georgia tech yellow jackets history
georgia tech yellow jackets history
Listen close. Do you hear that sound? That buzz you hear is coming from Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. It’s the buzz about Calvin Johnson, outstanding Yellow Jacket wide receiver and Heisman Trophy possibility. It’s the buzz from The Swarm, those yellow-clad fans that rattle and confuse visiting teams. It’s the buzz from Buzz, one of the most favorite mascots in college football. At least he is according the online polls, which the smart and sneaky engineering students at Georgia Tech take great pride in rigging every year. Yellow Jackets tickets will be a hot commodity this year as Chan Gailey and Reggie Ball look to put the memory of last year’s loss in the Emerald Bowl behind them.
There are few places in the South that are better for college football than Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium. Nestled right in the heart of beautiful downtown Atlanta, Bobby Dodd is easily accessible and offers a spectacular view of “Hot”lanta’s majestic skyline. Bobby Dodd Stadium has quite a history behind it as well. Built in 1913 by Tech students, it is the oldest on-campus stadium in Division I-A football. The legendary John Heisman coached walked the sidelines at Grant Field, and led the Georgia Tech Engineers to a 102-29-7 record, with four undefeated seasons. Legend has it that Heisman’s contract with Tech included a percentage of Georgia Tech ticket sales at the gate at the field. However, since there was no gate at the time, Heisman himself had one built. Grant Field was also the site of the most lopsided game in college football history, when Heisman’s Engineers rolled over the Cumberland University Bulldogs 222-0. Tech scored 32 touchdowns in the game, missing only two extra points.
Coach Gailey certainly has some big shoes to fill at Georgia Tech, and up until now has posted four consecutive 7-5 seasons. Last year’s dismal loss to Utah in the Emerald still smarts, and the Jackets are determined not to repeat it. Tech was thrust on the national stage early as ESPN’s College Game Day set up at Bobby Dodd stadium for the opening of NCAA football as Brady Quinn and Notre Dame came to Atlanta to face Calvin Johnson and the Yellow Jackets.
Tech quarterback Reggie Ball is in his third year, and now has the experience to lead the Jackets to victory. With Oklahoma transfer Tashard Choice at running back and All-American Johnson lined up at wideout, the Jacket offense has the potential to put up big points this year. But it may be the Georgia Tech defense that is their ticket to success this year. The Yellow Jacket defense shocked fans as they managed to hold Brady Quinn in check for most of the game against #3 Notre Dame, allowing only two touchdowns all game.
With a schedule chock-full of great match-ups, Bobby Dodd Stadium will certainly showcase its share of great football. Notre Dame, Maryland, North Carolina State, Miami, Virginia, and Duke all travel to Atlanta to take on the Jackets this year. Don’t miss out on any of the buzz with Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets tickets.
