There were times Saturday night when it seemed as if the success of Georgia Tech’s pass defense came down to Jeremiah Attaochu’s ability to get to Pittsburgh quarterback Tom Savage.
Attaochu harassed Savage early and often while recording two sacks and several other key pressures in Tech’s 21-10 victory over Pittsburgh.
It’s the kind of game Tech coach Paul Johnson expected from Attaochu, a senior defensive end. Pittsburgh started freshman Dorian Johnson at left tackle because usual starter Adam Bisnowaty, a redshirt freshman, was hobbled by injury.
“Going in we knew they had a couple freshmen tackles and Jeremiah is a pretty good pass rusher,” Paul Johnson said. “He’s a handful to block one-on-one. He goes and plays with a good motor. He plays hard and he’s quick off the ball.”
Attaochu’s two sacks followed a two-sack performance at Virginia last week. He now has 25 career sacks for Tech, tying him with Eric Henderson for fourth place on the school’s all-time list.
The Jackets sacked Savage five times and had 10 tackles for loss for a total of 44 yards.
“Winning feels good, period,” Attaochu said. “But when the defense steps up and wins games at Georgia Tech, I think it makes a little more special.”
Attaochu made it clear on the opening possession that he would be a problem for Dorian Johnson.
The Panthers faced a third-and-seven on their 28 when Savage dropped back to pass. Attaochu came free off the right edge and hit Savage as he tried to wind up and pass, dropping him for a 10-yard loss.
Attaochu also helped end Pitt’s next possession with a big play.
On third-and-eight, Attaochu hit Savage as he released a pass and the ball popped up in the air. Pitt center Artie Rowell caught the ball and Tech declined the penalty for the pass to an ineligible receiver, forcing a punt.
Attaochu got another sack in the second quarter and pressured Savage twice on Pitt’s final drive.
“I think it was a team effort,” Attaochu said. “We were working in tandem. The secondary was giving me time. On some of those sacks I had time to get there. I just kept grinding.”
