The game that was
Georgia Tech dropped its first game of the season, a 24-21 decision to Virginia on Saturday in Charlottesville. The Yellow Jackets fell behind 14-0 early before scrambling back into a 14-all tie in the second quarter. Virginia, cranking out 272 yards in the first half, produced 10 more points in the half, giving the Cavaliers a sufficient cushion to fend off Tech, which fell to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the ACC.
Run defense is in trouble
Tech's run defense, which looked as though it might be getting better against the run in its 21-16 win over Maryland two Saturdays ago, had a setback. The Cavaliers' power running game repeatedly created creases in the Tech defense. The Jackets compounded the problem by not fencing in Virginia running backs while letting them bounce runs to the perimeter. The result was 272 rushing yards, the most that Tech has allowed this season. Tech gave up 177.5 rushing yards in ACC games last year. The average through four league games this year is 210.2.
Offense in a funk
What appeared to be sporadic inefficiency in previous weeks looked more problematic Saturday. Tech had nine possessions. It scored on two of them. Tech's blocking, passing and running, which had been so precise at the start of the season, was more off than on. Further, it fizzled in the clutch, coming up short on three possessions in which a touchdown would have given Tech the lead in the second half.
The test is about to start
The idea of the Jackets going undefeated for the season was, to a degree, fanciful. Now that they have a setback, they'll have a test of character and resolve Saturday in Miami. Tech undoubtedly will see a heavy dose of Hurricanes running back Lamar Miller, who was held under 100 rushing yards for the first time this season by North Carolina on Saturday.
Loose ends
B-back David Sims gained 35 yards on 11 carries, evidence of the difficulty the offensive line had creating a push. … Coach Paul Johnson said after the game that he wasn't aware of any injuries. … Tech's 272 rushing yards tied its season low. … Cornerback Rod Sweeting's interception was the team's eighth of the season, tying the team's total for all of last season.
Numbers game
7
The number of years that have passed since Virginia ran for as many yards as it did Saturday against Tech, 272.
Sound bite
"The signs have been there for the last three weeks that we haven't shown up to play." – Tech quarterback Tevin Washington.
What's next?
The Jackets will play at Miami Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Hurricanes, despite being outgained 429-311, held on to beat North Carolina on the road in a 30-24 win. Miami, which has beaten Tech the past two seasons, is 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the ACC.
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