After a disappointing loss to Louisville the week prior, Georgia Tech rebounded well with a dominant defensive performance against an undefeated conference opponent in Duke.
Tech came out the gate rolling Completing their first 2 passes while also running the ball well. Utilizing the QB run would be the story of the drive as backup QB Zach Pyron punched it up the middle for the Yellow Jacket’s first score.
Duke’s offense started rocky with their first pass almost picked off and getting stuffed on the run forcing an early punt.
Tech would continue to pound them on the ground starting their next drive bolting up the sideline with a 39-yard rush from Jamal Haynes. Their air attack wasn’t as successful to start as they got drilled on multiple screen passes forcing a punt.
The Blue Devils continued their offensive troubles struggling to find a rhythm throughout the whole first quarter as Tech’s defense continued to stand strong.
Tech’s offense would regain some traction to start the second quarter with a missile deep right for 18 yards from Haynes King. King would continue rolling throwing crossbody to Malik Rutherford for 24 yards putting them in the redzone. He would later cool off by missing an open receiver for a touchdown on a throw he would probably like back.
Some luck would finally go the blue devil’s way with Jordan Moore catching a tipped pass for 26 yards. The Yellow Jacket defense responded well sacking Malik Murphy to force a punt later on that drive.
After completing a crucial 4th down conversion, the Blue Devils benefited from a controversial pass Interference call sparking the first touchdown on a 20-yard crossing route from Malik Murphy to Eli Pancol to close out the half.
After a slow start in the first half, Duke came out with a spark in the second blazing up the sideline with a 67-yard kick return from Peyton Jones. A confusing offensive pass interference call on 4th down bumps Duke out of field goal range and bails out Georgia Tech in the process.
Despite the early struggles, Duke would later find a rhythm marching all the way back to the 10 only to get stuffed on a crucial 4th down conversion as Tech’s defense continued to execute in important moments.
The Duke defense responded with a great drive of their own forcing a 3 and out in Tech territory.
Malik Murphy would build off the defense’s momentum by delivering a strike up the middle to Sahmir Hagans for a 65-yard touchdown on the first play of the drive.
The Yellow Jackets would stay resilient and march down the field on their own drive with some well-executed plays capped off with Jamal Haynes scoring on a short swing pass as he continued to dominate.
Georgia Tech would keep their foot on the gas with Chad Alexander chopping up the defense on a crucial 22-yard rush followed by a 9-yard screen pass to Eric Singleton Jr for a touchdown giving Tech a comfortable 10-point lead late in the 4th.
The Duke offense would provide a late surge getting them in Tech territory. A missed throw from Malik Murphy on 3rd down forced a crucial field goal attempt from 43 yards away to make it a one-score game. Kicker Todd Pelino would miss the attempt ultimately sealing the Blue Devil’s fate.
“We came out and did what we have to do,” Haynes said. “We have a great mentality in our running back room and I have trust in all our backs. … A big shoutout to the offensive line.” With their resilient offense and dominant defense, Georgia Tech rebounded from last week’s disappointment, securing a well-earned victory against Duke.
Photo compliments Georgia Tech Sports
