The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has long been home to some of the most storied rivalries in college football. One such rivalry that has been renewed in recent years is the one between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Florida State Seminoles. The two teams have a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, and their matchups have always been highly anticipated and closely contested.
History of the Rivalry
The Georgia Tech-Florida State rivalry has its roots in the 1950s, when both teams were members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). During this time, the two teams played each other regularly, with Georgia Tech winning 10 of the first 15 meetings. However, Florida State began to gain ground in the 1960s and 1970s, and by the 1980s, the Seminoles had established themselves as a major force in college football.
In 1992, the ACC expanded to include Florida State, which added a new layer of excitement to the rivalry. Since then, the two teams have played each other annually, with the Seminoles holding a slight edge in the series.
Notable Games
One of the most notable games in the series came in 1999, when Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning 35-31 upset over the No. 1-ranked Seminoles. The win marked the Yellow Jackets' first victory over a top-ranked team in school history.
In 2008, the Seminoles returned the favor, defeating Georgia Tech 41-28 in a game that saw the Yellow Jackets' star quarterback, Josh Nesbitt, suffer a season-ending injury.
More recently, the 2012 game between the two teams saw Georgia Tech pull off another upset, this time defeating the No. 16-ranked Seminoles 22-16.
Coaching Rivalry
Another aspect of the Georgia Tech-Florida State rivalry is the coaching matchup between the two teams. Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson and Florida State's Jimbo Fisher have a long history, dating back to their days as assistant coaches in the ACC.
Johnson, who coached at Georgia Tech from 2008 to 2018, was known for his option-based offense, which often gave the Seminoles fits. Fisher, on the other hand, was known for his aggressive defensive style, which often stymied the Yellow Jackets' offense.
The two coaches had a number of intense matchups during their time in the ACC, with Fisher's Seminoles often coming out on top. However, Johnson's Yellow Jackets did manage to pull off a few upsets, including the 2012 game mentioned earlier.
Recruiting Battles
The rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State also extends to the recruiting trail. Both teams have long been known for their ability to attract top talent from around the country, and the two programs often find themselves battling for the same recruits.
In recent years, the Seminoles have had a slight edge in recruiting, thanks in part to their success on the field and their strong brand reputation. However, the Yellow Jackets have still managed to attract some top talent, including a number of highly-rated recruits from the state of Georgia.
Current State of the Rivalry
As the two teams prepare to face off again in the coming season, the rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State is as intense as ever. Both teams have high hopes for the season, and the matchup is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated in the ACC.
For the Yellow Jackets, the game will be a chance to prove themselves against one of the top teams in the conference. For the Seminoles, it will be an opportunity to assert their dominance and show why they are once again one of the top programs in the country.
What to Expect
As the two teams take the field, fans can expect a hard-hitting, intense matchup that will go down to the wire. The Seminoles will likely look to establish their running game early, while the Yellow Jackets will try to use their option offense to control the clock and keep the Seminoles' offense off the field.
On defense, both teams will look to shut down each other's running games and force the opposing quarterback to make plays with his arm. The team that can do so most effectively will likely emerge victorious.
In the end, the rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State is one of the most intense and closely contested in the ACC. With both teams having high hopes for the season, the matchup is sure to be a thrilling one that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
What is the history of the rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State?
+The rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State dates back to the early 20th century, when both teams were members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The two teams have played each other regularly since then, with the Seminoles holding a slight edge in the series.
Who are some notable coaches in the rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State?
+Some notable coaches in the rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State include Paul Johnson, who coached at Georgia Tech from 2008 to 2018, and Jimbo Fisher, who coached at Florida State from 2010 to 2017.
What can fans expect from the rivalry between Georgia Tech and Florida State?
+Fans can expect a hard-hitting, intense matchup that will go down to the wire. The Seminoles will likely look to establish their running game early, while the Yellow Jackets will try to use their option offense to control the clock and keep the Seminoles' offense off the field.