The game that was
In its first road game of the season, Georgia Tech took the crowd out of the game by scoring touchdowns on its first four possessions, including one-play drives on the first and third series, in a 49-21 win over Middle Tennessee State. The Yellow Jackets defense forced three turnovers and allowed one score in the Blue Raiders' first eight possessions.
What we learned
1. Special teams could be a year-long fix.
The punt team was significantly better but the kickoff team was leaky, particularly the first two kicks that went out of bounds. With inexperienced players at key spots – such as kicker Justin Moore and punt returner Zach Laskey – and a number of true freshmen on various units, progress likely won't be consistent. Jemea Thomas was a standout with solo tackles on both a punt return and a kickoff return.
2. Tech's showing against MTSU indicates that offensive production over Western Carolina wasn't only a result of playing an inferior opponent
It was easy to attribute Tech's 63-point, 662-yard outburst in the opener to Western Carolina's disadvantages in size and talent. Against MTSU, Tech still had advantages at every position, but not nearly as vast, and the Yellow Jackets still produced. With long passes and pounding runs, Tech worked over a Blue Raiders team that nearly upset Purdue on the road. The level of competition will rise again Saturday against Kansas
3. Defense susceptible to up-tempo
Western Carolina and Middle Tennessee State both run quick-paced offenses to wear out the opposition, and they appeared to take their toll on Tech. MTSU was 6 for 13 (46.2 percent) on third downs while Western Carolina was 8 for 18 (44.4 percent). "Us bigger guys at the line, we get winded really fast," defensive end Izaan Cross said. The pace also caused problems with getting the signals from the sideline. Depth, conditioning and getting off the field are three solutions.
Loose ends
Inside linebacker Julian Burnett led the team in tackles again, this time with eight tackles. Cross had three tackles, two batted passes, a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. … Coach Paul Johnson praised backup quarterback Synjyn Days and B-back Charles Perkins for their hard running. Days tied B-back David Sims for the lead in rushing with 91 yards and scored twice. A-back Roddy Jones was next with 63 yards. … Johnson said he thought the team came out of the game without any injuries. … Offensive tackle Phil Smith is expected to return to the lineup after being suspended for two games for violating team rules.
Numbers game
579 Tech's passing yards after two games. Last season, Tech didn't clear 500 until the sixth game.
Sound bite
"We came out here [with the] same mindset [as against Western Carolina]. They're our opponent, they stand in our goal of getting to where we want to go. We've got to treat everyone the same. I try to treat it like, Hey, we're about to go against Georgia." – center Jay Finch on avoiding a "trap game."
What's next?
Tech will be at home against Kansas at 12:30 p.m. The Jayhawks, who upset the Jackets last season in Lawrence, Kan., scored a last-second touchdown against Northern Illinois to win 45-42 and move to 2-0.
