Winning Makes Everything Better As Georgia Tech Bounces Back To Top Western Carolina

Georgia Tech Survives A Slow Start To Gain First Win Of 2022 35-17

After his team’s Labor Day loss to Clemson, Georgia Tech Head Coach Geoff Collins had cited a long list of things they needed to ” clean up”. Just five days later, that clean up was fairly complete in its scope, resulting in a 35-17 win over visiting Western Carolina. Along with far fewer mistakes, Collins even made light of week one special teams issues, citing “no blocked punts” as one factor in Saturday’s win.

Possibly stemming from the short week to prepare, Tech looked a little flat in the early minutes, going down 7-0 and then 14-7 before finding their way to the lead on the strength of Dante Smith’s big day. Smith scored Tech’s first TD on a 9 yard run to finish a 72 yard drive. The Catamounts scored again on another Carlos Davis pass to wide open TJ Jones. Smith then answered wit a 51 yard sprint through the right side of the line to tie it back up for Tech.

The Jackets scored two more touchdowns in the second quarter, one on a beautiful 40 yard reverse by Nate McCollum and yet another by Smith on a 3 yard run. Tech was up 28-14 at the half and seemingly in control. That control was enhanced when Dylan McDuffie scored for Tech on a 2 yard rush after the teams had traded 3rd quarter turnovers. This score was McDuffie’s first touchdown as a Yellow Jacket.

Late in the 3rd period WCU QB Carlos Davis went out with a shoulder injury after a big hit by Tech’s Charlie Thomas. Back-up QB Cole Gonzalez was able to drive his team to add only a 44 yard field goal for his team’s final score.

As for Tech in the second  half, they kept it on the ground, throwing just 3 times. Sims hit one second half pass to go with one interception and one incompletion in the final 30 minutes.

There were plenty of positives, starting with the win itself. Georgia Tech ended 2021 with a loud thud and Week One of 2022 vs Clemson did not go well. Against Western Carolina Tech’s defense had garnered 4 turnovers, including 3 interceptions.  Those plays allowed Tech to score on short fields while WCU fell short, despite far more first downs (26-15) and a giant advantage in time of possession (40-20).

Tech’s RB Dontae Smith showed out with a sterling performance, going for 103 yards on just 11 carries and scoring three times. Smith looks to be the lead horse out of the backfield for 2022.

Areas of concern remain prominent for Collins and staff:

— Tech gave up big yards early to mobile QB  Carlos Davis by land and by air.

— There was a sluggish nature to Tech’s passing game in second half. Collins averred post- game that the passing game had been curtailed as part of a bigger plan, given the 14 point halftime lead. Maybe so. But Jeff Sims’ line for the second half (1 of 3, with 1 interception) lends concern for a team whose fortunes are so closely tied to their quarterback’s performance. For the game, Sims was 8 of 17 for a paltry 100 yards.

— a missed 25 yard by Jude Kelley in the 4th quarter reminded all that the special teams play is a persistent challenge for Collins’ crew. That miss did not affect the outcome of this game, but against Power 5 opponents the story might be different.

– the slow start in general was a disappointment. Tech eventually found its footing against a lesser opponent largely on the strength of the 4 turnovers. And make no mistake, 3 interceptions in one game is a big deal. But those looking for the Jackets to come out with zeal and purpose from the opening kick of a real home game will have to wait. Davis had his way with Tech’s defense in the early going, especially with scrambles and turning the corners. That trend portends trouble if it’s not rectified.

Next up for Tech is Ole Miss at home in what a TV savvy Collins called “an ABC game” at Grant Field at 3:30 next Saturday. The return of a regular work schedule comes as a relief to Collins who recognized that Tech’s win on a short prep week was a big challenge.

Ole Miss is 2-0 on the young season, both wins against lesser opponents. Lane Kiffin and crew will no doubt take note of the difficulties that WCU QB Carlos Davis brought to bear on Tech’s defense. Ole Miss is listed as a 14 point favorite. If Collins can pull off the upset, it would be a huge step for the program. Collins has led Tech to big wins several times over the past few years, including wins over FSU, Miami and UNC.

That said, a win over the Rebels would also bring Tech a humble milestone–two consecutive wins for the first time in the Geoff Collins era here in Year 4.

Patrick Conarro

RamblinSports.com