In one play, B-back Marcus Marshall nearly equaled Georgia Tech’s rushing output from last week’s loss to Clemson.
On the Yellow Jackets’ first drive against Pittsburgh, Marshall took a late pitch off right end from quarterback Justin Thomas and sprinted down the sideline for a 58-yard touchdown run. It was the longest run for Tech since backup quarterback Matthew Jordan scored on a 68-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter against Tulane in Week 2.
An offense used to big plays on the ground, Tech struggled during its four-game losing streak. The Jackets managed only 71 rushing yards against Clemson, including a long of 14 yards. That was Tech’s worst rushing performance under coach Paul Johnson and exemplified the offense’s recent struggles.
The Jackets’ longest run in their previous three games was 24 yards. They had three runs of more than 40 yards in the first half against Pitt, as things clicked early.
Johnson said the big plays came from better execution and the insertion of Marshall at B-back.
“I think Marcus Marshall is a little bit more athletic,” Johnson said. “(B-back) Patrick Skov is a hard-nosed, tough kid. Marcus is probably going to get your more big runs.”
Thomas, one possession after losing a fumble, broke off a 51-yard run that helped get Tech out of tough field position and led to the Jackets’ second touchdown, a 29-yard touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Ricky Jeune. Tech has thrown a touchdown pass in 15 consecutive games.
Thomas also had runs of 51 and 45 yards in the first half, fueling a 264-yard first-half rushing performance by Tech.
The Jackets finished with 376 yards on the ground against a Pitt defense that entered the game ranked sixth in the nation. Marshall finished with 159 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas added 95 yards. Tech averaged 9.4 yards per carry.
About the Author
