Contact Information
Chick-fil-A Bowl
235 Andrew Young International Blvd., N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404.586.8500
Fax: 404.586.8508
Web & Social
chick-fil-abowl.com
chick-fil-akickoffgame.com
chickfilabowlchallenge.com
facebook.com/chickfilabowl
twitter.com/chickfilabowl
Media Relations
Chick-fil-A Bowl
Matt Garvey (mgarvey@cfabowl.com)
Phone: 404.586.8496
Jessica Lumsden (jlumsden@cfabowl.com)
Phone: 404.586.1934
Caitlin Davis (cdavis@cfabowl.com)
Phone: 404.586.8415
Tennessee SID
Jimmy Stanton (jstanto1@utk.edu)
Phone: 865.974.1212
N.C. State SID
Annabelle Myers (annabelle_myers@ncsu.edu)
Phone: 919.515.1181
Clemson SID
Tim Bourret (btimoth@clemson.edu)
Phone: 864.656.1926
Auburn SID
Kirk Sampson (sampska@auburn.edu)
Phone: 334.844.9800
Georgia Dome
One Georgia Dome Drive
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: 404.223.8801
Fax: 404.223.8011
Web: www.gadome.com
Jason Kirksey
Public Relations Specialist
Georgia Dome
jkirksey@gadome.com
404.223.8200
Notable Alumni
First Round Draft Picks
In just four years, 18 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game alumni have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, including nine players in the 2012 draft.
2009: Andre Smith (Alabama) – Cincinnati Bengals (6th)
2010: Rolando McClain (Alabama) – Oakland Raiders (8th), CJ Spiller (Clemson) – Buffalo Bills (9th), Kareem Jackson (Alabama) – Houston Texans (20th),
2011: Marcell Dareus (Alabama) – Buffalo Bills (3rd), Patrick Peterson (LSU) – Arizona Cardinals (5th), Julio Jones (Alabama) – Atlanta Falcons (6th), James Carpenter (Alabama) – Seattle Seahawks (25th), Mark Ingram (Alabama) – New Orleans Saints (28th)
2012: Trent Richardson (Alabama) -- Cleveland Browns (3rd), Morris Claiborne (LSU) -- Dallas Cowboys (6th), Mark Barron (Alabama) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7th), Michael Brockers (LSU) -- St. Louis Rams (14th), Quinton Coples (UNC) -- New York Jets (16th), Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama) -- Cincinnati Bengals (17th), Shea McClellin (Boise State) -- Chicago Bears (19th), Dont'a Hightower (Alabama) -- New England Patriots (25th), David Wilson (Virginia Tech) -- New York Giants (32nd)
National Coaches of the Year
Les Miles (LSU) -- AP National Coach of the Year (2011)
Dabo Swinney (Clemson) -- Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year (2011)
Nick Saban (Alabama) – AP National Coach of the Year (2003, 2008)
Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech) – AP Coach of the Year (1999)
Chris Peterson (Boise State) – Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year (2006, 2009), Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year (2010)
Tommy Bowden (Clemson) – 2006 FCA Football Coaches of the Year
National Award Winners
Tyrann Mathieu (LSU) -- 2011 Bednarik Award
Dwayne Allen (Clemson) -- 2011 John Mackey Award
Barrett Jones (Alabama) -- 2011 Outland Trophy
Morris Claiborne (LSU) -- 2011 Jim Thorpe Award
Trent Richardson (Alabama) -- 2011 Doak Walker Award
Mark Ingram -- (Alabama) 2009 Heisman Trophy
Rolando McClain (Alabama) – 2009 Butkus Award
Patrick Peterson (LSU) -- 2010 Thorpe, Bednarik Award
Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson) – 2010 Nagurski Award
Andre Smith (Alabama) -- 2008 Outland Trophy
2012 Preseason Awards Watch Lists
Bednarik Award – David Amerson (NC State)
Biletnikoff Award - Emory Blake (Auburn), DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson), Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee), Justin Hunter (Tennessee)
Bronko Nagurski Trophy - Corey Lemonier (Auburn), David Amerson (NC State)
Butkus Award - A.J. Johnson (Tennessee)
Jim Thorpe Award - David Amerson (NC State)
John Mackey Award - Philip Lutzenkirchen (Auburn), Brandon Ford (Clemson), Mychal Rivera (Tennessee)
Lou Groza Award - Cody Parkey (Auburn), Chandler Catanzaro (Clemson)
Maxwell Award - Onterio McCalebb (Auburn), Tajh Boyd (Clemson), Sammy Watkins (Clemson), Andre Ellington (Clemson), Mike Glennon (NC State), Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee), Tyler Bray (Tennessee)
Outland Trophy - Dalton Freeman (Clemson), Dallas Thomas (Tennessee)
Ray Guy Award - Steven Clark (Auburn)
Rimington Trophy - Reese Dismukes (Auburn), Dalton Freeman (Clemson), Camden Wentz (NC State)
Rotary Lombardi Award - Corey Lemonier (Auburn), Philip Lutzenkirchen (Auburn), Dalton Freeman (Clemson)
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Fast Facts
What:
Billed as the "Daytona 500 of College Football," the annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game matches top teams in a neutral-site match-up to start the college football season.
The 2012 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game weekend will feature the first-ever double hosting of marquee, BCS-style games on back-to-back days in the same venue, Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
When Who On TV
Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 – 7:30 p.m. ET Tennessee vs. N.C. State ESPNU
Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 – 7 p.m. ET No. 14 Clemson vs. No. 25 Auburn ESPN
Where:
Georgia Dome, Atlanta
On the Web:
www.Chick-fil-AKickoffGame.com
Leadership:
Gary Stokan, CEO& President
Daryl Evans, Chairman
Team Payout:
The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game's projected total team payout of $4.1 million a game is higher than 21 bowl games.
Trophy:
The Old Leather Helmet
Media Services
1. Credential Distribution
Credentials will be issued by the Chick-fil-A Bowl Communications Dept. with the assistance of the university sports information directors.
GAME DAY credential pick-up will be located at the Gate E Media Will Call on the north side of the Georgia Dome beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The Chick-fil-A Bowl reserves the right to revoke any credential at any time.
2. Credential Policies
Seating and working media space is limited and will be assigned by the Chick-fil-A Bowl using the following general guidelines:
- Media organizations staffing a majority of the participating institution's home games as confirmed by each school's sports information director.
- Primary Atlanta-based media organizations.
- National and regional print media organizations with full-time sports staff.
- Television stations with a daily sports broadcast.
- Web-based media organizations and other media outlets.
- Radio stations with a full-time sports director.
Photographers
Field Photo credentials are limited to accredited TV, newspaper, wire service and sports magazine photographers. No freelance photographers will be allowed on the field.
Photographers will receive a Field Photo credential to enter the Georgia Dome and an armband to access the field. The arm band must be visibly worn at all times. All photographers not wearing a Field Photo arm band will be removed from the sidelines. NO EXCEPTIONS. In addition, photographers must work from behind the press corrals on the sideline.
Field Photo credentials will not permit access to the press box. A pre-game meal and halftime snack will be served in the Georgia Dome's field media suite near Gate E to those with proper credentials. A work area for field photographers will also be located near Gate E.
3. Parking
A limited number of media parking passes are available. Members of the media should request individual parking passes at the time of their media credential request. Parking will be assigned at the discretion of the Chick-fil-A Bowl communications staff.
Satellite truck parking is available in the Silver Lot on the south side of the Georgia Dome. Satellite trucks do not require permits.
4. Phone Lines
A sufficient number of media pool lines will be made available at no charge in the press box and in the photographers' field level media suite. If you require a dedicated line at your seat or inside the field suite and did not indicate that on your original credential request, please e-mail the request to mgarvey@cfabowl.com.
5. Wireless Internet Access
Both the Georgia Dome press box and the field level media area have wireless Internet access available compliments of the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Access instructions will be provided in the press box and in the field level media area.
6. Frequency Coordination
To ensure a smooth working environment for all media outlets and event staff during the game, it is imperative that we collect wireless frequency information from anyone who may use wireless equipment at any point before, during or after the game.
If you failed to supply this information when you made your credential request, please contact mgarvey@cfabowl.com
7. Radio Broadcasts
Radio broadcast booth space will be reserved for each participating university's network and for ABC/ESPN. No other stations will be allowed access to broadcast the game.
Networks should contact BellSouth CCLD (404-222-5500) at the Georgia Dome to arrange for lines to be installed.
8. Press Meals
A pre-game meal will be served to credentialed media in the press box at 6 p.m. on Friday and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. A pre-game meal will also be served to credentialed media on the field in the field-level media suite near Gate E at the same time. Halftime snacks will also be provided to all media representatives.
9. Television Rights and Highlight Policy
Exclusive television rights for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game are owned by ABC/ESPN. Local television affiliates are permitted to tape game action from the sidelines and air up to two (2) minutes of highlights during the following 24-hour period.
Live shots will NOT be permitted from the field or stands during the game. Live shots prior to the game must be concluded before ABC/ESPN begins their telecast and post-game live shots may not begin until ABC/ESPN has concluded their telecast.
10. Post-game Interview Procedures
Following a 10-minute cooling off period after the game, the losing team's head coach will be available for interviews in the Gate E area. The winning team's head coach will be available immediately following the first session. Players from both teams will be available in designated areas outside the locker rooms at the discretion of the teams.
Coaches and players are obligated first to the credentialed media covering the game before making themselves available to single radio or TV outlets and must report to the interview area immediately following the cooling off period.
Post game press conference audio will be piped into the press box, and Chick-fil-A Bowl staff will collect and distribute quotes to media members in both the press box and the field media suite.
11. Media Relations Contact Information
For any questions concerning your coverage of the 2012 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, please contact either:
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Matt Garvey
VP, Communications
Chick-fil-A Bowl
(404) 586-8496 (office)
(404) 964-6342 (mobile)
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Jessica Lumsden
Communications Manager
Chick-fil-A Bowl
(404) 586-1934 (office)
(404) 713-5584 (cell)
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Tennessee Media Guide
N.C. State Media Guide
Clemson Media Guide
Auburn Media Guide
Preseason Poll
| |
USA Today Preseason Poll |
2011 Record |
| 1. |
LSU |
13-1 |
| 2. |
Alabama |
12-1 |
| 3. |
Southern California |
10-2 |
| 4. |
Oklahoma |
10-3 |
| 5. |
Oregon |
12-2 |
| 6. |
Georgia |
10-4 |
| 7. |
Florida State |
9-4 |
| 8. |
Michigan |
11-2 |
| 9. |
South Carolina |
11-2 |
| 10. |
Arkansas |
11-2 |
| 11. |
West Virginia |
10-3 |
| 12. |
Wisconsin |
11-3 |
| 13. |
Michigan State |
11-3 |
| 14. |
Clemson |
10-4 |
| 15. |
Texas |
8-5 |
| 16. |
Nebraska |
9-4 |
| 17. |
TCU |
11-2 |
| 18. |
Stanford |
11-2 |
| 19. |
Oklahoma State |
12-1 |
| 20. |
Virginia Tech |
11-3 |
| 21. |
Kansas State |
10-3 |
| 22. |
Boise State |
12-1 |
| 23. |
Florida |
7-6 |
| 24. |
Notre Dame |
8-5 |
| 25. |
Auburn |
8-5 |
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Record Book
| GAME RECORDS (BOTH TEAMS) |
|
| Attendance 74,954 |
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Most Points Scored 58 |
Alabama 34 vs. Virginia Tech 24 (2009) |
| Fewest Points Scored 44 |
Alabama 34 vs. Clemson 10 (2008) |
| Most First Downs 37 |
Boise State 24 vs. Georgia 13 (2011) |
| Fewest First Downs 31 |
North Carolina 20 vs. LSU 11 (2010) |
| Most Net Yards Rushing 332 |
Alabama 293 vs. Virginia Tech 64 (2009) |
| Fewest Net Yards Rushing 186 |
LSU 162 vs. North Carolina 24 (2010) |
| Most Passes Completed 44 |
Boise State 28 vs. Georgia 16 (2011) |
| Fewest Passes Completed 24 |
Alabama 15 vs. Virginia Tech 9 (2009) |
| Most Net Yards Passing 563 |
North Carolina 412 vs. LSU 151 (2010) |
| Fewest Net Yards Passing 321 |
Alabama 230 vs. Virginia Tech 91 (2009) |
| Most Yards Total Offense 763 |
Boise State 390 vs. Georgia 373 (2011) |
| Fewest Yards Total Offense 607 |
Alabama 419 vs. Clemson 188 (2008) |
| Most Penalties 16 |
Alabama 10 vs. Virginia Tech 6 (2009) |
| Most Yards Penalized 128 |
Alabama 83 vs. Virginia Tech 45 (2009) |
| Most Fumbles 10 |
LSU 5 vs. North Carolina 5 (2010) |
| Most Fumbles Lost 7 |
LSU 4 vs. North Carolina 3 (2010) |
| Fewest Fumbles 1 |
Alabama 0 vs. Clemson 1 (2008) |
Fewest Fumbles Lost 0
|
Boise State 0 vs. Georgia 0 (2011) |
| TEAM RECORDS (ONE TEAM) |
|
| Largest Victory Margin 24 |
Alabama 34 vs. Clemson 10 (2008) |
| Points Scored 35 |
Boise State (2011) |
| Fewest Points Scored 10 |
Clemson (2008) |
| Most Points By Losing Team 24 |
Virginia Tech (2009)
North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Points in a Quarter 23 |
LSU (2nd Quarter, 2010) |
| Most Points in a Half 30 |
LSU (First Half, 2010) |
| Most First Downs Rushing 13 |
Alabama (2008) |
| Most First Downs Passing 16 |
Boise State (2011) |
| Most First Downs by Penalty 3 |
Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Most Total First Downs 25 |
Alabama (2008) |
| Fewest Total First Downs 11 |
Clemson (2008)
Virginia Tech (2009)
LSU (2010) |
| Most Rushing Attempts 50 |
Alabama (2008) |
| Most Net Yards Rushing 268 |
Alabama (2009) |
| Most Touchdowns Rushing 2 |
Alabama (2009)
Virginia Tech (2009)
Boise State (2011)
|
| Fewest Rushing Attempts 14 |
Clemson (2008) |
| Fewest Net Yards Rushing 0 |
Clemson (2008) |
| Most Pass Attempts 46 |
North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Passes Completed 28 |
North Carolina (2010)
Boise State (2011) |
| Most Interceptions Thrown 1 |
Clemson (2008)
Alabama (2009)
LSU (2010)
Boise State (2011)
Georgia (2011) |
| Most Net Yards Passing 412 |
North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Touchdowns Passing 3 |
North Carolina (2010)
Boise State (2011) |
| Fewest Passes Attempted 20 |
Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Fewest Passes Completed 9 |
Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Fewest Net Yards Passing 91 |
Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Most Offensive Plays 80 |
Alabama (2008) |
| Most Net Yards Total Offense 498 |
Alabama (2009) |
| Fewest Offensive Plays |
Clemson (2008) |
| Fewest Net Yards Total Offense 155 |
Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Most Passes Intercepted 1 |
Alabama (2008)
Virginia Tech (2009)
North Carolina (2010)
Boise State (2011)
Georgia (2011) |
| Most Times Penalized 10 |
Alabama (2009) |
| Most Yards Penalized 83 |
Alabama (2009) |
Fewest Times Penalized 4
|
Boise State (2011) |
|
Most Fumbles 5
|
Virginia Tech (2009)
LSU (2010)
North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Fumbles Lost 4 |
LSU (2010)
|
| INDIVIDUAL RECORDS |
|
Most Points Scored 12
|
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama (2008)
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama (2009)
Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Most Touchdowns Scored 2 |
Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (2009) |
Most Conversions Kicking 5
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Dan Goodale, Boise State (2011)
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| Most Field Goals Scored 4 |
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama (2008)
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama (2009) |
| Longest Field Goal 54 |
Leigh Tiffin, Alabama (2008) |
| Most Carries in Game 26 |
Mark Ingram, Alabama (2009) |
| Most Net Yards Rushing 150 |
Mark Ingram, Alabama (2009) |
| Longest Run From Scrimmage 80 |
Brandon Boykin, Georgia (2011)
|
| Most Touchdowns Rushing 2 |
Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Most Passes Attempted 46 |
T.J. Yates, North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Passes Completed 28 |
T.J. Yates, North Carolina (2010)
Kellen Moore, Boise State (2011) |
| Most Net Yards Passing 412 |
T.J. Yates, North Carolina (2010) |
| Longest Completed Pass 97 |
T.J. Yates to Jheranie Boyd, North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Interceptions Thrown 1 |
Cullen Harper, Clemson (2008)
Greg McElroy, Alabama (2009)
Jordan Jefferson, LSU (2010)
Kellen Moore, Boise State (2011)
Aaron Murray, Georgia (2011) |
| Most Touchdown Passes 3 |
T.J. Yates, North Carolina (2010)
Kellen Moore, Boise State (2011) |
| Most Net Yards Total Offense 374 |
T.J. Yates, North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Passes Caught 8 |
Zack Pianalto, North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Yards Gained Receiving 221 |
Jheranie Boyd, North Carolina (2010) |
| Most Touchdown Passes Caught 1 |
Nick Walker, Alabama (2008)
Julio Jones, Alabama (2008)
Mark Ingram, Alabama (2009)
Rueben Randle, LSU (2010)
Russell Shepard, LSU (2010)
Jheranie Boyd, North Carolina (2010)
Erik Highsmith, North Carolina (2010)
Devon Ramsey, North Carolina (2010)
Matt Miller, Boise State (2011)
Kyle Efaw, Boise State (2011)
Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State (2011)
Orson Charles, Georgia (2011)
Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia (2011) |
| Most Passes Intercepted 1 |
Marquis Johnson, Alabama (2008)
Antoine Hopkins, Virginia Tech (2009)
Tre Boston, North Carolina (2010)
Jerrell Gavins, Boise State (2011)
Branden Smith, Georgia (2011) |
Longest Interception Return 9
|
Branden Smith, Georgia (2011) |
Most Return Yards, Interceptions 9
|
Branden Smith, Georgia (2011)
|
| Most Punts 8 |
Brett Bowden, Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Longest Punt 57 |
Brett Bowden, Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Best Punting Average 47.8 |
Drew Butler, Georgia (2011)
|
| Most Return Yards, Punts 157 |
Patrick Peterson, LSU (2010) |
| Longest Punt Return 87 |
Patrick Peterson, LSU (2010) |
| Most Return Yards, Kickoffs 195 |
Dyrell Roberts, Virginia Tech (2009) |
| Longest Kickoff Return 98 |
Dyrell Roberts, Virginia Tech (2009) |
| All-Purpose Yards 257 |
Patrick Peterson, LSU (2010) |
Year-by-Year Summaries
2011
Boise State’s Kellen Moore went 28-34 for 261 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a 35-21 win over Georgia. After a sluggish start to the game offensively for both teams, UGA opened up the playbook with a reverse for CB Brandon Boykin. The senior found a seam and outraced the Bronco defense for an 80-yard touchdown run to put the Bulldogs up 7-0. From there, Boise State would seize control of the game and would not let up. Moore led the Broncos down the field with a six play, 58-yard drive that culminated with a 17-yard touchdown strike to freshman Matt Miller to knot the game at 7 apiece. Georgia had a chance to regain the momentum late in the second quarter after cornerback Branden Smith picked off Moore deep in Bulldog territory, but could not capitalize as Georgia’s Aaron Murray would toss an interception of his own to Boise State’s Jerell Gavins. The Broncos would take advantage as Moore connected with tight end Kyle Efaw for a 12-yard touchdown with just seconds left in the half to give Boise a 14-7 lead at the intermission. Moore would open the second half with a vintage drive, connecting on all seven passes he attempted for 69 yards. Running back Doug Martin would cap the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run that put the Broncos on top 21-7. Boise put the game away late in the third quarter on Moore’s third touchdown pass of the night, a three-yard toss to Tyler Shoemaker that put the Broncos on top 28-7. Georgia would tack on two touchdowns late in the game, the first on a 36-yard touchdown pass from Murray to Charles, and the second on a 51-yard strike from Murray to freshman Malcolm Mitchell, but never mounted a serious threat to the Broncos.
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1
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2
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3
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4
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T
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#5 BSU
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7
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7
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14
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7
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35
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#19 UGA
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7
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0
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7
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7
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21
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Scoring: GA – Boykin 80 yd run (Walsh kick). BSU – Miller 17 yd pass from Moore (Goodale kick). BSU – Efaw 12 yd pass from Moore (Goodale kick). BSU – Martin 7 yd run (Goodale kick). BSU – Shoemaker 3 yd pass from Moore (Goodale kick). GA – Charles 36 yd pass from Murray (Walsh kick). BSU – Harper 1 yd run (Goodale kick). GA – Mitchell 51 yd pass from Murray (Walsh kick).
Attendance: 73,614
2010
No. 16 LSU held off a furious 4th quarter rally from a short-handed UNC squad to win the third-annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in perhaps the most thrilling installment of the game to date. The Tigers, led by All-American Patrick Peterson appeared to have the game well in hand in the second quarter, as Peterson scored on an 87-yard punt return to extend the lead to 23-10 with just 4:01 left in the half. One minute later, the Tigers struck again as QB Jordan Jefferson found Reuben Randle for a 51-yard score to push the margin to 30-10 at the break. However, it was the Tar Heels who seized the momentum in the 2nd half. Playing without 13 players due to an NCAA investigation, UNC cut the deficit to 30-17 when QB T.J. Yates found a wide-open Jehranie Boyd behind the LSU secondary for a Kickoff Game record 97-yard touchdown with 10:34 left in the 4th quarter. After another touchdown strike from Yates to Erik Highsmith cut the lead to 30-24, the Heels would recover an onside kick with 2:31 to play in the game. Following a Yates fumble on 4th down, the Tigers looked ready to put the game away, but RB Stevan Ridley fumbled with 1:08 left in the game to give UNC one last chance. Carolina would drive inside the LSU 10-yard line, but a potential game-tying touchdown pass from Yates went through the hands of TE Zach Piannalto as time expired.
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1
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2
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3
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4
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#16 LSU
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7
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23
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0
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0
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30
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#18 UNC
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0
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10
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0
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14
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24
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Scoring: LSU – Shepard 6-yard pass from Jefferson (Jasper Kick). UNC – Ramsay 9-yard pass from T.J. Yates (Barth kick). UNC – Barth 20-yard FG. LSU – Shepard 50-yard run (Jasper kick). LSU – Safety (ball through end zone). LSU – Peterson 87-yard punt return (Jasper kick). LSU – Randle 51-yard pass from Jefferson (Jasper kick). UNC – Boyd 97-yard pass from Yates (Barth kick). UNC – Highsmith 14-yard pass from Yates (Barth kick).
Attendance: 68,819
2009
The second-annual Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game served as the launching point for a historic season for one of college football's most storied programs. Alabama RB Mark Ingram kicked off his Hesiman Trophy winning campaign with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 5 Alabama to a 34-24 win over No. 7 Virginia Tech in front of a sell-out crowd of 74,954. The season-opening win would also catapult the Crimson Tide towards a 14-0 record and an eventual BCS National Championship. However, it was Virginia Tech that held a 17-16 lead at halftime on the strength of a 98-yard kickoff return from Dyrell Roberts and a 1-yard plunge by RB Ryan Williams. Following a scoreless third quarter, Alabama took the lead with 12:23 to play in the game on Ingram's first score, a 6-yard touchdown run that was punctuated by a two-point conversion on a pass from QB Greg McElroy to Colin Peek. The Crimson Tide would stretch the lead to 27-17 just moments later on Leigh Kiffin's fourth field goal of the game. Tech's Ryan Williams brought the Hokies to within three points with a dazzling 32-yard touchdown run with 9:22 to play, but Ingram would put the game out of reach with an 18-yard touchdown score on a pass from McElroy to seal the victory.
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2
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3
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4
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#5ALA
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9
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7
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0
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18
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34
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#7 VT
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7
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10
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0
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7
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24
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Scoring: ALA – Tiffin 49-yard FG. ALA – Tiffin 34-yard FG. VT- Roberts 98-yard kickoff return (Waldron kick). ALA – Tiffin 32-yard FG. VT – Waldron 28-yard FG. ALA- Upchurch 19-yard run (Tiffin kick). VT- Williams 1-yard run (Waldron kick). ALA – Ingram 6-yard run (McElroy 6-yard pass to Peek for two-point conversion). ALA – Tiffin 20-yard FG. VT – Williams 32-yard run (Waldron kick) ALA – Ingram 18-yard pass from McElroy (Tiffin kick).
Attendance: 74,954
2008
Led by a stingy defense and a potent running attack, #24 Alabama routed #9 Clemson 34-10 in the inaugural Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. The Tigers vaunted backfield tandem of James Davis and C.J. Spiller could only manage 20 yards on eight carries, while the Crimson Tide duo of Mark Ingram and Glen Coffee combined for 186 yards on 34 rushes. .Bama jumped out to a 23-3 lead at halftime behind three Leigh Tiffin field goals, a 1-yard touchdown run by QB John Parker Wilson, and a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Nick Walker. The Tigers showed signs of life to open the 2nd half, as Spiller took the opening kickoff 96 yards to cut the margin to 23-10, but that would prove to be the final points Clemson could muster against a dominant Tide defense. Freshman sensation Julio Jones caught his first career touchdown late in the third quarter to put Alabama on top 31-10, and Tiffin would add an field goal in the 4th for the final margin. For the game, Alabama outrushed the Tigers 239-0, and racked up 25 first downs compared to Clemson's 11.
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2
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3
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4
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#24 ALA
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13
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10
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8
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3
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34
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#9 CLEM
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0
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3
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7
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0
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10
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Scoring: ALA- Tiffin 54-yard FG. ALA- Tiffin 21-yard FG. ALA- Wilson 1-yard run (Tiffin kick). CLEM- Buchholz 33-yard FG. ALA- Walker 4-yard pass from Wilson (Tiffin kick). ALA-Tiffin 34-yard FG. CLEM- Spiller 96-yard kickoff return (Buchholz kick). ALA- Jones 4-yard pass from Wilson (Tiffin kick). ALA-Tiffin 26-yard FG.
Attendance: 70,097
Georgia Dome
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will be played at the Georgia Dome, the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world. Located in downtown Atlanta, the Dome is the home venue for the Atlanta Falcons, host to Super Bowl XXVIII and XXXIV, host of the gymnastics and basketball events for the 1996 Olympic Games and host to both a Men's and Women's NCAA Final Four. Annually, the Dome hosts the Bank of America Atlanta Football classic, the SEC Football Championship and the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Dome Facts
Structure:
- A total of 8,300 tons of reinforced steel was used to construct the Dome. That is more than the weight of iron and steel used in the Eiffel Tower.
- A 437-mile sidewalk, from Atlanta to Cincinnati, could be built from the 110,000 cubic yards of concrete used at the Dome.
- The building covers 8.9 acres and contains 1.6 million square feet on all seven levels.
- The 290-foot high roof is composed of 130 Teflon-coated fiberglass panels - covering 8.6 acres. The roof's supporting cable totals 11.1 miles and the Dome is as tall as a 27-story building.
Capacity:
- There are 8 Super Suites, 164 executive suites, the Penthouse Suite and 4,600 club seats. The Dome's permanent seating capacity is 71,250.
- The Dome has three times the code-required number of restrooms - all are accessible to guests with disabilities.
- A pair of C-5 military transport planes could fit on the Georgia Dome's floor, which contains 102,000 square feet of space.
Utilities:
- 798 lighting fixtures in the roof structure provide lighting.
- The four, 1,250-ton air conditioning units in the Georgia Dome generate enough power to cool 1,666 homes.
- Over 660 television monitors are scattered throughout the stadium.
- To supply soft drinks to dispensers, thousands of liquid lines wind through the stadium. These include 32,952 feet of lines (the length of 109 football fields) to feed liquids to hundreds of dispensers throughout the building, quenching the thirst of sports fans and concertgoers.