Georgia Tech suffered a potentially critical loss when nose tackle Shawn Green left the game in the second quarter with a knee injury. Green did not return to the game. Coach Paul Johnson did not have an update afterwards.
With Green out, Tech had to scramble, sending out little-used backup Francis Kallon in his place before he was taken out quickly and defensive end Roderick Rook-Chungong, whose own playing time has diminished in recent weeks, was sent in.
With the Yellow Jackets in control of the game, Tech was able to give playing time to backup lineman Tyler Stargel as well as Kallon and Rook-Chungong. Patrick Gamble, who had moved out from tackle to end for the Virginia game, also played snaps at tackle.
Losing Green for any amount of time would be a considerable loss for the line, which entered the season already short a number of players who left the team for a variety of reasons. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof has relied heavily upon Green and defensive tackle Adam Gotsis on the interior of the line. Without Green, Tech might return Gamble to tackle from end, where he had proven an effective run-stopper.
“Shawn Green’s a great player,” linebacker Tyler Marcordes said. “That’s going to hurt us. Hopefully he’s back next week.”
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