Georgia Tech Shocks 'Canes in Miami
Yellow Jackets Use Total Team Effort To Take Down Miami In Overtime, 28-21
“That was a complete team win” said Tech coach Geoff Collins. “I’m just really proud of the offensive line.”
Georgia Tech did the unthinkable on Saturday, overconing a heavily favored Miami team to pick up their 2nd win of 2019, and the first ACC win for first year head coach Geoff Collins. The loss was a gut punch for Miami, coming off an upset of Virginia only a week earlier. The Hurricaines were playing without WR Jeff Thomas, suspended for brealking team rules. Even so, the home team was an 18 point favorite over Tech, who had lost 4 in a row, the last 3 by large margins.
And so it was notable that Tech went to halftime tied at 14 all. More notable was that Tech’s 2 scores did not directly involve their offense. The first touchdown came on a strip sack of Miami QB N’kosi Perry in the end zone, recovered by Griffin for the TD. Tech’s 2nd score was even more unlikely. Punter Presley Harvin hit Nathan Cottrell with a 49 yard pass on a fake punt that allowed the Jackets to gain the tie at 14. For their part, Miami was stifled and frustrated by missed opportunities. Specifically, they missed 3 field goals in the game, none longer than 34 yards, the last one being blocked by Techs late un regulation.
Meanwhile, Tech’s dormant offense found a rhythm with the running game that served them well in the 2nd half and beyond. RB Jordan Mason gained 141 yards, a career high, and was largely responsible for Tech’s overtime success, gaining all 25 yards on 3 carries. He punched it in from a yard out on the heels of a 21 yard gallop one play prior. Miami gained a first down on their possession but were stopped just short of another first down when a 4th down pass from Perry to Jordan came up inches shy at the Tech 5, ending the possession and the game.
With the win, Tech moves to 1-3 in ACC play, and 2-5 overall The Jackets have a bye week next before starting a 4 game stretch in November that begins with a visit from Pitt on November 2.