The good and bad in Tech’s win

Reviewing Georgia Tech’s 30-20 win against Duke, with rival Georgia coming up this weekend. The game will be at 7:45 p.m. It will be televised by ESPN.

The game that was

Georgia Tech earned the 30-20 win against Duke, but its performance was very similar to most this season: an inability to finish drives on offense, big plays allowed in bad moments by the defense, and more mistakes by the special teams. But “30 is more than 20,” as coach Paul Johnson said after the game.

What we learned

1. The defense isn’t crisp. Duke was able to run the ball in the first half (96 yards). Tech adjusted and limited the Blue Devils to 13 yards in the second half. But in turn Duke was able to throw the ball (203 yards) in the last two quarters. The Blue Devils had more than 400 yards in offense. Most teams have to decide which part of an offense they want to limit, but when Tech decides it seems that it gives up a lot in the other area.

2. Tech’s roulette of wide receivers stepped up. While there hasn’t been a bonafide go-to man on the edge, Tech’s wide receivers are doing it by committee. Kevin Cone, who caught a touchdown pass last week, had a rough game against Duke. But Stephen Hill, who has had a few rough games this season, came through with a 79-yard touchdown reception.

3. Scott Blair is having a special year. The senior kicked three more field goals – each longer than 40 yards – and also handled the punting duties for the first time since the 2008 season. He has hit 15 of 17 field goals and is 32 of 32 on point-after attempts this season. He leads Tech with 77 points.

Injury report

There were no significant injuries to report.

Numbers game

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Carries for B-back Anthony Allen in Saturday’s win. It was the most carries for a Tech running back since Tashard Choice had 37 against Miami in 2007. It was the ninth-highest single-game total in Tech history. Quarterback Joshua Nesbitt rushed 32 times against North Carolina last season.

Sound bite

“Biggest game of the year, Georgia Tech-UGA next week. Make sure y’all are there. It’s going to be a good one, I guarantee it.”

- Allen

Loose ends

Tech has 26 wins over the past three seasons, tying for the seventh-most over that span in school history. … The victory guaranteed Tech a winning record at home (4-2) for the sixth consecutive season. … Tech has scored on its opening possession eight times this season.

What’s next

A win against Georgia would likely help erase the taste of what has been a disappointing season for most Tech fans. The Bulldogs will present the biggest challenge that Tech’s offense and defense have faced this season. Though Georgia is 5-6, its lines are big, fast and physical, which Tech’s lines haven’t handled well this season in losses at Clemson and to Miami, for example. Plus, Georgia’s special teams are very good and Tech’s have had issues this season.