Winning a rivalry game is always important, but Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said defeating Georgia on Saturday likely won't erase all the disappointment his program has experienced this season.
The Yellow Jackets (6-5) entered the season hoping to defend their ACC title. Instead, they have struggled in most areas and needed to defeat Duke last week just to snap a three-game losing streak and become bowl eligible.
The Bulldogs (5-6) were considered favorites to contend for the SEC's Eastern Division title. After opening the season with a win, they lost four consecutive games and now must defeat Tech to become bowl eligible.
"The records won't diminish the importance of the game or how the kids view it," Johnson said. "Nobody's going to deem their season a success win or lose with the way we've played. I know I wouldn't."
Georgia coach Mark Richt said at least playing a rival will make it easier for him to motivate his players.
"When you get to this point where we are at, with no chance for an SEC championship game, when you play Georgia Tech I won't have to scream very hard at all," he said.
Though Tech defeated the Blue Devils 30-20 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Tech's coaches were left with plenty to work on this week. It has been a familiar scenario this season.
The defense gave up 443 yards, including 334 passing, the special teams committed three more mistakes and the offense had trouble finishing drives against Duke. Georgia featuring wide receiver A.J. Green (96.3 yards per game) and returners Branden Smith (16.1 yards per punt return) and Brandon Boykin (25.7 yards per kick return) present concerns. Johnson said Green is the best wide receiver he's seen. The coach also said Tech will continue to work on special-teams play.
Johnson, however, liked the team's effort in the second half that produced two plays that changed the game: Mario Butler's 85-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Stephen Hill's 79-yard touchdown catch.
It didn't take long during Tech's post-game press conference for the Bulldogs to come up. Johnson said last year's 30-24 loss in Atlanta wasn't mentioned during the season and he didn't plan on using revenge as a motivational tactic.
"I'm going to play up the ‘Let's-get-ready-to-go-play-and-get-better' card; that's what we need to do," said Johnson, noting a victory would guarantee a winning season for Tech. The Yellow Jackets are bowl eligible for the 14th consecutive season.
Johnson gave the players a day off to enjoy the win over Duke. However, the players were already looking forward to this week's matchup.
"You're always excited to play Georgia," A-back Roddy Jones said. "We aren't going to the ACC championship game. This will be the last game of the regular season. This is the last thing we have to look forward to. It's a late game. The atmosphere is going to be great."
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