ATLANTA, GA – Despite racing out to an early 21-point lead by way of an uncharacteristic hurry-up offense, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-3, 0-2) were unable to keep pace with the North Carolina Tar Heels (4-1, 1-0) Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tar Heels responded to the early deficit with a 38-10 run and intercepted a last second Georgia Tech Hail Mary to win their ACC opener 38-31.
The Jackets’ loss is their first at home this year and first at the hands of the Tar Heels in Atlanta since 1997. Those milestones pale in comparison to the way the game was lost. Georgia Tech’s offense was seemingly unstoppable, scoring touchdowns on its first three drives. The defense was equally impressive, forcing punts on the Tar Heels first two drives.
It wasn’t until the Tar Heels third drive of the game, one which began with just 4:34 remaining in the second quarter, when their offense hit their stride. Carolina drove 75 yards for a touchdown in just over 3 minutes. Following a Georgia Tech 3-and-out deep in their own territory, the Tar Heels took advantage of field position and drove 6 plays, 44 yards, and converted their second touchdown in less than two minutes.
It was a whole new ballgame. Georgia Tech led 21-14 at the half but it was Carolina with all of the momentum.
