Gator Bowl Preview: Georgia Tech and Miami Set to Collide in High-Scoring Matchup

Strategic Insights -

Georgia Tech and Miami, two of the top teams in the ACC and Big East respectively, are set to face off in the 54th annual Gator Bowl. Both teams enter the game with eight wins and ranked in the top 25 nationally, with Tech at No. 17 in the AP poll and Miami 23rd. However, their seasons were not without controversy, with Tech's hopes of a BCS berth spoiled by losses to Virginia and Wake Forest in November, and Miami failing to beat another ranked opponent after an impressive start with an upset of then-No. 9 Ohio State.

Key Takeaways:

  • Both Georgia Tech and Miami finished second in their respective conferences and enter the game with little to gain in terms of national implications.
  • Miami played a tougher schedule, facing top-ranked Florida State, Penn State, and Virginia Tech, while Georgia Tech played Florida State and lost by a close margin.
  • A win for either team would be a significant achievement, with Miami aiming for its fourth straight bowl victory and Georgia Tech looking to secure its first back-to-back nine-win seasons since 1955-56 under Bobby Dodd.
  • Georgia Tech's record-setting quarterback Joe Hamilton will be playing his final collegiate game, while Miami will rotate sophomores Kenny Kelly and freshman Ken Dorsey at quarterback.
  • Miami's big-play receiver Santana Moss averaged 16.6 yards per reception, and Georgia Tech's receivers will face a tough test against the Hurricanes' aggressive and physical defense.
  • A high-scoring, back-and-forth game is expected, with both teams averaging over 40 points per game, and Miami averaging 51 points over its final three games.

Statistics:

  • Georgia Tech enters the game with an 8-3 record and ranked No. 17 in the AP poll.
  • Miami enters with an 8-4 record and ranked 23rd in the AP poll.
  • The Hurricanes played a tougher schedule, facing top-ranked Florida State, Penn State, and Virginia Tech.
  • Georgia Tech's record-setting quarterback Joe Hamilton will be playing his final collegiate game.
  • Miami's big-play receiver Santana Moss averaged 16.6 yards per reception.
  • The game is expected to be a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair, with both teams averaging over 40 points per game.

Sources:

  • The Macon Telegraph (December 29, 1999)
  • Georgia Tech and Miami's official websites for team statistics and schedules.