For the second consecutive year, the Yellow Jackets are 5-1 through the first six games.

This time last season Georgia Tech fans were elated by a 5-1 start. This season, the Jackets fans feel something much different: relief.

The Yellow Jackets first half was supposed to be a nightmare of a schedule, and it had its ups and downs. The Jackets needed a winning drive in the last seconds of the Clemson game after dropping a 24-0 lead. The Jackets were obliterated by Miami 33-17 on the road. The Jackets got a historical win in Tallahassee, no thanks to their defense which allowed 44 points to FSU. The Jackets also had to outlast Mississippi State in Starksville. The Jackets also beat Jacksonville State and UNC handily at home.

What do these games add up to? A 5-1 start that is not as much of a confidence builder, as it is a question mark. Is it only a matter of time before the Jackets falter again ending all hopes of an ACC Championship? Or, can the Jackets keep finding ways to win, despite being inconsistent on some level each week?

The Jackets are a victory away from yet again being bowl eligible. That would make it 13 consecutive bowls for Tech. Head coach Paul Johnson is hoping that it will be the first time Georgia Tech will play in a BCS Bowl Game. It all comes down to a meeting with Virginia Tech in Atlanta next weekend.

It’s as simple as beating the best team in the conference and one of the best coaches in the country.

Jonathan Dwyer made FSU look bad….again!

Frank Beamer’s Hokies have won three out of five ACC titles in their five seasons as members of the league. They are also the measuring stick of the Coastal division, and have beaten Georgia Tech four out of the five meetings they’ve had in the conference. The one time the Yellow Jackets defeated the Hokies was in Blacksberg in 2006, when Tech would win the division and play in the ACC Championship Game. A ton rides on this game alone.

A loss means Virginia Tech would almost assuredly play for the conference title, as they have already beaten Miami. The same Miami that made it a point to thump Tech on national television, much like Tech had done to the Hurricanes last year.

Considering the Jackets can’t cover their own shadows on defense, due in part to losing three NFL lineman, the game against Virginia Tech could be down right ugly. And at homecoming no doubt. Terrific choice. Thumbs up to the schedule makers. (sarcasm)

At the very least, everyone will know where this Tech team stands on Sunday, October 18.

Pretenders or contenders?

Tech’s victories are over teams with a combined record of 14-15. Their only loss came against Miami behind the efforts of Jacory Harris, who has lead the Cannes to a 4-1 mark. Miami’s only loss coming against Virginia Tech in Blacksberg by a score of 31-7. Needless to say, the Hokies can score and their defense is even better. Their record is also 5-1 (3-0 in the ACC).

The rest of the season will be decided next weekend. It makes things interesting at the very least with Miami, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech all tied at the top spot in the Coastal Division.

The good news is the offense is now clicking and averaging almost 430 yards per game. The defense on the other hand is giving up 370 yards per game. If this doesn’t change, expect another trip to the Chick-Fil-A Bowl at best. A trip out west at worst.

This is the hinge game. A defining game. A game at home.

Can Paul Johnson continue his run as an exorcist of the Jacket’s demons? Or will the second half, a much lighter schedule, prove to be tougher than it seems on paper. Keep in mind, Thansgiving weekend is still pretty important.