[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]The Alabama Game:
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Tech is obviously viewed as the team to beat in the ACC, and we're really looking forward to being at the opener against Alabama. I don't know if it's officially announced, but let me put it this way: the chances are excellent of us [College Gameday] being in Atlanta for that game.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]It's a tremendous experience to be able to go to a game like that. [The Clemson-Alabama game] was like a preseason bowl. The energy and excitement was better than a bowl because the season was starting fresh, and the hope was high, especially for Clemson. Obviously Alabama went in there and punctured it, but I think this year expectations are sky high for the Tide. I did their spring game. Their defense is fierce, and I know Bud Foster expects to have a fierce defense. I think it's going to be one of those games where right out of the chute, it's a very physical, defensive-oriented game. It will come down to a few plays.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]It's a chance for Tech fans to be there, and they may have been to Peach Bowls and other events in Atlanta, but this is different. There was a lot of juice, a lot of excitement inside the Georgia Dome for that game, and we hope to capture that outside on Gameday. We certainly invite Hokie fans to be part of the backdrop. Don't let Alabama fans dominate the scene, because you know they're going to be there.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]We'll have it probably very close to where we had it last year, in Centennial Olympic Park. There will be lots of things for fans to do. I'm sure you can expand on this as it gets close, but I'm just putting my pitch in to try to be there. Even if you don't have tickets. There are so few home and home, non-conference games arranged, and Atlanta has really done a good thing. It's the best game of the opening weekend. It really is something cool, so I hope people will get to Atlanta and take part even if they don't have a seat.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]I don't compare it to a bowl game. Both of these teams have high expectations, both expect to have great seasons, but right out of the gate you better be ready to play. It's what makes it exciting, the high hopes colliding inside the dome on the very first weekend, and it's going to be very cool. Atlanta has hit on a great formula.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]You can [lose it and still play for a national championship], and that was sort of Saban's philosophy, but you can also win it and use it as a springboard. People began to take Alabama very seriously after that win last year, and rightfully so. Tech can do the same thing. You go in there and you beat Alabama, and you score enough points on that defense to get a win, and Tech instantly becomes a serious contender in 60 minutes of football. That's the fun part of it.[/FONT]
