Rivalry Talk

Something that comes with being a better team is respect. This translates at times into making enemies.

In my four years (so far) here at Tech I've noticed that there seems to be a wide range of teams that our fans dislike enough to talk trash about. Obviously, most fans can connect to the traditional HATE we all feel for the Bullcraps, especially those from in-state.

But after that there begin to be some real inconsistencies. It's my understanding that other traditional rivalries have existed in the past almost more fiercely than Clean, Old Fashion Hate. It seems that alumni and older fans treat the War Kittens of Awfulburn and the Crimson Elephants from Tuscaloser as the next teams to hate (at least they talk that way). I think this could be a carryover from Tech's history as a founding member of the SEC. Think Bryant v. Dodd here. Remember that we're still targeted in Bama's fight song, and it was during a game against Tech that their historic Million Dollar Band was named (we beat them so badly that the band was what the media focused on). Remember, too, that it was the Rocky Flops that vandalized the Ramblin Wreck in the '70's.

Another historic rival is Notre Lame, as both the film Rudy and the fact that they have played Tech more than any other school in the South point toward. Rumor has it that it was Tech students who started the frozen fish tradition after beating the Leprechauns on their home field back in the day.

Obviously, the ACC recognizes Clem and Sons as the Yellow Jackets' official cross-conference rival, and there surely is a lot of hype every time the two teams meet. But as our program grows in dominance within the ACC other names begin to emerge in conversation. I've heard that alumni just a few years older than me hate the Semi-trolls from "F-S-Eww" more than almost any other team, and that's the same crowd that gives the Miami Pelicanes grief. But I think the consensus among my generation is that the Poseur Tech Hookies are a threat that needs quieting and deserves a lot of extra hatred.

So I'm conducting a little experiment. Please rank the top five rivalries that you think Georgia Tech fans (and maybe even the GTAA) should focus on.

Is HATE still our top rivalry? Do you still hate all shades of orange and any form of tiger? Do newer teams with far less tradition and history than Georgia Tech deserve the energy of a hyped-up rivalry? Post your opinions!

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