Article Jackets Fall Short in Charlotte

CuseJacket

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[figcap]Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas #5 scrambles on an option keeper[/figcap][/float_left]CHARLOTTE, NC - In an ACC Championship game with playoff implications and the nation's attention, the #11 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-3, 6-2) fell just short against the #4 Florida State Seminoles (13-0, 8-0) by a final score of 37-35 Saturday night at Bank of America Stadium.

Despite the shortcoming in the W/L column, Georgia Tech proved they could compete and go toe-to-toe with the undefeated national champions. The Jackets scored touchdowns on each of their first three possessions, racking up 196 yards on the ground and completing their only pass attempt for 27 yards.

The problem, however, was slowing down Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Jameis Winston and his arsenal of offensive weapons. After holding the Seminoles to a 3-and-out on the game's opening possession, the Jackets' defense was unable to keep Florida State out of the end zone on their subsequent four. During that stretch Winston went 12 for 17 for 222 yards and 3 touchdown passes. Florida State running back Dalvin Cook was equally dominant, posting 99 yards rushing in the first half. The Seminoles entered the locker room with a 28-21 advantage.

The second half began much like the first for the Jackets' offense as Georgia Tech used the opening seven minutes of gametime and rushed the ball 14 consecutive plays, capping the drive with Synjyn Days' third 1-yd touchdown run of the game. It appeared the second half would continue much like the first.

As they say in tennis, that's when both teams began to break serve. The Jackets held Florida State to a field goal on the game's next possession, giving the Coastal Champs what seemed to be its first advantage of the half. Instead the Jackets traded a punt, turnover on downs, and interception on their next three possessions for another two successful Florida State field goals. Georgia Tech was down 37-28 with 2:56 to go in the game.

A two-score differential combined with a daunting opponent may have seemed insurmountable in prior years. This year there was no lack of confidence from Georgia Tech coaches, players, and fans alike. As many have come to expect and appreciate, the Jackets responded with controlled aggression. In just 6 plays, including 5 pass completions, and barely over one minute of game time the Yellow Jackets found the end zone again on a 25-yard pass and catch from Justin Thomas to Darren Waller.

Georgia Tech's fate hung largely on the subsequent onside kick attempt. Alas Harrison Butker's dribbler did not get the benefit of the unpredictable bounce and the kick was safely recovered by Florida State. Following one last first down run by Dalvin Cook, the Seminoles emerged victorious by the final score of 37-35.

While the Jackets fell short in Charlotte, their hard work, toughness, and 2014 record earned them a nice consolation prize. With Florida State headed to the college football playoffs, Georgia Tech will represent the ACC in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Eve. With one more big trophy in sight and one final game for the seniors, the Yellow Jackets have the opportunity to end an already incredible season on a high note and deliver one of the highest profile wins in school history. Without question this year's squad will be ready for the challenge.

Other news and notes:
  • Georgia Tech has a 1-3 record in the ACC Championship game, but all four games have been decided by a five points or less, including Saturday's 37-35 contest. Saturday's game was the closest margin of victory in the 10 years of the ACC Championship game.
  • Georgia Tech rushed for 331 yards tonight, the second most in an ACC Championship game. The only total that is higher is the 333 rushing yards by the Yellow Jackets in 2009 against Clemson.
  • Georgia Tech faced reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston Saturday night. This was the first time Georgia Tech has played a reigning Heisman winner since it played Steve Spurrier in the Orange Bowl that ended the 1966 season.
  • Justin Thomas enters the bowl game with 963 rushing yards and obviously needs just 37 more to reach 1000 for the season
 

worthco jacket

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Words cannot express the toughness, determination, and team spirit of these Jackets. A truly remarkable performance for a team that was largely written off by everyone, including much of its own fan base as an afterthought. College football has many major problems with so many players doing the wrong things that hurt themselves and the schools that they represent. Georgia Tech is blessed to have the caliber of these young men representing the Institute.
 
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