On Saturday, Georgia Tech faces Florida State in a much-anticipated Week 0 matchup in Dublin, Ireland, marking the Yellow Jackets’ return to the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
More than just an early ACC showdown, this game is pivotal for Georgia Tech, reflecting the program’s global ambitions and offering a unique opportunity to showcase its brand on an international stage.
What Week 0 Dublin, Ireland Game Means for Georgia Tech
Athletic director J Batt emphasized the significance of the contest during a press conference at Sport Ireland Institute 2.
“This is an incredible, unique opportunity for our student-athletes,” Batt began. “Part of our Georgia Tech experience is that we provide transforming experiences through education and educational opportunities, and this is certainly one of those.”
Batt then pointed to Georgia Tech’s previous experience in Dublin, when they outlasted ACC rival Boston College 17-14 in the first-ever Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
“I think our great experience in 2016 — we had 10,000 fans travel for [that game] — we have more fans that have bought tickets and have come this time. It’s a unique experience; our fanbase really loves it — they travel, they unite.
“I think it’s also intrinsic to our brand. We are a global institution; we have global reach, global technology, global research. It matches that perfectly. Also, I’d be a bad athletic director if it didn’t make financial sense.”
This year’s trip to Dublin carries additional emotional weight, thanks to senior punter David Shanahan. Hailing from Castleisland, County Kerry, Shanahan is believed to be the first Ireland native to earn a full scholarship to play American college football.
As Georgia Tech’s starting punter since 2021, Shanahan has made his mark with 7,632 career punting yards on 179 attempts (42.6 YPA) with an inside-the-20 rate of 22.9%.
Recognizing the significance of the homecoming, Dublin’s Lord Mayor, James Geoghegan, personally addressed the team, saying, “I hope you got the luck of the Irish, and I hope you beat Florida State.”
Adding to the excitement, Georgia Tech will debut a new helmet featuring a Celtic knot pattern, paying homage to their Irish hosts.
Georgia Tech with helmet tweak for Saturday’s game in Dublin vs. FSU, incorporating a Celtic knot. pic.twitter.com/98DgQrSCUA
— Ken Sugiura (@ksugiuraajc) August 22, 2024
The game, held at the iconic Aviva Stadium, home to the Irish Rugby Union and the Republic of Ireland soccer team, could draw record attendance as fans from both sides fill the 51,711-seat venue. In 2023, the Notre Dame-Navy contest set the football attendance record at 49,000.
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Florida State enters the contest as a 10.5-point favorite at most sportsbooks, but should they be? The Seminoles replace starters at nearly every offensive position, including QB1, RB1, WR1, and TE1. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets return 15 starters on both sides of the ball, most importantly QB Haynes King and 1,000-yard RB Jamal Haynes.
Win or lose, this Dublin showdown is more than just another game; it’s a statement of Georgia Tech’s global reach and a celebration of its connection to Ireland, past and present.
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