Oct 54 min read

Georgia Tech Holds Off Streaking Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils (5-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) came into Bobby Dodd Stadium undefeated and suffered their first loss this season to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-2, 2-2 ACC) 24-14 on Oct. 5 in Atlanta, Ga. Georgia Tech was in control for the majority of the game and the Yellow Jackets gave the home crowd something to cheer about. Duke struggled late in the game, which is where the Yellow Jackets stepped up and grabbed the home victory.

Game Summary

Georgia Tech started this game with a 40-yard kick return to put them in great field position. Jamal Haynes started the drive with a 10-yard run to get Georgia Tech to midfield. After two quick passes by Haynes King that equaled 19 yards, Georgia Tech reached the Duke 30-yard line. Nine plays later, Zach Pyron rushed two yards into the end zone to give Georgia Tech a 7-0 lead.

Duke's first possession ended in a 45-yard punt. Maalik Murphy threw three passes for 2 yards and Star Thomas rushed for 6 yards on 3 carries. Despite a pass interference call on Georgia Tech, Duke still could not capitalize on this drive.

Both teams punted after their next possessions. Georgia Tech's second drive went 9 plays for 47 yards while Duke had a three-and-out. Haynes had a big rush of 39 yards to get to the Duke 49-yard line. But the next 8 plays for the Yellow Jackets resulted in 5 total yards.

Georgia Tech's third possession resulted in a 23-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead. King hit Bailey Stockton for an 18-yard pass and Malik Rutherford for 24 yards. This drive went 62 yards for 13 plays.

Duke Gets Turned Away

Duke's next possession resulted in no points yet again. The Blue Devils had only one play of 20+ yards this drive (Maalik Murphy to Eli Pancol for 26 yards). Duke's 30-yard drive took 9 plays and resulted in 30 yards. Georgia Tech's fourth possession of the game was their first three-and-out of the game. This drive went only 5 yards total.

Duke's fourth possession got them in the scoring column. After a pass interference call on Georgia Tech, Murphy was able to connect with Pancol for a 20-yard pass to get Duke into the end zone right before halftime. Duke receives the ball to start the second half.

Duke's first possession after halftime ended in three plays for a loss of eight yards due to an offensive pass interference call on fourth-and-3, making fourth down now fourth-and-18 forcing the Blue Devils to punt.

Georgia Tech's first possession after halftime was not productive either. The Yellow Jackets drive went for 9 plays and 49 yards.

One of the most important drives was Duke's second possession of the second half. The Blue Devils drove right down the field with four plays resulting in 10+ yards. They got to the Georgia Tech 10-yard line and on fourth-and-1, Star Thomas could not get the first down.

After Duke could not get into the end zone, Georgia Tech had their second three-and-out of the game going for only 8 total yards. Duke's third possession of the second half was quick. It was quick due to a 65-yard touchdown pass from Murphy to Shamir Hagans, making the game 14-10 in favor of Duke.

Georgia Tech needed to answer back and they did just that. They drove 85 yards down the field in 14 plays and scored on a Haynes catch from King for 3 yards, making the score 17-14 Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech Holds Firm

After Georgia Tech regained the lead again, Duke went three-and-out to immediately give Georgia Tech the ball back. Once they received the ball, Georgia Tech scored on a 9-yard pass from King to Eric Singleton Jr. to extend their lead to 10 points, making the game 24-14.

Duke had to score on their next possession and they could not convert on a missed 43-yard field goal. The Blue Devils had two promising plays during this drive and they could not pull through. This ended up being Duke's last chance to score as they were able to force Georgia Tech to punt the ball. But on first down, Murphy threw his only interception of the game.

Turning Point

The 43-yard missed field goal by Duke to try and cut Georgia Tech's lead to seven was the turning point in this game. Momentum was lost for the Blue Devils as they had trouble stopping the run game of Georgia Tech. Haynes carried the ball 19 times for 128 yards.

Upcoming Schedule

Georgia Tech can build off this win as they head to Chapel Hill, N.C., to face the North Carolina Tar Heels on Oct. 12. If the Tar Heels can keep up with a strong run game, they can cause some commotion within the Atlantic Coast Conference. After they face North Carolina, Georgia Tech comes back home to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Duke will be hungry to get back into the win column. They have the week off and host Florida State on Oct. 18. Duke can use this week to rest and dive into their game plan to get ready for the Seminoles.