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The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will face a talent-laden USC Trojans team in this year's Sun Bowl, a challenge that Tech players are thrilled with, writes Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
When asked for his thoughts on facing the Trojans, who were the nation's top-ranked team entering the season, wide receiver Darren Waller gleamed with excitement:
"Just when I was growing up, USC was, like, the program in the country. Getting a chance to play Georgia, FSU and USC in three (consecutive games), that's pretty much why I came here, for opportunities like that."
Linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu cherishes the opportunity to face a big-name school, as well:
"I was excited. I mean, it's a great opportunity, a program with so much history like ours. It's just great to play against that type of competition."
It wasn't long ago that the Trojans were perennially on top of the college football world, posting seven consecutive seasons with 11 or more victories and winning a couple of national titles in the process. However, recent years have been tough on the program; they're still dealing with heavy sanctions levied by the NCAA from the Pete Carroll era, and have lost at least four games in three out of the last four seasons.
The Yellow Jackets and Trojans will kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 in El Paso, Texas.