Two Jackets earn ACC player of the week

Georgia Tech safety Lawrence Austin (20) intercepts a pass in the endzone in front of Virginia Tech receiver Travon McMillian (34) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 12 2016. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)

Georgia Tech safety Lawrence Austin (20) intercepts a pass in the endzone in front of Virginia Tech receiver Travon McMillian (34) during the first half of an NCAA football game in Blacksburg, Va., Saturday, Nov. 12 2016. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)

After Georgia Tech’s most impressive win of the season, two ACC player-of-the-week honors came the Yellow Jackets’ way. Following the Yellow Jackets’ 30-20 win over No. 14 Virginia Tech Saturday in Blacksburg, Va., nickel back Lawrence Austin and guard Parker Braun were named the ACC’s defensive back and offensive lineman of the week, respectively. The announcement was made Monday.

Austin intercepted two passes, one in the end zone, and forced a fumble against the Hokies. He is the first Tech player with two interceptions since Jemea Thomas accomplished the feat in 2011 in another upset of note, the Jackets’ 31-17 upset of then-No. 5 Clemson. Two of the turnovers led to touchdowns.

Braun, one of three first-year freshmen to start on the offensive line Saturday, was credited with 10 knockdown blocks as the Jackets ran for 309 yards and allowed one sack. It was the first time that the Jackets had cleared 300 rushing yards against the Hokies since 2010.

Both received the ACC honors for the first times in their careers. Braun is the first Tech freshman to be named ACC offensive lineman of the week.