B-back David Sims won the starting job to replace Anthony Allen in training camp. It appears he'll hold onto it for at least another week after his performance in Georgia Tech's 63-21 victory over West Carolina on Thursday night.
Through three quarters, Sims was the leading B-back runner with 44 yards on nine carries, including a touchdown. Preston Lyons had two runs for 22 yards, including a 20-yard run for a touchdown in the third quarter. Charles Perkins had four carries for nine yards.
The B-back competition was perhaps the stiffest in Tech's preseason camp, with all three battling for the top spot. Sims moved up from fourth string to first to earn the start.
Green day
After a two-month sprint to make it playable, the new turf in Bobby Dodd Stadium was in shape to handle the Tech marching band, the Ramblin' Wreck and 60 minutes of football.
Tech's athletic fields manager Jon DeWitt gave the Bermuda grass one last trim Thursday afternoon to five-eighths of an inch. He said that if someone had told him a week ago it would look as green as it did Thursday, "I wouldn't have believed you."
DeWitt said the spring water that feeds the field has high sodium levels, which kept the field from greening. DeWitt altered the fertilization to produce a more vibrant shade.
Plenty of true freshmen
No true freshman started at a scrimmage position for Tech, but Zach Laskey was the first-string punt returner. Coach Paul Johnson chose the Starr's Mill High grad for his ability to cleanly field punts, which was a problem for the Jackets last season. Through three quarters, Laskey successfully handled four punts. He had a 28-yard return in the third quarter.
Other true freshmen who played included wide receiver Jeff Greene, guard Trey Braun and Shaquille Mason, linebackers Tremayne McNair and Nick Menocal and defensive back Corey Dennis. Quarterback Vad Lee did not play through the first three quarters.
Big numbers
Midway through the fourth quarter, Tech had racked up 620 yards of total offense, including 365 in the air. Accumulated in 59 plays, Tech was averaging 10.6 yards per snap. Tech's record going into the game was 706 yards, in a 1948 game against the Citadel. The second-highest total was 627 yards, in a 2000 game against Virginia.
Hard to see
Tech debuted slightly altered uniforms from the 2010 version, which included gold numbers on the home white jerseys. The numbers were difficult to distinguish from the stands, however. It's possible Tech may switch in the future to its road white jersey, which has blue numbers.
First start
Offensive tackle Ray Beno got the start in place of Phil Smith, who was suspended for the first two games of the season for breaking team rules. On Monday, Johnson had yet to decide between Beno and Catlin Alford, who also played. It was Beno's first career start.
Etc.
Western Carolina tight end Andrew Rogers, playing in front of family and friends, caught three passes for 38 yards through the third quarter. … Tech co-offensive line coach Todd Spencer did not participate, as he was serving an NCAA-mandated one-game suspension for violating rules regarding phone calls to prospects.
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