I predicted in my season preview, with some trepidation, that the 2009 edition of the Georgia Tech Football Yellow Jackets would finish a stratospheric 11-1. After the first month the Jackets were 3-1 and I opined on our desire to win and with the Hurricanes being the flavor of the week, I called for the ACC to channel the “winning attitude” of classic Miami teams of the past and attempt to rid ourselves of the lowly conference label that the media had forced upon us. The second month of the season proved to be a revelation of what this program under Paul Johnson will look like. The Jackets accomplished their first undefeated October since 2003. The difficult part of the schedule, almost all experts would agree, is over. The difficult part of the season may be just beginning.

This is the moment when these Jackets will define themselves for years to come. This team has the opportunity to accomplish more than 2009 team goals but something even more important. It can establish relevancy and hope on the flats. Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are not in unfamiliar territory, historically speaking the Jackets have won conference championships and national titles before but recently the expectations for programs that fit the Jackets profile have dipped. The BCS and mass media have limited the rare air of serious national prominence to state universities with big budgets, television deals and some could even argue conference privilege. Success stories for schools outside this bubble are labeled “quaint” and “pat on the back” seasons but are rarely given the moniker “contenders.” Even the mighty Va. Tech Hokies when the number four team in the country were considered a long shot. Wins and losses meant a lot in the past now they are becoming more marginal by the season, now there are style points and quality opponents and most importantly it would seem, quality post season match-ups to consider.

The Jackets have the opportunity to have the first undefeated November since 2000. A year when the Jackets also enjoyed their last seven game winning streak, a streak the 2009 team can surpass, was also the year that a two loss team meant a trip to the peach bowl. Two losses and a January bowl game is a hope and a dream. Now almost a decade later and we’ve seen a two-loss national champion. Wins are still wins and if the Jackets win out in November, despite what happens above them in the polls they will play in a BCS bowl and more importantly they would have thrust themselves into the national spot light. With the confidence and tactical knowledge on this team growing exponentially and given the amount of talent in key positions only getting stronger the 2009 Jackets are in the favorable position of not only achieving success for themselves but also to help the 2010 Jackets achieve success. A strong showing in the final two ACC games (Wake on Nov. 7th and Duke on Nov. 14th) a regular season capper against UGA (Nov. 28th) and a defining performance in the ACC championship will allow the Jackets prime time coverage in at least the last BCS game before the title game. This is a chance for the Jackets to make next season even more exciting than this one (unbelievable?). Championships are won in November, for Paul Johnson and the Jackets the Championship maybe a year in the making but that road begins Saturday.

III,