Few hashtags are more fitting than #MuchMoreThanAGame, the slogan used by the “Aer Lingus College Football Classic” to promote their game. The match between the Top 25 ranked Florida State University and Georgia Tech on Saturday, September 24, in Dublin was a perfect testament to this.
THE GAME: AN INSTANT CLASSIC
The Florida State Seminoles arrived as overwhelming favorites. After a controversial decision left them out of the 2023 playoffs despite finishing the season with a perfect 13-0 record, which included a victory over the Louisville Cardinals for the ACC title, the team coached by Mike Norvell was favored by analysts who had ranked them #10 in the nation just days prior. With the spotlight on DJ Uiagalelei, the quarterback who transferred from Oregon State this spring after a solid stint with the Beavers, everything seemed set for an easy victory for the Seminoles in their first game on Irish soil.
On the other side, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets appeared to be mere guests at Florida State's party. Under the guidance of Brent Key, they came off a positive 2023 season with a 7-6 record, but their numbers were nowhere near comparable to those of their rivals. With a recruiting class lacking standout prospects, all bets were against them, and only Irish wrestling star Sheamus gave them a nod during the ESPN Game Day hosted by Pat McAfee from College Green in Dublin.
However, as we mentioned earlier, the “Aer Lingus College Football Classic” is much more than a game. After four quarters of excellent football, propelled by an offensive line that performed at an outstanding level, quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes wreaked havoc on what was supposed to be Florida State's formidable defense. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech's defense repeatedly countered the Seminoles' running game, leading to a nail-biting finish with the score tied at 21 and kicker Aidan Birr lining up for a 49-yard field goal.
The stadium erupted as the ball sailed through the uprights, veering slightly to the left, securing a well-deserved victory for the brave Yellow Jackets. They were not only cheered on by thousands of fans who traveled from the United States to support their alma mater but also by thousands of Irish fans (and a few hundred from other European countries) who were captivated by the bold and fearless play-calling displayed by Georgia Tech.
The atmosphere at the AVIVA Stadium in Dublin was electric, with Florida State's colors of red and gold dominating the stands. However, it was Georgia Tech that ultimately emerged victorious on the field. The age-old tale of the giant versus the underdog was once again written, showcasing to the 45,000 fans in attendance and the millions watching from the United States just how glorious this sport can be.
DUBLIN, CAPITAL OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL FOR A WEEK
Much more than a game, the "Aer Lingus College Football Classic" encapsulates everything that makes college football truly special. In the days leading up to the matchup, Dublin wholeheartedly embraced the fans, with monuments and shops adorned in the colors of Florida State and Georgia Tech. Bands filled the city’s squares and gardens with music, creating a festive atmosphere.
Energía Park hosted four high school teams from Florida, Texas, and New Hampshire, adding to the excitement of the weekend. Rugby, a sport in which Ireland excels, also took center stage, highlighted by a match featuring Florida's team at Trinity College.
For days, the streets of Dublin were alive with thousands of fans dressed in red and blue, exchanging cheers of "Go Noles" and "Go Jackets." The spectacle even included ESPN broadcasting College Football Game Day live from Green College, featuring Pat McAfee and the legendary coach Nick Saban, the historic figure from the University of Alabama.
There is no better football event to be found in Europe. The "Aer Lingus College Football Classic" reaches heights that even NFL games cannot surpass. It is football in its purest form, in its most authentic essence. No matter what happens on the field, it is, without a doubt, Much More Than A Game.
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