2011 Opponent Recap: Georgia Tech

GT RECORD: 7-2 (4-2 ACC) (W 31-17 against Clemson)

VT RECORD: 8-1 (4-1 ACC) (W 14-10 against Duke)

 

SCORE: (10) VT 37 – (21) GT 26

GAME SUMMARY: Thursday night in Atlanta can be most easily defined as a series of momentum shifts. The Hokies took a 21-13 lead into halftime after a wild finish that saw 2 field goals and 1 touchdown in the final minute. The third quarter saw Georgia Tech surge ahead: the Yellow Jackets drove 71 yards, capped by a 1-yard Tevin Washington touchdown dive, forced a David Wilson fumble as the Hokies entered the red zone the ensuing drive, then marched another 81 yards to take a 26-21 lead. All signs pointed to Georgia Tech further extending its lead, but on third and 19, having already stopped Logan Thomas short of the first down, Yellow Jacket linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu threw a punch a Thomas’ helmet. The personal foul extended a drive that ended with a 12-yard Logan Thomas bull rush. In the fourth quarter, the Jackets were held to drives of 9, -5, and -3 yards. Tech put the game away with one of the more awkward touchdowns we’ve seen, a 14-yard Dragerbomb.

 

LOCK IT IN THE LUNCHPAIL: Although Georgia Tech gained 340 yards, the defense had one of its best efforts against Paul Johnson’s unique offensive approach. That being said the Hokies did need a little luck in order to jump start the offense in the second half. Fortunately, Attaochu’s punch provided the spark. Thomas rebounded from a less than pedestrian effort in Durham with another impressive outing, accounting for five total touchdowns. In a role reversal, it was the Hokies’ ability to run the ball (outgained Georgia Tech 267-243 on the ground) that kept GT’s defense off guard, and Virginia Tech’s ability to convert on third-and-short situations proved influential in the victory. David Wilson, fumble notwithstanding, had an outstanding game, rushing for a season-high 175 yards. Jack Tyler performed outstanding as well, leading the team in tackles and collecting a sack, personifying the determination and effort put out by a defense that hd sustained a number of injuries. Although the Miami game may have been more thrilling, this victory proved that Hokies could beat a very talented team with championship aspirations on the line.

 

GT SEASON RECORD: 8-4 (5-3 ACC),  3rd ACC Coastal.

GT SEASON SUMMARY: Georgia Tech stormed out of the gates, winning its first six games of the season, averaging 46.5 points per game and rising to number 12 in the rankings. But then October happened… and the Yellow Jackets started putting the ball on the ground and stopped scoring points. In back-to-back losses in Charlottesville and Coral Gables, the Ramblin’ Wreck turned the ball over five times and only averaged 14 points offensively. Paul Jonson was able to right the ship the following week against 5th ranked Clemson, forcing 4 turnovers and holding the Tigers to 17 points in Tech’s upset win. The victory over Clemson meant that Georgia Tech still controlled their destiny in regards to a berth in the ACC Championship Game, but the Thursday night home loss to VT eliminated them from contention. The Yellow Jackets closed the regular season with another home loss to a University of Georgia team that rebounded from season opening losses to Boise State and South Carolina to claim the SEC East title.

 

OFFENSIVE MVP: QB Tevin Washington. 1515 PYD – 890 RYD – 24 TTD.

Washington spearheaded the 3rd best rushing attack in the nation, leading a team that averaged 316 yards per game in rushing. He accounted for over 300 total yards in the season-opening win over Western Carolina, and another 326 yards in the win over Duke. His real value cannot be described quantitatively though; he is the maestro of Paul Johnson’s triple option attack.

DEFENSIVE MVP: LB Julian Burnett. 113 TK – 9.5 TFL – 1 SK – 1 FF – 1 FR.

The linebacker lead the Ramblin’ Wreck in tackles and tackles for loss. The 2nd team ALL ACC selection recorded 10+ tackles in five games, included a season-high 13 against Virginia Tech.

 

POSTSEASON: Sun Bowl vs. Utah 7-5 (4-5 PAC 12), 4th PAC 12 South.

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