Georgia Tech didn't do enough to beat Georgia on Saturday, but the Yellow Jackets appear to have won the hearts of the Sun Bowl.
"If they're available, right now it looks like Georgia Tech's our team," Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas said.
Olivas and Sun Bowl football chairman John Folmer attended Saturday's game and saw enough to be satisfied. The Dec. 31 game in El Paso, Texas, has the third pick of ACC teams after the BCS bowls.
Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan said that Tech needed to beat Georgia to be considered for its game.
The Champs Sports Bowl, which holds the No. 2 pick, could still take Tech, but will have a choice of whomever remains among the ACC championship game loser (Clemson or Virginia Tech), Florida State and Virginia, as well as Tech.
"[Saturday's loss] doesn't change our feelings about how good Georgia Tech is, that's for sure," said Olivas, who also saw Tech defeat then-No. 5 Clemson.
Olivas said he had a good conversation with Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich prior to the game. Olivas said California was the leading contender out of the Pac-12. Tech last played in the Sun Bowl in 1970.
Special teams review
Except for one glaring play, Tech's special teams stood their ground against the Bulldogs. Tech punter Sean Poole netted 42.3 yards on three punts. Of four Tech kickoffs, three were contained inside the Georgia 25-yard line. It was the other one, however, that was a game-changer. Georgia's Brandon Boykin took the opening kickoff of the second half 60 yards to the Tech 36-yard line. Three plays later, Georgia was in the end zone with a 24-10 lead.
Coach Paul Johnson said Boykin got outside of Tech's containment scheme.
"Our guy couldn't get off that block," Johnson said with a measure of sarcasm regarding the block. "It was a good one."
Record for Jones
On Senior Day, A-back Roddy Jones etched his name in the school record book with his 51st career start, breaking former linebacker Recardo Wimbush's previous mark. Safety Rashaad Reid played in his 52nd career game, tying former cornerback Mario Butler and former defensive tackle Darryl Richard for second all-time. Reid can tie former kicker Scott Blair's record of 53 games in the bowl.
"He's been a big part of a lot of real positives for Georgia Tech while he's been here, both on the field and off the field," Johnson said. "Personally, I'll miss him a lot. He's a great kid."
Tight end hurts Tech
Another tight end did significant damage to the Jackets. This time it was Georgia's Orson Charles, who caught a team-high five passes for 95 yards, four for first downs. Tight ends from Duke and Virginia Tech also were productive against Tech. Georgia tight end Aron White caught a three-yard touchdown pass on his only reception.
"We weren't in position to stop him," Tech linebacker Julian Burnett said of Charles . "They were able to hurt us with him."
Days plays
Johnson relieved quarterback Tevin Washington early in the fourth quarter, giving backup quarterback Synjyn Days the final two possessions. Days, who hadn't played since the Miami game Oct. 22, led the Jackets to a touchdown in his first series.
Said Washington of being pulled, "It's a business."
Washington finished 3-for-10 for 34 yards with two interceptions.
Etc.
Former Tech greats Calvin Johnson and Chris Reis were at the game. In an on-field ceremony between the first and second quarters, they helped honor team chaplain Derrick Moore for his 10 years of service to the team. … At the end of the third quarter, men's basketball coach Brian Gregory led the Tech marching band in the Budweiser song. … Attendance was 54,925, which was 75 short of capacity. The Tech student section was not completely full.
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