Georgia Tech takeaways: Brent Key goes ‘nuclear’ at halftime of Mercer victory

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key compared his halftime speech during Saturday’s 44-11 win against Mercer to the fireworks that went off at Bobby Dodd Stadium after the game.

Key jokingly paused his postgame news conference to check whether he had caused any damage while addressing his players after a first half that featured some of the same issues that contributed to Tech’s 0-2 start.

“I probably should start doing that at the beginning of the game,” he said.

“There were nuclear explosions taking place in here.”

Tech’s offense had two three-and-outs in the first quarter and the defense continued its struggles in stopping the run.

The second half brought a different version of the Yellow Jackets. The offense produced several long gains, and the defense forced two turnovers, its first of the season.

Here’s what stood out from Tech’s first victory of 2026:

Pro and con: Credit Tech’s defense for not letting Mercer into the end zone. That’s an accomplishment, regardless of the opponent’s caliber. It marked the first time Tech didn’t allow a touchdown in 100 games, dating to a 41-0 win over Alcorn State on Sept. 1, 2018.

But the FCS-level Bears piled up 207 rushing yards, not counting losses on sacks, and averaged nearly five yards per carry.

Key said Tech’s defensive front early in the game was moving too much, creating problems for the linebackers.

And, Key said, “we didn’t do worth a crap setting the edges early on.”

Tech was without starting linebacker Kyle Efford and cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe because of injuries. By the second half, freshmen — including linebackers C.J. Gamble and Braylon Outlaw — were on the field.

Key said the run defense improved as the game went along because the staff simplified the calls.

“You can’t play good run defense if you don’t set edges and open things up for your ‘backers,” Key said. “They have to know where to be and what to do.

“How many calls do you think we called when the freshmen were in there? One. One. ... (There’s) something to that.”

Senior defensive tackle Tawfiq Thomas said earlier this week that opponents will keep centering their game plans on running the ball until Tech proves it has improved.

With Stanford next on the schedule to open ACC play, the concern still lingers.

Big-play capability: Tech running back Justice Haynes had 141 yards rushing, 26 yards receiving and three total touchdowns Saturday.

He’ll continue to be the cornerstone of the offense.

Along with Haynes, Tech featured five other players who had at least one run or catch go for 19 yards or more: Javien Plummer (long of 37), Haynes (31), Debron Gatling (33), Dalen Penson (26), Kevin Roche Jr. (23) and Isaiah Fuhrmann (19).

The offense was inconsistent to start the game, but the big plays began to pile up in the second half. Tech showed it can create explosive plays from multiple spots on the field.

“We got loosened up and we got rolling,” said Jackets’ quarterback Alberto Mendoza. “Great win. We could definitely be better in a lot of places. That’s why the tape would be great to learn from, but never complain with a win.”

Liability: Key is adamant when he says Aidan Birr is the best kicker in college football. The Tech coach was frustrated discussing the senior’s talent after the Jackets had an extra-point attempt blocked Saturday and returned by Mercer for two points.

That came after Key said changes were made to the offensive line and tight end personnel following Colorado’s blocked field goal in the season opener, which came on Tech’s potential game-winning attempt.

Key said the special-teams gaffe would be the first play he studies during film review.