Jackets’ defense fails to force turnovers

The Jackets had forced an ACC-best 25 turnovers entering the game. They came up empty against North Carolina.

“We just didn’t get it done,” defensive end Michael Johnson said.

But the defense kept the Jackets close; it was 7-0 after three quarters.

Still, Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson was steaming about North Carolina’s opening drive, when the Tar Heels converted after facing third-and-26 and marched 67 yards for a touchdown.

Quarterback Cameron Sexton was called for intentional grounding on first down, increasing Johnson’s pressure. Sexton missed his next throw. On third down, Sexton found Brooks Foster on the right sideline between two defenders for 25-plus yards. Then Carolina easily converted fourth-and-inches.

“I thought that Cam made a great throw on the fade route and Brooks just made a phenomenal catch,” Tar Heels coach Butch Davis said. “Cam threaded the needle just before the safety could get there.”

The early touchdown gave Carolina “a chance to play with house money,” Davis added.

After not giving up a first-quarter touchdown in the first eight games, Tech has allowed one each of the past two weeks.