Cometh The Moment, Cometh The Men For Georgia Tech

(Jonathan Dwyer was one of many Jackets that made big plays Saturday.)

This was the definition of a championship game.

The best players made the best plays, the biggest moments were the best moments, and the right team won.

Clemson played like a team on a mission, and their efforts almost paid off in full. C.J. Spiller was ridiculously, indescribably perfect, and Clemson's defense almost made enough plays.

Almost.

In the end, Georgia Tech had more men to step up, and it showed. Josh Nesbitt combined for 239 yards and two scores, Demaryius Thomas caught a long touchdown pass, Jonathan Dwyer scored two touchdowns and when Georgia Tech needed a play in the most dire way, its ACC defensive player of the year stood up to be counted.

With Clemson down to one last chance, Derrick Morgan brought Kyle Parker down short of the first-down mark, effectively ending the game.

And perhaps most of all, Paul Johnson, now finally recognized as one of the nation's best coaches, called what very nearly amounted to a perfect game. Clemson was 14th in the nation in total defense coming into Saturday evening, and Johnson hung 469 yards and 39 points on the Tigers like there was nothing stopping him.

Simply, Georgia Tech should have won this game. Clemson played well, Georgia Tech played better. Clemson made plays, Georgia Tech made more. Clemson scored a load of points, but Georgia Tech scored more.

For so many years, mediocrity and disappointment were forced upon Georgia Tech fans.

Tonight, let me be the first to tell you, those fans feel mediocre no more. Next stop, Miami.