Georgia Tech Football Ekes by Georgia in Overtime With Tough Defense

It looked like Georgia could potentially win. Driving the ball in overtime after blocking Georgia Tech’s extra point; all Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason had to do was get the touchdown, special teams get the extra point and Georgia would win. But Mason’s potential touchdown throw was intercepted by D.J. White, allowing Georgia Tech to win 30-24. The Yellow Jackets ended its four-year losing streak to the Bulldogs due to a stout defense.

There were other factors benefiting Georgia Tech’s close win. Time of possession was paramount: the Yellow Jackets possessed the ball 36:23 compared to Georgia’s 23:37. The Yellow Jackets’ running game was also impressive, with Zach Laskey rushing for 140 yards and three touchdowns. All of these efforts worked together to halt a top-10 Georgia team in its tracks.

Even with the win, this was obviously one of the sloppiest games either team has played all year. Georgia had three turnovers, while Georgia Tech had two. Both teams each got seven points off of a turnover. Three of these turnovers occurred at the one-yard line: two for Georgia and one for Georgia Tech. The two Yellow Jacket stops prevented both Sony Michel and Nick Chubb from adding touchdowns to Georgia’s tally, keeping the game close.

Special teams also had egregious mistakes. Georgia failed to grab a kickoff return, allowing Georgia Tech to reclaim the ball at its own 30. Georgia kicker Marshall Morgan’s field goal was also blocked. Georgia Tech’s Harrison Butker had an extra point and a field goal blocked. However, it was Butker’s fourth-quarter field goal that sent the game into overtime.

Neither team played cleanly, but Georgia Tech’s overtime interception and rushing stops at its one-yard line saved them from defeat. This is good practice for Georgia Tech, which will have to face Florida State in the ACC Championship next week.

Gabrielle McMillen is an SEC College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @GabbyMcMillen, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google