The game that was
Georgia Tech gained revenge for the second time this season by beating N.C. State in Raleigh, 45-35, turning the tables on a 45-28 loss a year ago to the Wolfpack. A-back Orwin Smith scored three touchdowns and safety Isaiah Johnson delivered a fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown to close the door on the ailing Wolfpack. The Jackets are 5-0 overall, 2-0 in the ACC and ranked No. 13 in both polls.
What we learned
Tevin Washington will have off days
The Tech quarterback completed less than half of his passes for the first time this season, often missing to targets in the clear. Washington said he hurried his throws because he felt he had less time to throw than he actually did. Even still, Washington threw two touchdown passes and steadied the Tech offense in the game's tight moments.
Isaiah Johnson is a playmaker
The Tech safety latched onto his third interception of the season and second in as many games. He slipped into a passing lane to pick off N.C. State quarterback Mike Glennon and ran it back for a 34-yard score. "Turnovers aren't caused by luck," inside linebacker Julian Burnett said. "It's just guys executing, being in the right spot."
Clemson-Tech could be a doozy
The Tigers' demolition of Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium whetted appetites for a potential matchup of 8-0 teams at Bobby Dodd Stadium Oct. 29. The Jackets have three hurdles to clear to do their part – Maryland, Virginia and Miami, who are a combined 7-6. Clemson has Boston College, Maryland and North Carolina, whose combined record is 7-7.
Loose ends
The team did not have an update Sunday on outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu or inside linebacker Daniel Drummond, both of whom were injured Saturday. Coach Paul Johnson said Saturday following the game that he didn't know the severity of Attaochu's right-leg injury but that he thought he was "all right." … After scoring three touchdowns Saturday, Smith has eight for the season. His 9.6 points per game average leads the ACC among non-kickers. … Long snapper Sean Tobin became the 10th true freshman to play this season, subbing for Tyler Morgan after he injured his hand.
Numbers game
12-2
Johnson's record at Tech in the month of October
Sound bite
"I don't think we practiced well this week, and we played that way." – Johnson.
What's next?
The Jackets will be at home Saturday for a noon kickoff against Maryland in their first meeting since 2007, a 28-26 Terrapins victory. Saturday, Maryland was outplayed by FCS Towson in the first half before scoring 21 second-half points in a 28-3 victory.
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