The celebration had Nebraska written all over it. Georgia Tech beat Duke in basketball Wednesday night in Atlanta. Going into this season Duke’s road winning percentage in the recent past was 80. According to the game’s announcers, it had won more road games in that time than all the ACC teams combined.
But there was Tech celebrating its win with a small number of students at mid-court. While it did not rise to the ridiculous rushing of the court for any win at home, it was curious because Tech has beaten Duke in recent years.
Like Nebraska football Duke basketball has been on top for so long that any victory over them is likely to cause a suspension of life as we know it for a day and party. Duke is down this year, dependent on freshmen and sophomores. Rebuilding is what most programs call it. It is not dissimilar to what has happened in the last nine years at Nebraska.
While is painful to see your team that was for so long the front runner take its place next to the other also rans, it happens.
What I always find interesting — and revealing — is the response from the new victors. If, after years of frustration, they embrace their new status with class or if they taunt and strut and act like genuine jackasses after a win or even a score. Despite some rough play Tech generally fit the former, but not everyone is similarly situated. Joe Paterno once reminded his players that when they ran into the end zone for a touchdown, to act like they had been there before. After a college bowl season where knuckleheadedness occasionally reared its head, Tech’s understated celebration was welcome (even though I was pulling for the Blue Devils). Poor behavior on the court, the field or wherever is a matter of coaching. If kids want to play, they need to be reminded that winning and losing can both be done with class.

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Speaking of the Huskers, say it ain’t so Brandon. I-back Brandon Jackson has said he is mulling over a decision to declare himself eligible for the draft. While Husker fans have plenty to be selfish about in this one, Jackson needs another year running and catching the football. Think of it as an investment, Brandon. The pros see a guy willing to stay and get better and you see it as a way to improve your game and your position in a draft and ultimately your financial standing. We see it as another year of you scoring touchdowns for the good guys on Saturdays.