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In-game Replay: Georgia Tech’s Nathan Cottrell rips off huge run against Virginia Tech

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 4: Nathan Cottrell #31 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rushes with the ball in the third quarter during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Georgia Tech 40-36. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)

Credit: Ryan M. Kelly

Credit: Ryan M. Kelly

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 4: Nathan Cottrell #31 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets rushes with the ball in the third quarter during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia defeated Georgia Tech 40-36. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
By Alex Makrides
Nov 11, 2017

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson always has a trick up his sleeve.

With his team facing a second-and-12 deep in their own territory in the first quarter of Saturday's contest against No. 17 Virginia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium, the creative offensive mind called a counter-sweep to A-back Nathan Cottrell.

The Hokies defense wasn’t expecting the call as Cottrell went the opposite way the rest of the offense went. The sophomore raced down the sideline for a gain of 69 yards. He picked up a huge block from wide receiver Ricky Jeune to take the ball to the Virginia Tech 14-yard line. It was the longest gain of Cottrell’s career.

Quarterback TaQuon Marshall scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown a few plays later to put the Yellow Jackets up 7-3.

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