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The Vols could be heading back to the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game.
The 2017 Chick-fil-A Kickoff may feature a rumored Labor Day matchup between Tennessee and Georgia Tech in the new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons. According to a report from NBC Sports, an official announcement could be made in the coming weeks.
Georgia Tech athletics director Mike Bobinski told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week he is optimistic the Yellow Jackets will get the long-awaited opportunity to play in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, just as soon as some of the scheduling details can be sorted with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. The 2017 edition of the game is expected to be played in the new stadium for the Falcons, and not the Georgia Dome.
“All signs are very good,” Bobinski said to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Like everything, I’ll feel better when I see it and we sign it, but I’ve got no indication other than it’s happening and we’re still good to go.”
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson mentioned the possibility of this game last July.
“I’ve heard through the grapevine there may be some talks about opening the season here in the Falcons’ new stadium in ’17 with Tennessee,” Johnson said.
Each year since 2008 the Chick-fil-A Kickoff includes at least one featured team from SEC or ACC. The 2015 game matches Louisville against Auburn. In 2016, Georgia is slated to face North Carolina.
Tennessee defeated NC State 35-12 in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Kickoff game. Quarterback Tyler Bray threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard strike to Cordarrelle Patterson in the first quarter, which put the Vols on top 6-0.
Tennessee and Georgia Tech have met 43 times, with the Volunteers leading the all-time series 24-17-2.
Forum discussion: Tennessee vs. GaTech 2017 Chick-Fil-A-Kickoff[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]