1. Georgia Tech's primary concern on defense is Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb , a hard-running, quick-cutting back who has run for 308 in two games this season.

2. After the Mercer game, Tech coach Paul Johnson described his defense as "bend but don't break." It was not meant as a compliment. The Jackets gave up 10 points (good) but Mercer was 10-for-18 on third down (bad) .

3. Is Tech the No. 44 team in the country? Are the Jackets bound for the Independence Bowl? According to week two rankings and projections , yes and yes.

4. Tech grad Shane Kimbrough, a NASA astronaut bound for the International Space Station in two weeks, called into Johnson's radio show. The coach had a question for the astronaut. " Do you get ESPN up there? "

5. Who's going to start at B-back for the Jackets this week? It's yet to be determined .

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Georgia Southern accepted a berth to the Birmingham Bowl, but it is still awaiting an opponent. According to reports, no one has accepted an invitation yet. (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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