What happens if Vanderbilt beats Georgia Tech in the Birmingham Bowl?

The Vanderbilt Commodores will face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Birmingham Bowl on Friday. The game will kick off at 3:30 PM ET and will be held at Protective Stadium, the home of the UAB Blazers.

As with the majority of bowl games (excluding those that are part of the College Football Playoff), this game will have no major consequences outside the two teams. The winner will pick up a trophy and will get an extra win for the season.

However, as well as pride, these two teams do have a historical rivalry, which will only add to the game. This dates back to 1896, as these two teams met numerous times in the early 1900s, which was considered a strong period for the Commodores.

The Yellow Jackets lead the all-time series between the two teams 20-15-3 and are on a six-game winning streak dating back to 1966. However, this streak could be a lot longer, as the teams' meeting in 1965 ended in a 10-10 draw. The last time Vanderbilt was able to defeat Georgia Tech was in 1941.

What has the Vanderbilt coach said about his team before the Birmingham Bowl?

In the build-up to the game with Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt coach Clarke Lea spoke to the media about his feelings on his team sticking together for this game.

"It means a lot to me, just because I'm a part of something that cares about itself. These guys, they feel a real connection, and they have passion for what this team is and what we're fighting to accomplish. And tomorrow is going to be a celebration."

During bowl season, we normally see many players opt out of these games either due to their commitment to the NFL Draft or because they have transferred to another program. However, many Vanderbilt players have not entered the portal and the few that have still travelled with the rest of the team to the game.

One of the reasons why this may be the case is due to its significance. Vanderbilt had a fantastic season where they were no longer seen as the proverbial "whipping boys" of the SEC. They are no longer an "easy win," as the Alabama Crimson Tide found out earlier this year.

A win in the Birmingham Bowl would give the Commodores, who have been led by quarterback Diego Pavia all season long, their first winning season since 2013 and their first win in a bowl game since the same year.