Georgia Tech falls to Tennessee in double-overtime thriller
New season, new result for Georgia Tech when it comes to the SEC. Tech was 3-0 against SEC fies in 2016, but launched its 2017 football season with a 42-41 overtime loss to SEC East opponent Tennessee Monday night at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game was decided by a failed two-point attempt after Tech scored in the second overtime period.
Coach Paul Johnson explained his decision to go for two rather than try a game tying PAT. “I thought we had a better chance to win it right there, since they had already scored easily on the two previous [overtime] possessions.” Tech ran an option to the right, but was denied the end zone, giving Tennessee a hard-earned one point win.
Tech dominated the game statistically and looked to be in control for most of the game. They out gained the Vols 655-369 and held the ball for a remarkable 41 minutes. New Quarterback TaQuon Marshall “played his tail off” said Johnson. He also praised his new B-Back, Kirvonte Benson, saying “he ran hard.” Both went over 100 yards rushing on the night, with Marshall registering five touchdowns along the way.
Tech came into the game as a 3-point underdog. And UT’s passionate fans showed up en masse to make this feel like a true neutral site game, albeit just two miles from Tech’s campus. However, the Jackets looked comfortable from the outset and moved the ball methodically. The two teams traded a few early possessions as they felt each other out.
Once Tech got its offense going, they put on a vintage performance of clock-eating ball control to forge a 14-7 halftime lead. They out gained the Volt 226-94 in the half, holding the ball for over 21 minutes. Marshall and B-back Benson each rushed for 70 plus yards to lead the ground attack. Marshall threw only four passes, completing two.
Tech continued this routine to open the 2nd half, extending their lead to 21-7 on a 2-yard plunge by Marshall. Tech missed a 47 yard field goal attempt on its next possession, after which the Vols answered quickly with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Callaway.
The final stanza featured more back and forth. Tech scored on another Marshall run, only to see Tennessee pop right back with a 51-yard scoring pass from Dormady to Callaway. The Vols scored again late to tie it up. Tech moved quickly down field to try a 36 yard field goal with 5 seconds left for the win. The kicked missed, and overtime fell the Vols way.
Tech takes on Jacksonville State at Bobby Dodd in only five days. Coach Johnson noted that this loss “doesn’t change our goals”, but he did cite the short turnaround as another big challenge for his team.