The odds-makers had this game pegged from the start. Georgia Tech was installed as a –17-point favorite when the line first hit the board Sunday and the Yellow Jackets did exactly what they were expected to do. They defeated the Cavaliers 27-7 giving backers of either side a No-Action on their money because of the 17-point difference in the score.
Georgia Tech Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson was the big story in the game by pulling down two career long passes for 165-yards and two touchdowns in spite of a sore leg injured in last weeks game with Troy. Going into Thursday night’s game (Sept. 21), his status was listed as a game-time decision if he would play or not.
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Tech Quarterback Reggie Ball burned the Cavaliers twice when they attempted single-coverage on the star receiver. Ball hooked up with Johnson on passes of 58 and 66 yards to give Georgia Tech (3-1, 1-0 ACC) a large lead early in the second half.
Of course any lead looked safe against Virginia (1-3, 0-1 ACC) which had three straight wins in the series but managed just 166 yards and nine first downs with redshirt freshman Jameel Sewell becoming the Cavaliers’ third starting quarterback this season.
Sewell’s inexperience definitely showed in his first career start. He looked jittery in the pocket in the first half; bouncing numerous passes at the feet of his receivers. Late in the game, he threw two interceptions in a desperate attempt to rally the Cavaliers.
After the game Virginia Al Groh expressed his thoughts. “Obviously this was disappointing in the result.” Groh said. “Georgia Tech has the makings necessary to put together a real good season. They have excellent quarterback play, an explosive wide receiver and very good kicking. Tonight they played very good defense. It certainly looks like if they stick to that and continue to improve, they can look forward to a very good season.
Next week, (Sept 30) Georgia Tech travels to Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech who humiliated the Yellow Jackets in 2005 by a score of 51-7. Virginia goes to Durham to take on the hapless Duke Blue Devils.
