Last season, College Football seen an uproar like never before over FSU being left out of the playoffs. The Seminoles had went 13-0 so far in the season. After Star QB Jordan Travis was injured, the Noles faced uncertainty as to how they would perform. The Selection Committee ultimately ruled that they should be left out of the playoffs. The hope was that, this year under the new Playoff format, FSU would have no trouble attaining the feat it was “robbed of” the year prior.

Not so fast

The History of Games Abroad

The first college football game held abroad occurred in Tokyo, Japan, in 1976 between Grambling State and Morgan State. The game sparked interest in promoting college football on a global stage. Over the years, notable games have taken place in countries such as Canada, Ireland, Australia, and Mexico. For example, the Emerald Isle Classic, first played in Ireland in 1988 between Boston College and Army, has been a recurring fixture, helping to promote American football in Europe. These games not only serve to market the sport internationally but also offer participating teams and fans a unique travel experience while showcasing American college football’s culture and tradition on a broader platform.

Georgia Tech Finds Luck of the Irish

In just the ninth CFB game to ever be played in Ireland, the Seminoles were favored by 10.5+ per ESPN. Most commentators by the site saw this as an uncompetitive game, only enhanced by its international appeal.

Both teams got off to a slow start in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Through the first quarter, FSU lead 8-7 after a sweeping two point conversation on the opening score. It was more of the same in the second, as the Noles kicked just two field goals while the Yellow Jackets we able to get into the end zone, resulting in a tie game at the half.

The third quarter was clean by all means and quite frankly a staunch defensive standing. Both teams were held to 0 points each. It was in the fourth quarter that things started to heat up. Both GT and FSU drove down the field, scoring on short rushing touchdowns inside the 2 yard line. As the clock began to run out, the teams traded possessions until the final seconds. Georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr lined up for a 44-yard attempt that appeared to be wide left, only for it to go directly through the uprights.

Since winning a National Championship in 2013, Florida State has yet to make it back to its once dominant form. Several head Coaches have attempted to revive the Noles only for them to fall short. Or, like last season, 60 points short.

The margin of error for Florida State to make the playoffs has decreased drastically. Meanwhile, for Georgia Tech, there is a clear path to the ACC championship game. Nothing is set in stone for either teams. This is only the first week of the season and it has yet to be seen how competitive the College Football landscape will be.

The most important thing for both teams is to not let it go to your head. For the Seminoles, they must realize that every accomplishment they looked forward to in the off-season is still attainable. Their is still a path to the College Football Playoff and the ACC title. For Georgia Tech, they must resist the urge to hang a banner just yet. They hold one of the most difficult schedules in the nation, with the fourth hardest. Playing in the same conference as Clemson, FSU, and Miami is never easy, especially as realignment lings overhead as well.