2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team

2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football
ACC Coastal Division co-champion
Chick-fil-A Bowl, L 3-38 vs. LSU
Conference	Atlantic Coast Conference
Division	Coastal
Ranking
Coaches	No. 22
AP	No. 22
Record	9–4 (5–3 ACC)
Head coach	Paul Johnson (1st season)
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

v t e	Conf							Overall
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.

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

See also: 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend:██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	Final
AP	—	—	—	—	—	RV	RV	RV	21	RV	22	RV	RV	18	15	14	22
Coaches	—	—	—	—	—	RV	RV	RV	RV	RV	20	RV	RV	23	16	15	22
Harris	Not released					RV	RV	RV	22	25	20	RV	RV	22	16	14	Not released
BCS	Not released								18	—	20	—	—	22	15	14	Not released

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
August 28	7:30 p.m.	Jacksonville State *		Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	ESPN360	W 41–14	45,706 [3] [4] [5]
September 6	12:00 p.m.	at Boston College		Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA	Raycom	W 19–16	40,106 [3] [6] [7]
September 13	3:30 p.m.	at Virginia Tech		Lane Stadium Blacksburg, VA	ABC	L 17–20	66,233 [3] [8] [9]
September 20	12:00 p.m.	Mississippi State *		Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	Raycom	W 38–7	48,402 [3] [10]
October 4	12:00 p.m.	Duke		Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	ESPNU	W 27–0	46,104 [3] [11]
October 11	3:30 p.m.	Gardner–Webb *		Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA		W 10–7	41,929 [3] [12]
October 18	12:00 p.m.	at Clemson		Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC	ESPN	W 21–17	81,500 [3]
October 25	3:30 p.m.	Virginia	No. 21	Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	ESPNU	L 17–24	47,416 [3]
November 1	3:30 p.m.	No. 16 Florida State		Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	ABC	W 31–28	53,528 [3]
November 8	12:00 p.m.	at No. 19 North Carolina	No. 22	Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC	Raycom	L 7–28	59,000 [3]
November 20	7:30 p.m.	No. 23 Miami (FL)		Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA	ESPN	W 41–23	49,335 [3]
November 29	12:00 p.m.	at No. 13 Georgia *	No. 18	Sanford Stadium Athens, GA (Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate)	CBS	W 45–42	92,746 [3]
December 31	7:30 p.m.	vs. LSU *	No. 14	Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA (Chick-fil-A Bowl)	ESPN	L 3–38	71,423 [3]
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

Personnel

2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team roster
Players			Coaches
Offense Pos. # Name Class RB 3 Marcus Wright Fr RB 5 Greg Smith  Jr QB 6 Jim Henry  Fr QB 7 Doc Coppage  Fr WR 8 Demaryius Thomas  So QB 9 Josh Nesbitt So QB 11 Jaybo Shaw Fr QB 13 Tevin Washington Fr WR 15 Correy Earls  So QB 16 Bryce Dykes  Fr QB 18 Calvin Booker  Sr RB 20 Roddy Jones  Fr FB 21 Jonathan Dwyer So WR 23 Quinton Sims Fr WR 24 Embry Peeples Fr WR 27 Jonathan Malone  So FB 35 Lance Walls  Jr RB 36 Lucas Cox  So FB 38 Quincy Kelly  So RB 39 Josh Wallace  Fr RB 43 Tyler Evans Jr RB 45 Jason Davis  Jr FB 46 Matt Kamp  Jr FB 48 Richard Watson Fr FB 49 Trevor Bray  So OL 53 A. J. Smith  Sr OL 55 David Brown  Sr OL 60 Brad Sellers  Jr OL 61 Phil Smith Fr OL 62 Omoregie Uzzi Fr OL 63 Chase Hudson  Fr OL 64 Andrew Gardner  Sr OL 65 Andrew Folkner  Sr OL 66 Michael St. Denis  Fr OL 68 Drew Brannon  So OL 69 Alex Paquette  Jr OL 70 Joseph Gilbert  Fr OL 71 Cord Howard  Jr OL 72 Jason Hill  Jr OL 75 Nick Claytor  Fr OL 76 Nick McRae Fr OL 76 Jeff Lentz  So OL 77 Dan Voss  So OL 78 Clyde Yandell  Fr OL 79 Zach Krish  So WR 80 Daniel McKayhan Fr WR 81 Zach Fisher  Fr RB 83 Andrew Smith  Sr WR 84 Tyler Melton  Fr WR 85 Austin Barrick  So WR 86 R. B. Clyburn  Fr WR 88 Kevin Cone So WR 89 Paul Reese  Fr	Defense Pos. # Name Class DB 1 Morgan Burnett So DB 2 Mario Butler  Fr DB 4 Brandon Leslie Fr DB 5 Alex Walker  Fr DB 6 Willie White  Fr LB 7 Tony Clark Sr DB 10 Martin Frierson  Jr LB 12 Anthony Barnes  So DB 16 Tyler Barrett  Sr LB 17 Matt Braman Sr DB 25 DeRon Jasper  So DB 26 Dominique Reese  So DB 28 Rashaad Reid Fr DB 29 Jon Lockhart Fr LB 30 James Liipfert  Sr DB 32 Jahi Word-Daniels Sr LB 34 Steven Sylvester Fr DB 35 Michael Peterson  Fr DB 37 Jerrad Tarrant  Fr DB 39 Cooper Taylor Fr DB 40 Kamaron Riley Fr DL 41 Anthony Egbuniwe  So LB 42 Malcolm Munroe Fr LB 44 Albert Rocker  Fr DB 47 Jake Blackwood  Jr LB 51 Brad Jefferson So LB 54 Sedric Griffin Jr LB 56 Osahon Tongo  So LB 57 Shane Bowen Jr LB 58 B. J. Machen Fr LB 59 Kyle Jackson  Fr DL 66 Luke Snider  So LB 67 Steven Powers  So DL 79 Sean Bedford  So DL 88 Antonio Wilson Fr DL 90 T. J. Barnes Fr DL 91 Derrick Morgan So DL 92 Jason Peters  Fr DL 93 Michael Johnson Sr DL 94 Elris Anyaibe  Sr DL 95 Darryl Richard  Sr DL 96 Logan Walls  Fr DL 97 Robert Hall Jr DL 98 Ben Anderson  So DL 99 Vance Walker Sr	Special teams Pos. # Name Class K 14 Scott Blair So K 24 Chandler Anderson  Fr P 31 Mohamed Yahiaoui Sr K 33 Troy Garside  Sr LS 50 Brett White  Sr LS 52 Levi Walls  Sr LS 54 Michael Ray Jr P 82 Kevin Crosby  So K 86 Tyler Davis  Sr	Head coach Paul Johnson Head coach/Offensive coordinator Coordinators/assistant coaches Brian Bohannon Quarterbacks/b-backs Jeff Monken A-backs/special teams Al Preston Wide receivers Todd Spencer Co-offensive line Mike Sewak Co-offensive line Dave Wommack Defensive coordinator Giff Smith Defensive line/recruiting coordinator Brian Jean–Mary Linebackers Charles Kelly Cornerbacks Legend (C) Team captain (S) Suspended (I) Ineligible Injured Redshirt

Game summaries

Jacksonville State

See also: 2008 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team

Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Gamecocks	0	0	7	7	14
Yellow Jackets	14	13	7	7	41

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.

Statistics	JVST	GT
First downs	15	19
Total yards	258	484
Rushing yards	122	349
Passing yards	136	140
Turnovers	4	2
Time of possession	30:17	29:43

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Jacksonville State	Passing	Ryan Perrilloux	22/37, 136 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Ryan Perrilloux	18 rushes, 67 yards
	Receiving	Maurice Dupree	9 receptions, 39 yards, 2 TD
Georgia Tech	Passing	Joshua Nesbitt	5/12, 87 yards
	Rushing	Jonathan Dwyer	11 rushes, 112 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Roddy Jones	2 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

See also: 2008 Boston College Eagles football team

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Boston College Eagles – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Yellow Jackets	7	0	3	9	19
Eagles	3	6	7	0	16

at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

• Date: September 6
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 40,106
• TV: Raycom
• Box score, Recap

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.

Statistics	GT	BC
First downs	12	18
Total yards	235	262
Rushing yards	162	120
Passing yards	89	142
Turnovers	3	3
Time of possession	27:15	32:45

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Tech	Passing	Josh Nesbitt	6/13, 73 yards
	Rushing	Jonathan Dwyer	18 rushes, 108 yards, TD
	Receiving	Demaryius Thomas	4 receptions, 56 yards
Boston College	Passing	Chris Crane	18/35, 142 yards, TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Josh Haden	8 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

See also: 2008 Virginia Tech Hokies football team

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Yellow Jackets	3	0	6	8	17
Hokies	0	14	0	6	20

at Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia

• Date: September 13
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 66,233
• TV: ABC

Statistics	GT	VT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Tech	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Virginia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Bulldogs	0	0	0	7	7
Yellow Jackets	14	7	10	7	38

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: September 20
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 48,402
• TV: Raycom

Statistics	MSST	GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Mississippi State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Georgia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Duke Blue Devils football team

Duke Blue Devils at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Blue Devils	0	0	0	0	0
Yellow Jackets	0	3	7	17	27

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 4
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 46,104
• TV: ESPNU

Statistics	DUKE	GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Duke	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Georgia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Runnin' Bulldogs	0	0	7	0	7
Yellow Jackets	0	10	0	0	10

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 11
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT

Statistics	GWU	GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Gardner–Webb	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Georgia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Clemson Tigers football team

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers – Game summary

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Yellow Jackets	7	7	0	7	21
Tigers	0	3	14	0	17

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

• Date: October 18
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 81,500
• TV: ESPN

Statistics	GT	CLEM
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Tech	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Clemson	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Cavaliers	3	7	7	7	24
No. 21 Yellow Jackets	14	0	0	3	17

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: October 25
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 47,416
• TV: ESPNU

Statistics	UVA	GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Virginia	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Georgia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Florida State Seminoles football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 16 Seminoles	10	10	0	8	28
Yellow Jackets	3	21	7	0	31

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: November 1
• Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
• Game attendance: 53,528
• TV: ABC

Statistics	FSU	GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Florida State	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Georgia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 North Carolina Tar Heels football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 22 Yellow Jackets	0	0	0	7	7
No. 19 Tar Heels	7	0	0	21	28

at Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

• Date: November 8
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 59,000
• TV: Raycom

Statistics	GT	UNC
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Tech	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
North Carolina	Passing
	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)

See also: 2008 Miami Hurricanes football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 23 Hurricanes	0	3	7	13	23
Yellow Jackets	3	21	17	0	41

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: November 20
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Game attendance: 49,335
• TV: ESPN

Statistics	MIA	GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Miami	Passing
	Rushing
	Receiving
Georgia Tech	Passing
	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

See also: 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 18 Yellow Jackets	6	6	26	7	45
No. 13 Bulldogs	7	21	0	14	42

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.

Statistics	GT	UGA
First downs	15	22
Total yards	428	488
Rushing yards	409	81
Passing yards	19	421
Turnovers	1	2
Penalties–yards	5–35	7–64

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Georgia Tech	Passing	Josh Nesbitt	1/6, 19 yards, INT
	Rushing	Roddy Jones	13 rushes, 214 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Demaryius Thomas	1 reception, 19 yards
Georgia	Passing	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)

See also: 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl and 2008 LSU Tigers football team

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

Period	1	2	3	4	Total
Tigers	7	28	3	0	38
No. 14 Yellow Jackets	3	0	0	0	3

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

• Date: December 31
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
• Game weather: None (played indoors)
• Game attendance: 71,423
• Referee: Jerry McGinn
• TV announcers (ESPN): Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, and Paul Maguire
• Box score, Recap

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

Statistics	LSU	GT
First downs	19	15
Total yards	324	314
Rushing yards	161	164
Passing yards	163	150
Turnovers	0	3
Time of possession	30:41	29:19

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
LSU	Passing	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 Tech	Passing	Joshua Nesbitt	8/24, 150 yards, INT
	Rushing	Jonathan Dwyer	10 rushes, 67 yards
	Receiving	Jonathan Dwyer	3 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 Team	Second Team
Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back Andrew Gardner, OT Michael Johnson, DE Vance Walker, DT	Morgan Burnett, S Cord Howard, OG Darryl Richard, DT

References

1. "Paul Johnson Named Georgia Tech's Head Football Coach". Ramblinwreck.com. December 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 10, 2007. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
2. Hoffman, Matt (August 29, 2008). "2008 ACC Football Preview". The Technique . Archived from the original on September 21, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
3. "Cumulative Season Statistics". Georgia Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
4. Hoffman, Matt (August 29, 2008). "Jackets triumph in Johnson's first game". The Technique . Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
5. Hoffman, Matt (September 5, 2008). "Football wins first game of Johnson era". The Technique . Retrieved September 23, 2008.^{[ dead link ]}
6. Amaraneni, Akshay (September 5, 2008). "Georgia Tech (1–0) vs. Boston College (1–0)". The Technique . Retrieved September 23, 2008.^{[ dead link ]}
7. Amaraneni, Akshay (September 12, 2008). "Tech wins ACC opener at Boston College". The Technique . Retrieved September 23, 2008.^{[ dead link ]}
8. Cappetta, Stephen (September 12, 2008). "Georgia Tech (2–0) vs. Virginia Tech (1–1)". The Technique . Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
9. Hoffman, Matt (September 19, 2008). "Jackets fall short to Hokies". The Technique . Archived from the original on September 26, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
10. Amaraneni, Akshay (September 19, 2008). "Georgia Tech (2–1) vs. Mississippi State (1–2)". The Technique . Archived from the original on September 26, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
11. Dinich, Heather (October 4, 2008). "Duke still has a long way to go". ESPN. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
12. Schultz, Jeff (October 7, 2008). "Army Out, Gardner-Webb In". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
13. "Darryl Richard Honored With ACC's Jim Tatum Award". December 4, 2008. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
14. "Texas Tech's Harrell Headlines 2008 AFCA Coaches' All-America Team". December 4, 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
15. "Morgan Burnett Named 2nd-Team All-American By Rivals.com". December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2008.