The numbers weren’t quite as gaudy as those allowed against Duke a week ago, but Georgia Tech’s defense once again failed to stop the run in a 38-7 loss to Georgia.
After the Blue Devils scampered for 319 yards on 51 carries in a shocking blowout win over the Yellow Jackets, the Bulldogs continued the beating with 247 yards on 43 carries on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in the season finale for Tech.
None of Georgia’s six ballcarriers surpassed 85 yards individually, but they all seemed to effortlessly pick up chunks of yardage as the team averaged 5.7 yards per carry.
“They’ve got good backs, and we missed a ton of tackles,” Tech coach Paul Johnson said. “There were times when we were in position to make plays, and we didn’t make them. You have to give them credit.”
While the Bulldogs’ offensive line blocked well, the main key to success for the running backs was making Tech defenders consistently miss. On its first drive, Georgia faced a third-and-long and called a halfback draw. Sony Michel juked out linebacker Brant Mitchell at the line of scrimmage and then made safety Corey Griffin miss before picking up the first down on an eventual touchdown drive.
“They have five great running backs, and what makes them so good is the run after the first contact,” Griffin said. “They’re able to break tackles, and that’s what makes them go. I salute those guys and wish them luck next week.”
Tech came into the game 42nd in the nation, allowing 144.3 rushing yards per game.
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