Georgia Tech took advantage with touchdowns on the two turnovers it created against Virginia Tech on Thursday, but it wasn’t enough in a 23-21 loss at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The Hokies scored on just one of three turnovers they created, but that touchdown came in the fourth quarter and resulted in the winning points.
“We have to do a better job,” coach Paul Johnson said. “Ultimately, I’m responsible.
“It’s embarrassing.”
After failing to take advantage of two fumbles earlier in the game, Virginia Tech broke through following a fumble by Marcus Allen that was recovered on the 18-yard line. The Hokies cashed in with a 4-yard touchdown run by Travon McMillian to take a 23-21 lead with 6:58 left.
Georgia Tech seemed as if it was going to win the turnover battle early in the game.
The Yellow Jackets forced a fumble following a 14-yard reception by Cam Phillips in the first quarter. Linebacker Tyler Marcordes reached in and knocked the ball out of Phillips’ hand at the 45-yard line, where it was recovered by Jamal Golden.
The Yellow Jackets took advantage of the short field for an eight-play drive that resulted in a 4-yard touchdown run by A-back Clinton Lynch. The score gave Georgia Tech a 14-0 lead with 1 minute left in the first quarter.
The Yellow Jackets were more efficient scoring with their second turnover.
Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Brewer threw a pass behind tight end Bucky Hodges and right to Yellow Jackets linebacker Brant Mitchell at the 32-yard line on the Hokies’ first series in the third quarter. Mitchell returned it for the first touchdown of his career.
“I was a little bit surprised,” Mitchell, a freshman, said. “I know the receiver was on the outside of me.”
It was the second defensive touchdown scored by Georgia Tech this season after six last season, which was a big reason for the team’s second-half surge and appearance in the Orange Bowl. The Yellow Jackets had a plus-1 turnover margin this season entering Thursday, after totalling plus-11 last season.
Georgia Tech quickly gave a turnover back to the Hokies when quarterback Justin Thomas tossed a dangerous pitch to A-back Broderick Snoddy that arrived just before linebacker Andrew Motuapuaka, who forced a fumble. Linebacker Deon Clarke recovered the ball on the 48-yard line. The Hokies were forced to punt.
Snoddy, seeing his first extended action since the loss at Duke because of a hand injury, fumbled again on another toss play to the right in the fourth quarter. The fumble was caused by Dadi Lhomme Nicolas at the 32-yard line, where it was recovered by Luther Maddy. The Hokies were again forced to punt.
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