Georgia Tech A-back Qua Searcy goes to bed each night under a framed photograph of himself. Yellow Jackets fans who have followed the team since at least the afternoon of Nov. 26, 2016, might be able to guess what event in his life the photo captures.
As Saturday’s game against No. 5 Georgia (Noon, SEC Network; News 95.5 and AM-750 WSB) approaches, teammates are calling upon the senior to recreate his heroics from the 2016 game, when his improvised six-yard touchdown run (and Harrison Butker’s point-after try) beat the Bulldogs 28-27 for the Jackets’ second consecutive win in Athens.
“They’re all saying we need the same play,” Searcy said. “But hopefully this year it doesn’t come down to that.”
As his Tech career nears completion, Searcy has given Tech his most productive season. After a rocky start – notably a costly fumble at the end of the USF game – Searcy has gone on to gain 324 rushing yards and average 11.2 yards per carry, both career highs. He also has seven catches for 196 yards, the latter of which is also a career high. His perimeter blocking has also improved. His 11 plays from scrimmage of 20 yards or more are tied for 11th in the ACC despite having only 36 touches. His 86-yard touchdown catch against North Carolina was not only a career long but also the sixth longest in the Tech record books.
Speaking Monday, Searcy was eager to finish the regular season the same way the Jackets did in 2016. He said the team had a different energy level at its first practice of the week.
“I just think the guys are always pumped up to play up there,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere. There’s no better feeling than winning in Athens, which we’ve experienced twice. Like I said, I just feel like the guys are always excited to play in Athens.”
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