2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team

Last updated

2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets logo.svg
ACC Coastal Division co-champion
Chick-fil-A Bowl, L 3-38 vs. LSU
Conference Atlantic Coast Conference
DivisionCoastal
Ranking
CoachesNo. 22
APNo. 22
Record9–4 (5–3 ACC)
Head coach
Offensive scheme Flexbone triple option
Defensive coordinator Dave Wommack (1st season)
Base defense 4–3
Home stadium Bobby Dodd Stadium
(Capacity: 55,000)
Seasons
  2007
2009  
2008 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
ConfOverall
Team W L  W L 
Atlantic Division
Boston College xy  5 3   9 5  
No. 21 Florida State x  5 3   9 4  
Maryland  4 4   8 5  
Wake Forest  4 4   8 5  
Clemson  4 4   7 6  
NC State  4 4   6 7  
Coastal Division
No. 15 Virginia Tech xy$  5 3   10 4  
No. 22 Georgia Tech x  5 3   9 4  
North Carolina  0 4   0 5  
Miami (FL)  4 4   7 6  
Virginia  3 5   5 7  
Duke  1 7   4 8  

Championship: Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 12
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
  • North Carolina vacated 8 wins, including 4 ACC wins
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's coach is former Navy Midshipmen and Georgia Southern Eagles coach Paul Johnson. Georgia Tech plays their home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Contents

Preseason

Paul Johnson is the new head coach of the Yellow Jackets after posting a 45–29 record at the United States Naval Academy since 2002. [1] Johnson also recorded a 7–1 record in the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy against the Air Force and Army.

Johnson will be installing his option offense at Georgia Tech. In response, 2007 starting QB Taylor Bennett transferred to Louisiana Tech, opening up the 2008 QB job for sophomore Josh Nesbitt and freshman Jaybo Shaw. The Georgia Tech offense returns two of its top four receivers in Greg Smith and Demaryius Thomas, and the Tech defense returns defensive end Michael Johnson and primary interior linemen Darryl Richard and Vance Walker. [2]

In June 2008, former University of Louisville RB Anthony Allen announced he will be transferring to Georgia Tech. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he will be required to sit out the 2008 football season.

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP RVRVRV21RV22RVRV18151422
Coaches RVRVRVRVRV20RVRV23161522
Harris Not releasedRVRVRV222520RVRV221614Not released
BCS Not released1820221514Not released

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 287:30 p.m. Jacksonville State * ESPN360 W 41–1445,706 [3] [4] [5]
September 612:00 p.m.at Boston College Raycom W 19–1640,106 [3] [6] [7]
September 133:30 p.m.at Virginia Tech ABC L 17–2066,233 [3] [8] [9]
September 2012:00 p.m. Mississippi State *
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
RaycomW 38–748,402 [3] [10]
October 412:00 p.m. Duke
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ESPNU W 27–046,104 [3] [11]
October 113:30 p.m. Gardner–Webb *
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
W 10–741,929 [3] [12]
October 1812:00 p.m.at Clemson ESPN W 21–1781,500 [3]
October 253:30 p.m. Virginia Dagger-14-plain.pngNo. 21
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ESPNUL 17–2447,416 [3]
November 13:30 p.m.No. 16 Florida State
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ABCW 31–2853,528 [3]
November 812:00 p.m.at No. 19 North Carolina No. 22RaycomL 7–2859,000 [3]
November 207:30 p.m.No. 23 Miami (FL)
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ESPN W 41–2349,335 [3]
November 2912:00 p.m.at No. 13 Georgia *No. 18 CBS W 45–4292,746 [3]
December 317:30 p.m.vs. LSU *No. 14ESPNL 3–3871,423 [3]
  • *Non-conference game
  • Dagger-14-plain.pngHomecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

Personnel

2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team roster
PlayersCoaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
RB 3Marcus WrightFr
RB 5Greg Smith Redshirt.svg  Jr
QB 6Jim Henry Redshirt.svg  Fr
QB 7Doc Coppage Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 8 Demaryius Thomas Redshirt.svg  So
QB 9 Josh Nesbitt So
QB 11Jaybo ShawFr
QB 13Tevin WashingtonFr
WR 15Correy Earls Redshirt.svg  So
QB 16Bryce Dykes Redshirt.svg  Fr
QB 18Calvin Booker Redshirt.svg  Sr
RB 20Roddy Jones Redshirt.svg  Fr
FB 21 Jonathan Dwyer So
WR 23Quinton SimsFr
WR 24Embry PeeplesFr
WR 27Jonathan Malone Redshirt.svg  So
FB 35Lance Walls Redshirt.svg  Jr
RB 36Lucas Cox Redshirt.svg  So
FB 38Quincy Kelly Redshirt.svg  So
RB 39Josh Wallace Redshirt.svg  Fr
RB 43Tyler EvansJr
RB 45Jason Davis Redshirt.svg  Jr
FB 46Matt Kamp Redshirt.svg  Jr
FB 48Richard WatsonFr
FB 49Trevor Bray Redshirt.svg  So
OL 53A. J. Smith Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 55David Brown Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 60Brad Sellers Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 61Phil SmithFr
OL 62Omoregie UzziFr
OL 63Chase Hudson Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 64Andrew Gardner Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 65Andrew Folkner Redshirt.svg  Sr
OL 66Michael St. Denis Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 68Drew Brannon Redshirt.svg  So
OL 69Alex Paquette Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 70Joseph Gilbert Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 71Cord Howard Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 72Jason Hill Redshirt.svg  Jr
OL 75Nick Claytor Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 76Nick McRaeFr
OL 76Jeff Lentz Redshirt.svg  So
OL 77Dan Voss Redshirt.svg  So
OL 78Clyde Yandell Redshirt.svg  Fr
OL 79Zach Krish Redshirt.svg  So
WR 80Daniel McKayhanFr
WR 81Zach Fisher Redshirt.svg  Fr
RB 83Andrew Smith Redshirt.svg  Sr
WR 84Tyler Melton Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 85Austin Barrick Redshirt.svg  So
WR 86R. B. Clyburn Redshirt.svg  Fr
WR 88 Kevin Cone So
WR 89Paul Reese Redshirt.svg  Fr
Defense
Pos.#NameClass
DB 1 Morgan Burnett So
DB 2Mario Butler Redshirt.svg  Fr
DB 4Brandon LeslieFr
DB 5Alex Walker Redshirt.svg  Fr
DB 6Willie White Redshirt.svg  Fr
LB 7Tony ClarkSr
DB 10Martin Frierson Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 12Anthony Barnes Redshirt.svg  So
DB 16Tyler Barrett Redshirt.svg  Sr
LB 17Matt BramanSr
DB 25DeRon Jasper Redshirt.svg  So
DB 26Dominique Reese Redshirt.svg  So
DB 28Rashaad ReidFr
DB 29Jon LockhartFr
LB 30James Liipfert Redshirt.svg  Sr
DB 32Jahi Word-DanielsSr
LB 34Steven SylvesterFr
DB 35Michael Peterson Redshirt.svg  Fr
DB 37Jerrad Tarrant Redshirt.svg  Fr
DB 39Cooper TaylorFr
DB 40Kamaron RileyFr
DL 41Anthony Egbuniwe Redshirt.svg  So
LB 42Malcolm MunroeFr
LB 44Albert Rocker Redshirt.svg  Fr
DB 47Jake Blackwood Redshirt.svg  Jr
LB 51Brad JeffersonSo
LB 54Sedric GriffinJr
LB 56Osahon Tongo Redshirt.svg  So
LB 57Shane BowenJr
LB 58B. J. MachenFr
LB 59Kyle Jackson Redshirt.svg  Fr
DL 66Luke Snider Redshirt.svg  So
LB 67Steven Powers Redshirt.svg  So
DL 79Sean Bedford Redshirt.svg  So
DL 88Antonio WilsonFr
DL 90 T. J. Barnes Fr
DL 91Derrick MorganSo
DL 92Jason Peters Redshirt.svg  Fr
DL 93Michael JohnsonSr
DL 94Elris Anyaibe Redshirt.svg  Sr
DL 95Darryl Richard Redshirt.svg  Sr
DL 96Logan Walls Redshirt.svg  Fr
DL 97Robert HallJr
DL 98Ben Anderson Redshirt.svg  So
DL 99 Vance Walker Sr
Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K 14 Scott Blair So
K 24Chandler Anderson Redshirt.svg  Fr
P 31Mohamed YahiaouiSr
K 33Troy Garside Redshirt.svg  Sr
LS 50Brett White Redshirt.svg  Sr
LS 52Levi Walls Redshirt.svg  Sr
LS 54Michael RayJr
P 82Kevin Crosby Redshirt.svg  So
K 86Tyler Davis Redshirt.svg  Sr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injury icon 2.svg Injured
  • Redshirt.svg Redshirt

Game summaries

Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Gamecocks007714
Yellow Jackets14137741

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: August 28
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,706
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV: ESPN360
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 21-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 5:45. Yellow Jackets 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:33.
  • GT – Josh Nesbitt 2-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 2:30. Yellow Jackets 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:34.

Second quarter

  • GT – Josh Nesbitt 1-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 13:08. Yellow Jackets 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:57.
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 29-yard run (kick failed), 2:32. Yellow Jackets 27–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:23.

Third quarter

  • JVST – Maurice Dupree 5-yard pass from Ryan Perrilloux (Gavin Halford kick), 12:53. Yellow Jackets 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:04.
  • GT – Roddy Jones 49-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 10:36. Yellow Jackets 34–7. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:17.

Fourth quarter

  • GT – Jaybo Shaw 2-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 11:50. Yellow Jackets 41–7. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:28.
  • JVST – Maurice Dupree 16-yard pass from Ryan Perrilloux (Gavin Halford kick), 0:37. Yellow Jackets 41–14. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:43.
StatisticsJVSTGT
First downs1519
Total yards258484
Rushing yards122349
Passing yards136140
Turnovers42
Time of possession30:1729:43
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Jacksonville StatePassing Ryan Perrilloux 22/37, 136 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
RushingRyan Perrilloux18 rushes, 67 yards
ReceivingMaurice Dupree9 receptions, 39 yards, 2 TD
Georgia TechPassing Joshua Nesbitt 5/12, 87 yards
Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 11 rushes, 112 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingRoddy Jones2 receptions, 50 yards

Georgia Tech ran for 349 yards in the season opener against Jacksonville State. The team was led by Jon Dwyer's 113 yards rushing and pair of touchdown runs. Josh Nesbitt scored two additional rushing touchdowns in the rout. The game featured former Louisiana State University quarterback Ryan Perrilloux who transferred to Jacksonville State after the 2007 football season. Perrilloux led the Gamecocks on their two second-half touchdown drives, but was intercepted twice by Tech safety Morgan Burnett. The Tech defense also added four sacks in the effort. Tech has not lost to an I-AA opponent since its September 17, 1983, game against the Furman Paladins.

At Boston College

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Boston College Eagles – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Yellow Jackets703919
Eagles367016

at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Game information
First quarter
  • BC – Steve Aponavicius 36-yard field goal, 9:07. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:09.
  • GT – Josh Nesbitt 1-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 3:46. Yellow Jackets 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:12.

Second quarter

  • BC – Steve Aponavicius 34-yard field goal, 11:54. Yellow Jackets 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:33.
  • BC – Steve Aponavicius 26-yard field goal, 6:18. Eagles 9–7. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:29.

Third quarter

  • GT – Scott Blair 27-yard field goal, 9:57. Yellow Jackets 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 5:03.
  • BC – Ifeanyi Momah 7-yard pass from Chris Crane (Steve Aponavicius kick), 3:03. Eagles 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 3:58.

Fourth quarter

  • GT – Vance Walker safety, 10:24. Eagles 16–12.
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 43-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 8:26. Yellow Jackets 19–16. Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 1:58.
StatisticsGTBC
First downs1218
Total yards235262
Rushing yards162120
Passing yards89142
Turnovers33
Time of possession27:1532:45
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia TechPassingJosh Nesbitt6/13, 73 yards
RushingJonathan Dwyer18 rushes, 108 yards, TD
Receiving Demaryius Thomas 4 receptions, 56 yards
Boston CollegePassing Chris Crane 18/35, 142 yards, TD, 2 INT
RushingJosh Haden8 rushes, 35 yards
Receiving Ryan Purvis 3 receptions, 38 yards

Georgia Tech overcame a fourth quarter deficit and three lost fumbles to defeat the Boston College Eagles 19–16. The Jackets were led by the running of sophomores Jon Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt. The two combined for all but 8 yards of Georgia Tech's 235 yards of offense. Dwyer added 93 yards of kick returns to his 109 yards rushing. Dwyer scored the go ahead touchdown on a 43-yard run with less than 9 minutes remaining in the game. Georgia Tech's defense sacked first year starter Chris Crane three times in the game and forced three turnovers. Tech remained undefeated all time in Chestnut Hill with the win.

At Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Yellow Jackets306817
Hokies0140620

at Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia

  • Date: September 13
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 66,233
  • TV: ABC
StatisticsGTVT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Virginia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

The Hokies needed a penalty-aided, fourth quarter drive to put away the Jackets in 20–17 loss for Georgia Tech, the first loss of the season for GT. On Virginia Tech's second to last possession, the Hokies only managed 38 yards of offense but with key defensive penalties moved the ball 76 yards to the Georgia Tech 4 yard line and kicked the go ahead field goal with 4:37 remaining on the game clock. Georgia Tech rushed for 278 yards in the game, led by quarterback Josh Nesbitt's 151 yards and slotback Lucas Cox's 63 yards. Nesbitt also added 109 yards passing with a 41-yard touchdown strike to slotback Roddy Jones followed by a two-point conversion. The Tech defense held VT to only 48 yards passing but gave up 200 yards on the ground. Safety Morgan Burnett added 13 tackles to his total for the season increasing his average to 9 tackles per game for the season. Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan combined for Tech's lone sack on Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor. ABC took a 6-day option on the time of the Mississippi State gametime and with the loss relegated Tech's home game to a 12:00 pm EST time slot the following week.

Mississippi State

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bulldogs00077
Yellow Jackets14710738

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 48,402
  • TV: Raycom
StatisticsMSSTGT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Mississippi StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech scored 38 straight points against the Mississippi State Bulldogs to cruise to a 38–7 victory at home. The offense was led by the rushing effort of Jon Dwyer who accumulated 141 yards, a rushing touchdown, and a school record 88 yard touchdown run in the third quarter. True freshman Jaybo Shaw substituted for injured quarterback Josh Nesbitt in the first quarter and would finish the game with 106 total yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown. The Georgia Tech defense bent but did not break allowing 407 yards of offense but giving up only 7 points, the lowest point allowance of the season. The defense picked off two Mississippi State passes, recovered two fumbles, and accumulated three quarterback sacks. Michael Johnson along with his sack blocked an 18-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. With the win, Georgia Tech has gone 6–8 against the Southeastern Conference since 2000.

Duke

Duke Blue Devils at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Blue Devils00000
Yellow Jackets0371727

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 46,104
  • TV: ESPNU
StatisticsDUKEGT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
DukePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech started true freshman Jaybo Shaw at quarterback for ailing Josh Nesbitt and rolled over Duke 27–0. Shaw passed for 230 yards and a touchdown all to one receiver sophomore Demaryius Thomas. Thomas caught one pass for a career long 88 yards. Jon Dwyer and Roddy Jones added balance to the Georgia Tech offense accumulating 203 yards on 33 carries. Jones scored Tech's lone rushing touchdown. Georgia Tech's defense held Duke's offense to 0 points and 132 yards after Duke averaged 31 points and 373 yards per game coming into the contest. Tech defenders racked up two sacks and an interception. This was the twenty-sixth shutdown since 1961 for Georgia Tech. The last shutout for a Georgia Tech defense was the 2006 North Carolina game in which Tech won 7–0 and clinched the Coastal Division seat in the ACC Championship Game.

Gardner–Webb

Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Runnin' Bulldogs00707
Yellow Jackets0100010

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
StatisticsGWUGT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Gardner–WebbPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Gardner–Webb's attempt at the upset fell short when the game-tying field goal with 9 seconds remaining was partially blocked by sophomore defensive end Derrick Morgan. Third string redshirt senior Calvin Booker received the starting nod from Paul Johnson before the game to rest ailing quarterbacks Josh Nesbitt and Jaybo Shaw. Tech's worst offensive showing of the season saw Tech only accumulate 79 yards on the ground and give away three turnovers. The lone offensive highlight being a 79-yard touchdown reception by Jon Dwyer in the second quarter. Tech's defense held the Runnin' Bulldogs until 8:25 in the third quarter, in which the Bulldogs marched 69 yards down the field for their lone score. The Tech defense racked up 6 sacks and an interception.

At Clemson

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Yellow Jackets770721
Tigers0314017

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 81,500
  • TV: ESPN
StatisticsGTCLEM
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving
ClemsonPassing
Rushing
Receiving

On October 13, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden was fired and was replaced by receivers coach Dabo Swinney. Tech's defense controlled the ebb and flow of the game forcing six turnovers, which included four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Safety Dominique Reese returned an intercepted pass from wide receiver Tyler Grisham for Tech's first touchdown. Morgan Burnett added two additional interceptions, the final in the last second of the game. Offensively, Tech continued to produce with its ground game against the Tigers racking up 207 yards rushing. Josh Nesbitt ran untouched for 5 yards for Tech's second score and passed 24 yards to Demaryius Thomas for Tech's go ahead and eventual game winning score. Tech is 6–1 for the first time since 1999.

Virginia

Virginia Cavaliers at No. 21 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cavaliers377724
No. 21 Yellow Jackets1400317

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 47,416
  • TV: ESPNU
StatisticsUVAGT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
VirginiaPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech dropped its first homecoming decision in thirteen years ending a twelve-game win streak that dates back to 1995. The Cavaliers were aided by three Georgia Tech turnovers. The Georgia Tech defense struggled to contain the Cavaliers giving up almost 400 yards of offense and the most points allowed all season. Tech highlights, however, included two interceptions by the defense and a recovered fumble. Slotback Roddy Jones had a career day with 169 all purpose yards including 75 yards rushing on 11 carries. Tech heads into the Florida State game a half game behind Virginia and a half game ahead of Virginia Tech, Miami, and UNC in the ACC Coastal Division race.

No. 16 Florida State

No. 16 Florida State Seminoles at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 16 Seminoles10100828
Yellow Jackets3217031

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 53,528
  • TV: ABC
StatisticsFSUGT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Florida StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech had not defeated Florida State since 1975. The twelve-game losing streak that dated back to 1992 that included three head coaching tenures ended with a 31–28 victory for Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech appeared to have the game clearly in hand until Josh Nesbitt injured his foot with 7:42 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Backup Jaybo Shaw assumed control of the offense and the offense only managed 8 yards of offense in the remaining one and a half quarters. Florida State closed the score differential to 31–28 and drove all the way to the Georgia Tech 3 yard line with 1:20 remaining in the game. On second down, the FSU running back lost control of the football after Safety Cooper Taylor hit the ball with his helmet. Tech's Rashaad Reid recovered the football in the end zone and with two proceeding quarterback kneels ended the dramatic victory. Jon Dwyer added 145 yards rushing and two touchdowns, Roddy Jones added 118 all purpose yards, and starter Josh Nesbitt added 116 additional all purpose yards to the offensive effort. The Tech defense sacked FSU quarterbacks 5 times and forced 3 turnovers. Tech took a half-game lead in the division race with the win. Some refer to the game as the "Miracle on North Avenue," as it ended Georgia Tech's 12 meeting losing run to the Seminoles, and the first time the Yellow Jackets had ever beaten legendary Coach Bobby Bowden since he came to FSU.

At. No. 19 North Carolina

No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 19 North Carolina Tar Heels – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 22 Yellow Jackets00077
No. 19 Tar Heels7002128

at Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 59,000
  • TV: Raycom
StatisticsGTUNC
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving
North CarolinaPassing
Rushing
Receiving

In Georgia Tech's worst offensive showing of the season Tech gave up 3 turnovers and lost 28–7 in Chapel Hill. The defense held UNC's offense in check until the fourth quarter in which a muffed punt, a fumble, and an interception led to three consecutive Tarheel touchdowns. Tech's lone offensive highlight was an 85-yard touchdown run by Jon Dwyer, which was the longest touchdown run recorded against an UNC defense ever. Dwyer's effort for the day put him over 1,000 yards for the season. Tech's defense was led by Michael Johnson who accumulated 6 tackles and sack in the losing effort.

No. 23 Miami (FL)

No. 23 Miami Hurricanes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 23 Hurricanes0371323
Yellow Jackets32117041

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 49,335
  • TV: ESPN
StatisticsMIAGT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MiamiPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia TechPassing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech has defeated Miami four consecutive years joining Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech as the only schools to defeat Miami in four consecutive years. Georgia Tech led by as much as 24 and never relented the lead over the Canes as the Tech offense racked up 472 yards rushing. The defense picked off two Miami passes including one by defensive end Michael Johnson, which was returned for the first touchdown of the game. Tech's victory put them in first place in the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech needs Virginia, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina to lose at least one more game to end all tie breaking scenarios. Also of note, the game was dubbed a "White Out" by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association and fans were encouraged to wear white to the game.

At No. 13 Georgia

No. 18 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 13 Georgia Bulldogs – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
No. 18 Yellow Jackets6626745
No. 13 Bulldogs72101442

at Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 92,746
  • TV: CBS
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • UGA – Tripp Chandler 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 11:40. Bulldogs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:20.
  • GT – Morgan Burnett 35-yard interception return (kick failed), 2:57. Bulldogs 7–6.

Second quarter

  • UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 10-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 13:36. Bulldogs 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:21.
  • GT – Lucas Cox 2-yard run (pass failed), 9:22. Bulldogs 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
  • UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 49-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 7:00. Bulldogs 21–12. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:22.
  • UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:37. Bulldogs 28–12. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 0:46.

Third quarter

  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 60-yard run (Jonathan Dwyer run), 14:48. Bulldogs 28–20. Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:12.
  • GT – Roddy Jones 8-yard run (Josh Nesbitt run), 8:11. Tied 28–28. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:16.
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 23-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 7:55. Yellow Jackets 35–28. Drive: 1 play, 23 yards, 0:06.
  • GT – Scott Blair 28-yard field goal, 1:14. Yellow Jackets 38–28. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 4:19.

Fourth quarter

  • UGA – Knowshon Moreno 32-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 10:23. Yellow Jackets 38–35. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 1:16.
  • GT – Roddy Jones 54-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 7:13. Yellow Jackets 45–35. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:10.
  • UGA – A. J. Green 12-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 4:04. Yellow Jackets 45–42. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:09.
StatisticsGTUGA
First downs1522
Total yards428488
Rushing yards40981
Passing yards19421
Turnovers12
Penalties–yards5–357–64
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Georgia TechPassingJosh Nesbitt1/6, 19 yards, INT
RushingRoddy Jones13 rushes, 214 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDemaryius Thomas1 reception, 19 yards
GeorgiaPassing Matthew Stafford 24/39, 407 yards, 5 TD, INT
Rushing Knowshon Moreno 17 rushes, 94 yards, TD
Receiving Mohamed Massaquoi 11 receptions, 180 yards, 3 TD

On the strength of a third quarter offensive explosion, Georgia Tech bested Georgia in Athens 45–42. Tech was led by the rushing efforts of Roddy Jones and Jon Dwyer who were major contributors to Tech's 410 total rushing yards. Jones alone contributed 299 all-purpose yards in the effort. The win ended a seven-year losing streak to the Bulldogs and preserved Tech coach Bobby Dodd's series record eight-game winning streak that ran from 1949–1956.

Vs. LSU (Chick-fil-A Bowl)

LSU Tigers vs. No. 14 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Chick-fil-A Bowl) – Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Tigers7283038
No. 14 Yellow Jackets30003

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter
  • LSU – Charles Scott 2-yard run (Colt David kick), 11:58. Tigers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:02.
  • GT – Scott Blair 24-yard field goal, 1:03. Tigers 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:05.

Second quarter

  • LSU – Charles Scott 4-yard run (Colt David kick), 12:08. Tigers 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 3:49.
  • LSU – Charles Scott 1-yard run (Colt David kick), 8:27. Tigers 21–3. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:53.
  • LSU – Richard Dickson 25-yard pass from Jordan Jefferson (Colt David kick), 5:21. Tigers 28–3. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 1:23.
  • LSU – Keiland Williams 17-yard run (Colt David kick), 1:27. Tigers 35–3. Drive: 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:45.

Third quarter

  • LSU – Colt David 53-yard field goal, 1:56. Tigers 38–3. Drive: 4 plays, -13 yards, 1:38.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
StatisticsLSUGT
First downs1915
Total yards324314
Rushing yards161164
Passing yards163150
Turnovers03
Time of possession30:4129:19
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
LSUPassing Jordan Jefferson 16/25, 142 yards, TD
Rushing Charles Scott 15 rushes, 65 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Richard Dickson 4 receptions, 50 yards, TD
Georgia TechPassingJoshua Nesbitt8/24, 150 yards, INT
RushingJonathan Dwyer10 rushes, 67 yards
ReceivingJonathan Dwyer3 receptions, 66 yards

A 28-point 2nd quarter by LSU was too much for the Jackets to overcome in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl rout. Tech gave up three turnovers and did not force any. Tech passed 24 times in the game and accumulated 150 yards of passing offense alongside 164 yards of rushing offense. Tech's offense was led by Jon Dwyer's 123 all purpose yards. Tech's defense was led by Morgan Burnett. Burnett had 14 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Senior Michael Johnson added two sacks to Tech's effort.

Postseason awards

ACC Coach of the Year
Coach Paul Johnson
ACC Player of the Year
Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back
ACC Jim Tatum Award [13]
Darryl Richard, DT
AFCA Coaches' All-American [14]
Michael Johnson, DE
Rivals.com All-American (2nd Team) [15]
Morgan Burnett, Safety
All-ACC Team
First TeamSecond Team
  • Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back
  • Andrew Gardner, OT
  • Michael Johnson, DE
  • Vance Walker, DT
  • Morgan Burnett, S
  • Cord Howard, OG
  • Darryl Richard, DT

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