Seminoles Swat Tech
Georgia Tech Struggles From The Start In A 41-16 Loss To Seminoles
Brent Key and his staff made the trip to Tallahassee with hopes that their charges would rebound from the frustrating home loss to Virginia 9 days earlier. That loss was marked by poor offensive production paired with a decent defensive effort. Saturday in Florida brought yet more offensive frustration, plus a weak showing on defense against the Seminoles who themselves were riding a 3 game losing streak.
The end result was a 25 point loss in a game that didn’t feel even that close. Tech scored on the game’s last play from scrimmage which ended a 28 minute scoring drought for the Jackets.
While Tech was sputtering on offense, the Seminoles were doing pretty much whatever they wanted, amassing a staggering 600 plus total yards, more than enough to absorb the effects of a few turnovers. Jordan Travis had a banner day, going 24 of 38 through the air for 396 yards and 3 scores. He was not intercepted. The FSU ground game was potent as well, adding 246 yards on the ground , good for a gaudy 5.7 yards per carry average. The Tech defense that had shown so well over the first 3 games of Brent Key’s reign was nowhere to be found. Missed assignments and missed tackles were the order of the day. Florida State rolled to a 24-3 halftime advantage, ignoring along the way the college debut of one Zach Pyron for the Jackets.
Key had said 5 days earlier that he expected “both Zachs to see the field”. He made good on that expectation after Tech’s first 2 possessions went nowhere with Zach Gibson. On Tech’s first 6 snaps over those first 2 possessions, Gibson, last week’s starter at QB, completed 2 of 3 passes for zero yards, and had 2 carries for minus 4 yards.
Pyron, a true freshman, entered the game at that point. He did not fare much better initially and at halftime Tech’s offensive totals included 24 yards TOTAL,….17 through the air plus seven on the ground, not that it matters. Tech earned one first down and punted 6 times in the first half (none was blocked).
Note also that Tech amassed 8 first- half penalties for 87 yards. Hard to believe. So the two fumbles lost by FSU had minimal effect, though one did lead to the Gavin Stewart field goal– that had Tech up by 3-0 for a moment.
The Jackets executed a successful onside kick to begin the 3rd quarter. Pyron then directed his troops on a 54 yard touchdown drive, ending with a 32 yard TD pass to EJ Jenkins. This chopped the lead to 14, at 24-10, and for a brief moment it looked like the battle had been joined. But the Seminoles would add 17 more points before Tech finally reached the endzone again, on the game’s last snap.
Pyron actually generated some decent numbers in the 2nd half and he seemed comfortable leading his team. For the day he was 18 of 28 for 198 yards, with one score and no interceptions. Of course, there was a big lead going into the seonnd half, and it grew as the game progressed. But in Techs current situation, you take whatever positives are available and Pyron’s performance was definitely in that category.
Beyond the play of Pyron, Tech fans could feel ok about the special teams play as well. Gavin Stewart hit his only 2 place kicks, an onside kick was successful and no punts were blocked.
Looking ahead, it’s hard not to wonder about the availability and effectiveness of Jeff Sims going forward. Tech’s offense looks different when he is in the game and fully engaged. Next up for Tech is a road game vs Virginia Tech, a team mired in struggles of their own. The Hokies have only a single ACC win, yet may be favored at home vs the Jackets. Tech fans hope that the defense finds itself before next Saturday, since the offense seems incapable of winning any shootout.
Patrick Conarro
RamblinSports.com