Georgia Tech defense shines in second half

Coach Paul Johnson said he was “ecstatic” to go into halftime trailing only 9-7.

Tech had fumbled three times, and the defense had spent nearly 20 minutes on the field.

Right before halftime, Johnson iced Eagles kicker Steve Aponavicius before his fourth field-goal try, a 30-yarder. The ball sailed right, and Tech went to the lockerroom feeling fortunate.

“We didn’t play real good defense in the first half until we got in the red zone,” Johnson said. “But, you know, we bowed up and made them have to kick field goals.”

The defense dominated the second half, holding the Eagles to 60 yards. Boston College converted 6-of-12 third downs in the first half, just 2-of-7 in the second.

Tech got interceptions from Rashaad Reid and Mario Butler — off a pass tipped by 6-foot-7 Michael Johnson — a fumble recovery by Darryl Richard and a safety by Vance Walker.

“They started bringing pressure from the field. I tried to throw over a 6-foot-7-guy [Michael Johnson] and I didn’t realize it,” Crane said. “[It was] blown protection. They got a sack I never even saw coming. On the [second] interception, I threw the ball behind the receiver and I can’t make those mistakes.”