Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson said he was told by an official that linebacker Paul Davis had swung at a Georgia Southern player to draw a critical personal-foul penalty early in the third quarter.

“The official told me that ’40 swung at somebody,’” Johnson said, referring to Davis’ jersey number. “That’s what he told me.”

On the opening drive of the third quarter, Georgia Southern faced a third-and-8 from the Tech 33 when a shotgun snap got past quarterback Kevin Ellison, who recovered the ball at the Eagles’ 44-yard line for a 23-yard loss. The Eagles would have faced a fourth-and-31, but the penalty gave them a first-and-10 on the Tech 41. Georgia Southern was in the end zone four plays later on a 32-yard run by Ellison.

The Eagles scored touchdowns on their next three possessions to climb out of a 35-10 halftime deficit.

“It was a killer,” Johnson said of the penalty. “It changed the whole game.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia Southern accepted a berth to the Birmingham Bowl, but it is still awaiting an opponent. According to reports, no one has accepted an invitation yet. (Sarah Peacock for the AJC)

Credit: Sarah Peacock

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez