UPDATE: Tech handles Maryland, 33-13
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – In search of a full, four-quarter effort, Georgia Tech left Byrd Stadium Saturday still looking for it. But the Yellow Jackets did regain their offensive footing and located the right opponent for confidence-building purposes.
In what may go down in the annals as “The game when Tech played against the quarterback who was a linebacker,” the Yellow Jackets pushed aside Maryland 33-13 in their attempt to reclaim the season and finish on an upward trajectory.
“I know they’re on, like, their fifth quarterback,” said A-back Orwin Smith, his tone void of sympathy. “It has to be tough. We’re moving on to North Carolina.”
A week after BYU body-slammed the Jackets in all phases of the game, Tech offered a performance that was rugged and energetic, though not free of flaws. The Tech defense didn’t permit a first down until midway through the second quarter and shut out the Terrapins through the first 44 minutes of the game. Quarterbacks Tevin Washington and Vad Lee directed Tech to 370 rushing yards against the No. 4 rushing defense in the country, more than three times what Tech gained against BYU last Saturday and 202 yards more than the Terrapins’ previous season high.
However, Tech lost two fumbles and again encountered turbulence on kickoff coverage and extra points, as kicker David Scully bounced one try off an upright and then failed to clear the line of scrimmage on another. The defense, given an opportunity to close down a Maryland offense that was eminently capable of cooperating, gave up 161 yards and two touchdowns on the Terrapins’ final three possessions.
That said, in a season in which Tech has lost three games in which it led in the fourth quarter and this week compelled coach Paul Johnson to stick up for the state of the program, a victory was more than enough. On a chilly and overcast afternoon, Tech improved to 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the ACC. Maryland fell to 4-5 and 2-3.
“As I told our guys, we keep alive what we’re playing for this season,” Johnson said. “We still have a chance mathematically (to win) the league, still have a chance to have a winning season and go to a bowl game. That’s what we’re playing for right now. It makes next week’s game against North Carolina the biggest game of the year for us.”
Maryland quarterback Shawn Petty, a true freshman recruited to College Park as a linebacker but forced to switch positions after the Terrapins’ first four quarterbacks suffered season-ending injuries, was largely ineffective. As Tech coaches expected, Maryland mostly kept the game on the ground, trying zone-option plays and also using a Wildcat package with running back Wes Brown.
Crowding the tackle box with as many as seven players, Tech held Maryland to 144 rushing yards and a 3.3 yards-per-carry average. On Maryland’s final three possessions of the game, Petty led the Terrapins to a pair of touchdowns, both on passes. The second was on the final play of the game.
“The speed of the game was something that it took him a little bit of time to get used to,” Maryland coach Randy Edsall said of Petty. “You can’t go out there and line up at this level after only seven practices and think that everything is going to happen the way you hope it will.”
Interim defensive coordinator Charles Kelly “was, like, Stay inside the box and let him prove that he can pass and then we’ll widen things out,” said inside linebacker Quayshawn Nealy.
Nealy led Tech with a career-high 12 tackles, including a jarring point-of-attack stop on a 3rd-and-1 play in the second quarter when he knocked tailback Albert Reid back for a 1-yard loss. After the punt, Lee drove the Jackets 49 yards for a touchdown and a 20-0 lead with 8:47 to play in the second quarter. It went a great length to doom Maryland, which has scored more than 21 points just twice this season.
Johnson rotated Washington and Lee, giving Washington two series to begin the game and then Lee the final three of the half. In the second half, Washington had the first two possessions and Lee had the final two. Washington led Tech to two touchdowns in his four series. Lee was 3-for-5.
It was the A-backs’ day, as Johnson called a number of tosses and option plays that often ended with the ball in their hands. They gained 220 of Tech’s 370 rushing yards. Smith ran with speed and force and led Tech with 89 yards on 10 carries. He scored the second touchdown of the game, a second-quarter 5-yard run to the corner freed up by a block by B-back David Sims.
“Coach found a couple of plays that were very successful,” Lee said. “We just took advantage of it and kept running it and it was working. We just kept grinding.”
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375 comments Add your comment
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:15 pm
@ Veli……explaining that would require some form of logic, and as we all know, logic is not a strong point of UGA fans. Excuses, yes; logic, no.
fuzzybee78
November 3rd, 2012
9:17 pm
Today was much better on O against what has been a pretty good Maryland D. Tevin looked efficient, Vad is really good and getting better. The pass off Wallers hands was soooo close. Recievers will have to adjust to a harder ball from Lee. D looked pretty good but against an offense with literally one hand tied behind their back. ST is just baffling— keep working. PJ didnt even attempt a FG.
We got a shot against UNC and Duke. The Dawgs will need to help us with turnovers and Vad needs to polish up that arm come Turkey time.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:17 pm
And speaking of 1990, not only did Colorado get a 5th down against Missouri, the only reason they won the Orange Bowl game against Notre Dame was because of a totally bogus clipping call against Notre Dame……something again well documented and viewable.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:18 pm
@ fuzzybee…..don’t forget Greene’s dropped pass too. And that one would probably have been a TD
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:19 pm
SS man what is in the air lately or it is the water down there? LOL
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:20 pm
@ OJF…..what do you mean?
Rick James
November 3rd, 2012
9:21 pm
@Reality Stinks
Enjoy whats happening at Georgia and stop wasting your time trying to win over Tech fans.They are as loyal to their program as we are to Georgia.And I support Paul Johnson as much as any Tech fan.Let’s hope the new AD gives him a nice long contract extention.Leave these guys alone and turn on Alabama/LSU.
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:23 pm
SS the absolute obsession with all things Tech by the dwag fans and some so called Jacket fans. If Tech is such a non entity why all the vitriol and obsessing?
Reality Stinks
November 3rd, 2012
9:25 pm
Michael Veli a.k.a Jim Donnan’s financial adviso
5 National Titles
UGA is 5th in bowl victories
3rd in SEC championships
and I dont have to mention UGA’s record against Tech
oh
You do realize Tech has played in 1 BCS “level” bowl game in 50 years
Tech’s program is a joke
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:25 pm
@ OJF…….gotcha, and I have no idea. Something must stink in Athens in addition to Reality. Is that cesspool spewing fumes again?
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:27 pm
@SS perhaps the EPA needs to do a survey over there?
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:27 pm
@ Reality……granted it is past (long past) history, and doesn’t mean anything today, but do you know that when Tech left the SEC, we had more SEC championships than UGA? And even today, Tech have a total of more conference championships than UGA, counting all the conferences each school has played in.
fuzzybee78
November 3rd, 2012
9:27 pm
Super, If Lee continues to shine with his arm maybe he will attract another receiver for next fall. If they cant get Snoddy in the game at A or B then move him to wide out and let him fly! We need to get speed on the field! Great to finally see SDays bowling over some folks, really nice tackle breaking run.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:28 pm
OJF…..I hope the EPA has a good supply of gas masks.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
@ fuzzy……I agree on all counts.
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:31 pm
As far as today’s game you can see Vad beginning to grasp how this O runs, he’s getting more and more comfortable under center and we all know how go his arm is as well as how good a runner his is. Much better tackling as a while today and I saw some great push by the O line for most of the game. Stay on course, play hard every down and who knows what can happen!
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:32 pm
If the mutts beat Auburn next week, I guess Reality Stinks will move over to the Bama blogs to trash them……….No wait, Bama has owned the mutts throughout history, so I guess he won’t have the ballzz to do that.
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:33 pm
SS more likley Level 4 containment suits
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:33 pm
@ OJF……the main concern about Vad to date has been his ability to efficiently run the triple option. He looked good on those plays today also. I was VERY IMPRESSED.
Reality Stinks
November 3rd, 2012
9:35 pm
Supersize
I guess UGA has owned the Bee’s
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:35 pm
Have they announced KO time for next week in Chapel Hill?
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:36 pm
When you start running off counter motion you know the QB is understanding the offense
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:36 pm
@ Reality, since 1970, unfortunately, yes, you have. I am man enough to admit that.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:37 pm
@ OJF……the offense was fun to watch today. I bet the Tech fans up there (and there appeared to be quite a few) really enjoyed it.
fuzzybee78
November 3rd, 2012
9:39 pm
Guys I love Tevin and I want him to finish his career well. With that said, Vad brings a real threat of killing you with his arm and you are right he is looking better reading and running the TO. His upside looks WAY UP.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:39 pm
I was worried when Tech’s first play from scrimmage in the second half was a dive play that did nothing. I was afraid we were going to get conservative again. But that didn’t happen, and I’m not sure I saw that particular play again, unless they ran it and it made good yards.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:41 pm
@ fuzzy…….Tevin will start against Duke since it’s senior day, but I would like to see Vad start against UNC and see how he does. But then continue to rotate the two of them like we did today.
Reality Stinks
November 3rd, 2012
9:41 pm
Supersize
Wrong again; Actually UGA owned the series even before 1970
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:41 pm
@fuzzy no doubt that Vad has a huge upside and he’s sarting to show it by working hard in practice and learning the O. I am looking forward to the next 3 years with him leading this offense!
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:43 pm
@ Reality…….UGA evened the series in the mid 60s. but it’s incorrect to say that they owned it then. Prior to about 1964 or 1965, Tech owned UGA. Remember the still unequaled 8 straight in the 50s???
White&Gold
November 3rd, 2012
9:43 pm
Reality, the public library is closing in 15 at 10, you should probably hop off their computer.
Skeptic
November 3rd, 2012
9:43 pm
My God at the Ga University trolls you see on here after a Tech win. And to tell me they are the land grant university? Those boys don’t even know to not eat a road-kill possum. UGA is a terrible representative of the home folks. You ask the extension when to plant your winter wheat and their reply is to sloppily lick their b@lls.
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:44 pm
LOL @ W&G
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:45 pm
LOL@Skeptic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:46 pm
You gotta love Reality’s selective view of history. He must be a democrat. LOL
White&Gold
November 3rd, 2012
9:46 pm
I’m watching the Clemson/Duke game right now. Their offense is improved, but their defense is still the same. Passing game could give us a little bit of trouble.
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:47 pm
SS now, now no politics please!
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:48 pm
@ OJF……sorry
Supersize that order, mutt
November 3rd, 2012
9:50 pm
Gonna take a 5 to 10 minute break guys. Be back in a few
fuzzybee78
November 3rd, 2012
9:50 pm
Gents, if we can pull together enough talent around Mr Lee, next year or 3 could be a lot of fun. A dynamic QB is huge in college as we all know. To have one that can run the option, well you just have to look back to The Big Red machine with either Tommy Frazier or Eric Crouch to see how good that can be!
Need to fix ST and maybe a DC to put together another run at ACC championship.
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:50 pm
SS no worries, I’m just ready for next Tuesday to get here and be gone, the political ads from both partys have driven me up the wall LOL!
Reality Stinks
November 3rd, 2012
9:51 pm
Supersize
Wow
I really thought a Tech education meant something I guess it means you know nothing
From 1893 to 1969
UGA 31 victories GT 28 victories they tied 5 times
Sorry I guess you have selective memories
White&Gold
November 3rd, 2012
9:53 pm
You must have a very sad life, Reality. I haven’t seen somebody invest this much time in talking nonsense in a while. You get loser of the day.
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:57 pm
Ken, any reason why my last post got gobbled up by the filters?????
Ol'JacketFan
November 3rd, 2012
9:59 pm
@Reality, seriously you really need to see someone about your obsession. It’s just not healthy!
Michael Veli a.k.a Jim Donnan's financial adviso
November 3rd, 2012
9:59 pm
Dear Reality,
Are you really Jay Carney? Saying that Georgia has 5 national championships is like Joe Biden saying…..pretty much anything. I don’t even think MSNBC could spin that nonsense and make people believe it but in the spirit of ‘Hope and Change’ i’ll give you 1 real life national title and spot you 4 ‘fantasy driven events’ for a total of 5!
1 4 GT
November 3rd, 2012
10:03 pm
Isn’t his blog handle cute. Reality might not stink if he would take a hot shower & wash & comb his nasty ole beard & mustache and get the dry crusted “terbaccy drool out’n aire”. Then “everthang wud smeil naice & frash”.
...Take The Wheel
November 3rd, 2012
10:06 pm
@David, dude did you miss the memo…we won today! At least give it a rest for a week. What have you got against positivity??
1 4 GT
November 3rd, 2012
10:06 pm
Per an article on Google about “Clean Old Fashioned Hate” GT has 4 & Georgie has 2. GT 1917. 1928, 1952 & 1990. Georgie 1942 & 1980.
GT08EE
November 3rd, 2012
10:07 pm
Who are we trying to fool? Ourselves? We are just a sad, sad program.