fbpx
Skip to main content

Boston College and Georgia Tech Will Kick Off 2016 Season in Ireland

Courtesy of USA Today Images

Playing a football game overseas has become the new craze, and next season, the NCAA is again sending a pair of teams to Ireland.

The Boston College Eagles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will open the 2016 campaign on Sept. 3 at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, the Aer Lingus Football Classic announced Thursday.

As noted by Boston College’s official athletics site, head coach Steve Addazio is looking forward to the opportunity. He said:

“I know the young men on our team will remember this experience for a lifetime, and I’m so excited for them. They will get to explore a new country, be immersed in a new culture, and then play the first game on the opening Saturday of the college football season.”

From Georgia Tech’s official athletics site, head coach Paul Johnson said:

“I’m excited for our guys to have the opportunity to experience playing in Ireland. Our players really enjoyed it at Navy when we played in Dublin in 1996. It’ll be something they remember for the rest of their lives.”

Navy’s offensive coordinator at the time, Johnson watched his team fall to Notre Dame 54-27.

This matchup is perhaps the most important International clash to date, because the 7:30 a.m. ET kickoff showcases a pair of Atlantic Coast Conference squads. Winning the first conference outing of the season is always important, and both teams must stay focused, all while enjoying the tourist experience, too.

If Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas returns for his senior year, the Ramblin’ Wreck will likely be favored to win the ACC contest.

ESPN2 will broadcast the game, which is the ninth meeting between Boston College and Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets hold a 6-2 advantage in the series, winning the most recent tilt 37-17 in 2012.

Penn State edged Central Florida 26-24 at the Croke Park Classic last season. Notre Dame blasted Navy 50-10 in 2012—a game played at Aviva.

Photo: USA Today Sports

Mentioned in this article:

More About: