
Scouting report
Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas and cornerback/linebacker Kyle Fuller offered their thoughts on Georgia Tech to reporters Tuesday.
Thomas on the Jackets’ pass defense: “They don’t put their corners in a bind. They play over-the-top help most of the game. And they make you earn your points. Short-yardage situations, you get three or four yards at a time, and you can drive it all the way down the field, and [they] don’t allow that big play.”
Fuller comparing quarterback Tevin Washington to predecessor Joshua Nesbitt: “From watching film, I would say Tevin is a little bit sneakier, just not knowing what he’s going to do, whether it’s pass the ball or running the ball and ducking, things like that.”
Etc.
In an interview with 680 the Fan on Tuesday morning, Johnson said that he thinks an undefeated team deserves a spot in the BCS championship game before a team with a loss, namely Alabama. Johnson has voiced his preference for a playoff system rather than the current format. ... The school is urging fans to arrive early for Thursday night’s 8 p.m. kickoff. All on-campus parking lots will be accessible starting at 5 p.m. Shuttle service from Atlantic Station will also be available. ... The athletic association began sending out bowl ticket applications to season-ticket holders Tuesday. The application deadline is Nov. 21. More information is available at ramblinwreck.com/bowl.
About the Author
