The Wiz of Odds

Big Hits

Three big hits from Saturday, starting with Virginia's Chase Minnifield getting decked by Georgia Tech's Malcolm Munroe. Minnifield was not hurt.

Death of a Goalpost

Georgia Tech president George Peterson has called for a review of safety procedures at Bobby Dodd Stadium after some students were injured Saturday night while celebrating the Yellow Jackets' 28-23 victory over Virginia Tech.

Fans tore down a goalpost, snapped and bent it into a manageable size, carried what was left of the post out of the stadium and onto city streets before depositing it on university president George Peterson's front lawn. Students then used a hacksaw and cut the post into pieces.

"As soon as they started pulling down the goalpost of course everyone started getting nervous, but it's the mob mentally," student Trey Zepernick said. "You had to pull down the goalpost, you had to."

The Finalists for Readers' Choice Poster of the Year

The Wiz is happy to present the 10 finalists for Readers' Choice Poster of the Year.

Each of these teams have survived a rugged primary to reach this point, and now it's your turn to select a winner. Voting will close on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at midnight (Eastern). You get only one vote. Repeat voters are blocked by IP address.

The finalists: Iowa State, Texas Tech, Michigan State, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, Penn State, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, USC and Mississippi. View all of the finalists after the jump and click an image for a closer view.

It's Only One Game, Buddy!

A distraught Clemson fan is caught by ESPN cameras after the Tigers lost at Georgia Tech, 30-27, on Sept. 10. The video is taken directly from ESPN's broadcast feed, and Chris Fowler, Craig James and Jesse Palmer all share a laugh during a commercial break. They tone it down considerably when they come back live. Thanks to Dashiell Bennett of Deadspin.

Georgia Tech

Paul Johnson wasted no time in putting the Yellow Jackets back on the college football map. Georgia Tech surpassed expectations in 2008 by finishing 9-4, including a 45-42 victory over Georgia in the regular season finale. That ended a string of seven consecutive losses to the rival Bulldogs. With 17 returning starters, including reigning Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year Jonathan Dwyer, there is boundless optimism in Atlanta. Thanks to Vu!

Kicking Off the Season in Atlanta

Reader Greg, a frequent contributor to the site, is taking in games at three different venues to open the season. His first stop was Atlanta for Thursday night's game between something called Jacksonville State and Georgia Tech. 

Tailgating season is back and these Georgia Tech fans appeared to be in midseason form.

If you misplaced your Yellow Jackets paraphernalia in the offseason, replacement parts were readily available.

A look at rush-hour traffic on the I-75/I-85 interchange through downtown Atlanta. Not many people using that carpool lane. ...

Where it all came down. A look outside Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field.

The scene inside. Built in 1913 by members of the student body, this is one of the oldest stadiums in the country.

After pregame warmups, it was time for the band to warm up the fans.

The Yellow Jackets emerge from the smoke and take the field for the start of the Paul Johnson era.

Despite the noncompetitive nature of the game, this cheerleader enjoyed being the center of attention.

Nightfall descends on Atlanta as the Yellow Jackets cruise to their 41-14 victory.

Historic Tech Tower, the main administration building on campus, was built in 1988, one of the first two buildings completed on campus.