Georgia Tech enters Week 3 with a wave of momentum after a commanding 59-12 victory over Gardner-Webb last weekend. The Yellow Jackets flashed offensive firepower, defensive aggression, and special teams excellence in a performance that could not have come at a better time as they gear up for a crucial showdown with No.12 Clemson this weekend.
Philo Steps Up in First Career Start for Georgia Tech
With starting quarterback Haynes King sidelined by a lower-body injury suffered against Colorado, redshirt freshman Aaron Philo took over the offense and delivered one of the best debut performances in Georgia Tech history. Philo completed 21 of 28 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown, the most passing yards ever by a Tech quarterback in his first career start and the sixth-most in program history.
He spread the ball efficiently and attacked vertically, connecting on a 45-yard strike to Zion Taylor to set up one of Tech’s five first-half touchdowns. Even when Graham Knowles entered in relief, the offense didn’t slow down, Knowles hit an 84-yard touchdown bomb late in the game, putting an exclamation point on a record-setting afternoon.
A Balanced and Explosive Attack
Georgia Tech rolled up 680 yards of total offense, the third-most in school history, and averaged nearly 12 yards per play. The passing game wasn’t the only weapon, the Jackets gashed Gardner-Webb on the ground for 223 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Malachi Hosley made his Yellow Jacket debut at home count, rushing for 100 yards and two scores, including a 55-yard house call. Jamal Haynes added 92 yards and two touchdowns of his own, highlighted by a 47-yard burst that ignited a quick three-play, 94-yard touchdown drive.
The offensive explosion was impressive, but it wasn’t perfect. Georgia Tech turned the ball over on its first two possessions and committed 12 penalties for 94 yards, including several drive-stalling holds and pre-snap fouls. Cleaning up those mistakes will be a priority heading into ACC play.
Defense Brings the Pressure
Defensively, Georgia Tech dominated the line of scrimmage. The Jackets tallied six sacks and 14 tackles for loss, suffocating Gardner-Webb quarterback Nate Hampton and preventing the Bulldogs from establishing a rhythm. The constant backfield pressure forced quick throws and stymied Gardner-Webb’s rushing attack, allowing Tech’s offense to play with a short field on multiple drives.
Special Teams Making a Difference
Georgia Tech’s special teams turned in one of its best performances in years. Defensive lineman Jordan van den Berg blocked a field goal, and Ahmari Harvey scooped it up and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown, Tech’s first blocked field goal returned for a score since 2015.
Kicker Aidan Birr stayed perfect on the season, going one-for-one on field goals, and the Jackets nearly added a rare two-point defensive conversion on a blocked PAT before the play was blown dead.
What It Means Moving Forward
Georgia Tech proved it can win without its starting quarterback, and more importantly, it showed an ability to create big plays in every phase of the game. The emergence of Philo gives Brent Key’s team another legitimate option under center if Haynes King isn’t ready to go this weekend but from multiple reports, King has been a full go at practice and will most likely play this weekend.
Still, ball security and penalties remain areas of concern. Against a team like Clemson, slow starts and self-inflicted mistakes could prove costly.
The Yellow Jackets have momentum on their side and a chance to make a statement at home when they host No. 12 Clemson this Saturday. If the offense continues to be this explosive and the defensive front keeps getting into the backfield, Georgia Tech could make life very difficult for a Clemson team who hasn’t had the start that everyone had expected.
