From the depth of the ashes in the bottom of the ACC, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets has risen to defeat the Florida State Seminoles for the first time in over a decade in Tallahassee.
After the blocked kicks, true freshman Jude Kelly put it throw the uprights from 32 yards away with 8:56 remaining in the game. Just as the game was delayed approximately two hours due to inclement weather, they had to wait for the remaining 8:56 to celebrate. There was an uproar of energy through a football program that appeared to be on life support, granted. It’s only one flap of a wing, but its the most critical movement of the new era for 2nd-year head coach Geoff Collins.
With all of the issues in society to include the pandemic Geoff Collins has been positive through it all and was awarded a 16-13 victory dramatically. At half time the score was 10-0. The Noles were unable to take advantage of the gifts; I recall thinking after two interceptions, the Rambling Wreck was still in it.
It’s a tall order to change the triple-option offense coach Collins is in the midst of an entire paradigm shift from culture perception of the football program in Atlanta to the type of big-time players signing with the program.
Introducing former FSU commit freshman quarterback Jeff Sims 6’3 215 lbs. He earned recognition in the prestigious Elite 11 and was tabbed as the nation’s 6th ranked dual-threat quarterback. He was outstanding, completing 24-35 passes for 277 yards. There were a couple of hick-ups, but the youngster stayed poised and delivered perhaps the most valuable victory of the new era.
His 24 completions were the most by a Georgia Tech quarterback in seventeen years. The fifteen first-half completions were the most in 12 years. Just allow that to sink in. Those numbers are commonplace in today’s college football.
Before the arrival of Geoff Collins, this type of player would cruise through Atlanta on his way to UGA in Athens for their style of play, especially quarterbacks, the triple option did not provide the launching pad to the NFL that top recruits were seeking. Its only one game, but it appears as if though they have found the cornerstone of the building blocks.
The ACC Sportswriters voted Georgia Tech to finish dead last in the ACC, but votes don’t win or lose games players and coaches do. Just ask the Florida State Seminoles.
Ten players had receptions. Malachi Carter led the way with 6 catches for 66 yards. Jalen Camp caught 5 passes for 57 yards, and Marquez Ezzard delivered on a 45-yard bomb reminiscent of his days as a standout wide receiver at Stockbridge High School.
The defense wasn’t too shabby, or Florida State couldn’t block chalk it up to your wishes. I prefer to give credit where it is due the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets stung James Blackman sacking him three times and delivered six tackles for loss.
Tech has a long way to go, but they are off to the right start. The future is looking bright and hopeful.
Key Fact
- A passing game has arrived in Atlanta 277 yards
