The article is behind a pay firewall and I am saving the $1 to add to my GTAA contribution (tic). That said, I am not following the logic in GTs case given that (all stats from
www.gt.edu and for 2018)
1) We have a 23% overall admit rate with a total of 35,613 applications. I believe this to be just graduates. Of the 8,100 accepted, a little over 3,000 choose to enroll. GT is not lacking for applicants. For reference UGA had 29.300 applicants and admitted, 45% and 5,500 enrolled (2019 stats).
2) The student's that applied had an SAT between 1400-1520 or ACT between 31-34. Probably the students that are considering GT by and large are not going to be influenced by GT playing in the national championship game.
Will playing for a national championship increase the overall visibility of GT? Yes
Will increasing the overall visibility of GT "help" the institute? Yes
How much and how will it help? Unknown.
Will playing for a national championship increase enrollment at GT? No
Will playing for a national championship help GT's academics? No