PHOTOS: Georgia Tech beats Mercer, but concerns linger before ACC opener

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PHOTOS: Georgia Tech beats Mercer, but concerns linger before ACC opener

Georgia Tech secured its first victory of the season Saturday against Mercer ahead of ACC play beginning next week.

Georgia Tech players celebrate after Georgia Tech defeated Mercer during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech defeated Mercer 44-11. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech running back Chad Alexander (11) scores a touchdown during the second half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 44-11 over Mercer. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza (15) gets off a pass during the second half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 44-11 over Mercer. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech wide receiver Debron Gatling (6) runs for a touchdown during the second half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 44-11 over Mercer. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech wide receiver Dalen Penson leaps over Mercer cornerback Cameron Goggins after a catch during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech wide receiver Debron Gatling (6) reacts after scoring for a touchdown during the second half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 44-11 over Mercer. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech defensive lineman Tawfiq Thomas (95) celebrates with fans after Georgia Tech defeated Mercer during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech defeated Mercer 44-11. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech fans cheer during the second half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 44-11 over Mercer. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech fans cheer during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key appeals to a referee during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech wide receiver Isaiah Fuhrmann is not able to catch under pressure from Mercer linebacker Evin McDowell during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza runs the ball during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech tight end Kevin Roche Jr. is not able to complete the catch under pressure from Mercer linebacker Evin McDowell (left) during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech running back Justice Haynes (center) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech running back Justice Haynes (right) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech wide receiver Dalen Penson (right) makes a catch over Mercer cornerback Cameron Goggins (left) during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key and players run onto the field before the start of the Georgia Tech home game against Mercer at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key shouts instructions during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech defensive lineman Christian Speakman gets a hug from Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key after recovering a fumble during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech defensive lineman Christian Speakman (left) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Mercer quarterback Jaylen King is hit by Georgia Tech defensive end Taje McCoy (left) causing a fumble during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Mercer quarterback Jaylen King is hit by Georgia Tech defensive end Taje McCoy (left) causing a fumble during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Mercer quarterback Jaylen King is hit by Georgia Tech defensive end Taje McCoy causing a fumble during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza shouts instructions during the first half in an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Georgia Tech players celebrate after Georgia Tech defeated Mercer during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech defeated Mercer 44-11. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

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