Written by Brian Pohl
Atlanta, GA- In a classic Paul Johnson led game, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets won their biggest game of the season as they defeated the Miami Hurricanes 27-21.
The Yellow Jackets were able to win the game by out-executing the Hurricanes, capitalizing on key mistakes early and controlling momentum throughout.
Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson on the win, “It was a heck of a football game. I’m really proud of our team, we dug down and made some plays. It wasn’t always pretty, but we made fewer mistakes than they did and we were able to capitalize on a couple of their mistakes and come out on top.”
This was the biggest win of the season for the Yellow Jackets, who have scratched and clawed their way back into the ACC Coastal division by winning five of their last six games following a one and three start to the season. The Jackets have done so by playing better and better each week and look like a team that can now win the Coastal that looked out of reach just a few short weeks ago.
Leading Georgia Tech offensively was senior quarterback TaQuon Marshall, who is playing his best football of the season when it counts the most. Marshall was effective in both the running and passing games, leading the team with 24 rushes for 92-yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The passing game was the biggest surprise, as Marshall was able to connect on three of his four attempts for 73-yards and a touchdown that was really the dagger for Miami.
The play, which came with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, happened on a big third down moment as Marshall began to make a break to run with space in front of him to scramble for the first down. At the last moment, Marshall caught a glimpse of receiver Brad Stewart create space between himself and the defender, and Marshall was able to connect with Stewart in the end zone to give the Jackets a 27-14 lead.
In total, Georgia Tech’s offense success came from controlling the clock, and in classic Paul Johnson fashion, methodically moved their way down the field, draining clock and energy from a Miami defense that couldn’t seem to get off the field.
On defense, it was the Jackets ability to capitalize on mistakes by Miami that proved to be the difference. Recovering three fumbles, and getting big stops after the Hurricanes committed six of their seven penalties on offense, allowed the Georgia Tech defense to get off the field, and their offense back to control the clock and tempo of the game.
The win gets the Yellow Jackets to six wins, making them bowl eligible for the first time in two years. Coach Johnson said he’s happy for the kids who will get to experience a bowl, but his team still has a lot to play for with two more games on the schedule, and his team needs to remain focused on improving every week.
Next Georgia Tech will take on the Virginia Cavaliers at home, owing UVA some payback after a tough loss last season. It will be a good matchup, as UVA has found success under third-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall and a revived offense.
Georgia Tech and Virginia will kick off on Saturday, November 17, at 3:30 p.m.
