In a normal year, Georgia Tech’s Thursday night matchup with Virginia Tech would be an elimination game for the Yellow Jackets for bowl contention. As Georgia Tech is 3-6 with games remaining against the Hokies, Miami and Georgia, another loss would mean that a shot at a 6-6 record, bowl eligibility and the extension of the Jackets’ bowl streak would meet their end.
However, in a season that has consistently defied expectations for the Jackets, that may not be the case. At least two bowl experts are projecting a shortage of bowl-eligible teams. In that event, the NCAA may be required to exercise a rule covering that situation that permits 5-7 teams to be considered for the postseason.