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GEORGIA TECH 2011 Football 4 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 11 CONFERENCE TITLES 15th CONSECUTIVE BOWL GAME 8-4 / 5-3 ACC YELLOW JACKETS Game 13 GEORGIA TECH vs. UTAH Date...December 31, 2011 Time...2:00 p.m. ET Television...CBS Location...El Paso, Texas Venue...Sun Bowl Stadium (50,426) Surface...Hellas Matrix Field Turf 7-5/4-5 PAC 12 UTES GEORGIA TECH SPORTS INFORMATION Contact: Dean Buchan, Assistant AD /Media Relations O: 404.894.5445 C: 404.295.8703 E-mail: dbuchan@athletics.gatech.edu Twitter: @deanbuchan Secondary Contact: Mike DeGeorge, Assistant SID O: 404.894.5445 C: 404.263.9478 E-mail: mdegeorge@athletics.gatech.edu TECH S 15th STRAIGHT BOWL WILL BE AGAINST UTAH IN THE DEC. 31 HYUNDAI SUN BOWL Georgia Tech, playing in a bowl game for the 15th consecutive season, will take on Utah Dec. 31 in the Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas (2:00 p.m. ET/CBS). The Yellow Jackets, 8-4 overall and 5-3 in the ACC (tied for second in the Coastal Division), will make their second Sun Bowl appearance and first since 1970. Tech will play Utah for just the second time. The Jackets, picked to finish fourth in the Coastal Division, surprised the experts with their 6-0 start while producing staggering numbers on offense. Tech went 2-4 down the stretch against an extremely difficult schedule (wins over No. 6 Clemson and on the road at Duke; losses on the road to Virginia and Miami, and home defeats against No. 10 Virginia Tech and No. 13 Georgia. Tech, one of the youngest teams in college football (just 10 scholarship seniors on the roster), leads the ACC in rushing offense (316.8 yards per game), total offense (459.6) and scoring offense (34.9). 2011 SCHEDULE/RESULTS S1 S10 S17 S24 O1 O8 O15 O22 O29 N10 N19 N26 D31 Utah, 7-5 and 4-5 in the Pac-12, closed the season by winning four of its last five games and the Utes went 3-0 in 2011 against non-conference competition (Montana State, BYU, Pittsburgh). The Utes, 12-4 all-time in bowl games including 6-1 under coach Kyle Whittingham, was in contention for the Pac-12 South Division title until an upset loss to Colorado on Nov. 25. Utah is in its first season in the Pac-12. The only previous meeting between Georgia Tech and Utah came in the 2005 Emerald Bowl -- a 38-10 Utes victory in San Francisco, Calif. BRIEFLY ABOUT THE HYUNDAI SUN BOWL The Sun Bowl, along with the Sugar Bowl, are the second-oldest bowl games behind the Rose Bowl. The inaugural Sun Bowl was played in 1935. The Hyundai Sun Bowl s association with the ACC began last year when Miami represented the league against Notre Dame. A crowd of 54,021 attended last year s Sun Bowl. WESTERN CAROLINA ESPN3 W, 63-21 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (42,131) / GT leads 5-0 at Middle Tennessee State ESPN3 W, 49-21 Murfreesboro, Tenn. / Floyd Stadium (30,502) / GT leads 2-0 KANSAS RSN W, 66-24 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (42,025) / GT leads 2-1 NORTH CAROLINA (rv/25) ESPN W, 35-28 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (46,849) / GT leads 26-18-3 at NC State ABC/ESPN W, 45-35 Raleigh, N.C. / Carter-Finley Stadium (55,811) / GT leads 18-10 MARYLAND ESPNU W, 21-16 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (45,905) / GT leads 14-6 at Virginia ESPNU L, 21-24 Charlottesville, Va. / Scott Stadium (47,692) / UVA leads 17-16-1 at Miami ESPN L, 7-24 Miami Gardens, Fla. / Sun Life Stadium (43,716) / GT leads 10-6 CLEMSON (6/6) ABC W, 31-17 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (55,646) / GT leads 50-25-2 VIRGINIA TECH (10/9) ESPN L, 26-37 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (50,140) / VT leads 6-3 at Duke ACC Network W, 38-31 Durham, N.C. / Wallace Wade Stadium (18,747) / GT leads 48-30-1 GEORGIA (13/14) ESPN L, 17-31 Atlanta, Ga. / Bobby Dodd Stadium (54,925) / UGA leads 62-39-5 Utah CBS 2:00 ET El Paso, Texas / Sun Bowl Stadium (50,426) / Utah leads 1-0 Coaches: Paul Johnson (Western Carolina, 79) GT/Overall Record...34-18 (4th Yr.)/141-57 (15th Yr.) Kyle Whittingham (Brigham Young, 84) Utah/Overall Record...65-25 (7th Yr.)/65-25 (7th Yr.) Television: CBS. Verne Lundquist (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (analysis) and Tracy Wolfson (sidelines) call the action. Craig Silver produces and Steve Milton directs. Radio: Georgia Tech IMG Sports Network. Wes Durham (play-byplay) and former Georgia Tech quarterback Rick Strom (color). Miller Pope is the producer/engineer. National Radio: Sports USA Radio Network. Eli Gold (play-by-play) and Doug Plank (analysis) call the action. Twitter Updates: @gtathletics, @deanbuchan, @mikedegeorge Opponent SID: Liz Abel (label@huntsman.utah.edu) Office: 801.581.3511 Sun Bowl SID: Ana Chavez (achavez@sunbowl.org) Office: 801.581.3511 Websites: Georgia Tech - RamblinWreck.com Opponent - utahutes.cstv.com Sun Bowl - SunBowl.org Ticket Office: 1-888-TECH-TIX or ramblinwreck.com/tickets Georgia Tech Coaching Staff Paul Johnson (Field)...Head Coach Brian Bohannon (Press Box)...Quarterbacks/B-Backs Al Groh (F)...Defensive Coordinator Charles Kelly (F)...Secondary Andy McCollum (PB)...Defensive Line/Recruiting Coord. Lamar Owens (F)...A-Backs Al Buzz Preston (PB)...Wide Receivers Mike Sewak (F)...Co-Offensive Line Joe Speed (PB)...Inside Linebackers Todd Spencer (PB)...Co-Offensive Line
GEORGIA TECH HAS STRONG BOWL TRADITION With its 15th consecutive bowl appearance, Georgia Tech has a tie for the fourth-longest active streak. The Yellow Jackets trail only Florida State (30), Florida (21) and Virginia Tech (19). Tech will make its 40th bowl appearance overall, tying for the 12th-most nationally. With a record of 22-17 in bowl games, Tech has the ninth-highest bowl winning percentage nationally and a tie for the 10th-most bowl victories. Despite its long success in bowl games, the Jackets will be attempting to snap a streak of six consecutive losses in bowl games. Georgia Tech was the first school to win each of the four traditional major bowls -- the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Cotton. It completed that feat in 1955. Following the 2009 season, Tech played in a BCS bowl game -- the Orange Bowl -- against Iowa. Tech s first bowl game was the 1929 Rose Bowl -- the famous Wrong Way Riegels game against California. NOTING THE YELLOW JACKETS Georgia Tech ranks in the top 20 nationally in 11 different categories: third down percentage (1st), rushing (3rd), punt return defense (6th), red-zone offense (12th), fewest penalties (12th), fewest penalty yards (13th), total offense (17th), sacks allowed (17th), tackles for loss allowed (18th), scoring offense (19th) and passing efficiency (19th). Georgia Tech is one of just four FBS schools rushing for more than 300 yards per game, and the Yellow Jackets are one of eight teams that have converted at least 50 percent of their third-down attempts. The Yellow Jackets finished tied for second in the ACC s Coastal Division despite preseason predictions that picked Tech fourth. Junior OL Omoregie Uzzi (first team) and junior LB Julian Burnett (second team) were named All-ACC. Junior CB Rod Sweeting and sophomore OLB Jeremiah Attaoachu were honorable mention All-ACC. With a win in the bowl game, Tech would have nine wins for the third time in four seasons under Paul Johnson and for the 10th time in the last 55 years. The Jackets are 485 yards shy of 6,000 yards of total offense for the season. There are just 10 scholarship seniors on the Tech roster (11 total). The Yellow Jackets have produced eight one-play touchdown drives. Last season Tech had zero. Tech has produced seven touchdown drives of 90 yards or longer, which are the most by any team nationally. The Jackets have seven TD drives that lasted seven minutes or longer. Junior quarterback Tevin Washington, senior Roddy Jones and junior Orwin Smith give Tech three current career 1,000-yard rushers. Senior Embry Peeples enters the bowl game 24 yards shy of 1,000 career rushing yards. Smith averages 10.3 yards per carry and has rushed for a touchdown once every 5.45 carries (11 TDs, 60 attempts). Nine of junior Stephen Hill s 26 receptions have been of 40 yards or longer, including three 70 yards or longer. Hill averages more yards per reception (30.2) than any player in all of the NCAA, regardless of division. Junior linebacker Julian Burnett ranks fifth in the ACC and 32nd nationally in tackles (113). He has 44 more tackles than any other Tech player. Coach Paul Johnson is 12-3 at Tech in games decided by five points or less. Tech threw at least two touchdown passes four times in 2011 (but no TD passes since Oct. 1). Last season it had one game with two TD passes. Tech had a 100-yard receiver four times and a 100- yard rusher six times this season. NCAA LEADERS 3rd-Down Percentage 1. Georgia Tech 54.9 2. TCU 54.2 3. Wisconsin 54.1 4. BYU 52.9 5. Stanford 52.2 6. Houston 52.1 7. Boise State 51.5 8. Oklahoma State 50.0 9. Nevada 49.1 10. Northwestern 49.1 Rushing Offense 1. Army 346.5 3. Air Force 320.3 3. Georgia Tech 316.8 4. Navy 312.3 5. Oregon 295.7 6. Utah State 277.5 7. Temple 256.7 8. Nevada 251.8 9. Northern Illinois 247.6 10. Wisconsin 237.4 Punt Return Defense 1. LSU 0.35 2. Louisville 0.42 3. Northern Illinois 1.00 4. Ohio 2.00 5. South Florida 2.11 6. Georgia Tech 3.73 7. Arkansas State 3.83 8. San Diego State 4.00 9. Virginia Tech 4.12 10. Utah 4.23 The Yellow Jackets have played 10 true freshmen DB/PR Zach Laskey, LB Kyle Travis, LB Tremayne McNair, LB Nick Menocal, CB Jamal Golden, OL Shaq Mason, WR Jeff Greene, WR Darren Waller, DB Corey Dennis and LS Sean Tobin. Tech has used two players to kickoff (Justin Moore, David Scully), two placekickers (Moore, Scully), two punters (Sean Poole, Chandler Anderson), four kick returners (Orwin Smith, Tony Zenon, Roddy Jones, Embry Peeples) and two punt returners (Zach Laskey, Jemea Thomas). The Jackets are out-scoring opponents 115-55 in the first quarter and 104-44 in the third quarter, but are being out-scored 103-73 in the fourth quarter. Tech has had 141 offensive possessions this season and has scored 56 touchdowns. Tech, with a bowl game win, could possibly finish ranked in the top 25 for the third time in four years. Tech began the season 6-0 for the first time since 1966 and 3-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2006. DID YOU KNOW? Georgia Tech team dentist, Dr. Aaron King, was on the Yellow Jacket staff in 1970 when they played in the Sun Bowl. UZZI NAMED ALL-AMERICAN Georgia Tech junior guard Omoregie Uzzi was named second team All-American by SI.com and third team All-American by Rivals. He is the first Yellow Jacket since 2009 and the third Tech offensive lineman to earn All-American honors since 2000. BRUTALLY TOUGH HOME SCHEDULE Georgia Tech s final three home games came against 6th-ranked Clemson (win), 10th-ranked Virginia Tech (loss) and 13thranked Georgia (loss). The last time Tech hosted three consecutive ranked teams in Bobby Dodd Stadium came in 1992. The last time the Jackets hosted three straight opponents ranked 13th or higher came in 1959. JOHNSON: IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS Between 1967 and Paul Johnson s arrival in 2008, Georgia Tech went 2-29-1 at home against teams ranked in the top 10. Johnson is 2-1 at home against top-10 teams -- a win over No. 4 Virginia Tech in 2009, a victory against No. 6 Clemson Oct. 29 and a loss to No. 10 Virginia Tech on Nov. 10. Johnson is 6-2 at home against teams ranked in the top 25. Since Bobby Dodd retired after the 1966 season, only one Georgia Tech coach -- George O Leary (.612) -- won 60 percent of his games. Johnson s win percentage is.654. Johnson is the first coach in Tech history to win eight or more games in three of his first four seasons. Johnson has at least eight wins in 13 of his 15 seasons as a head coach. Johnson is just the fourth ACC coach to defeat all 11 conference opponents. Johnson joins Bobby Bowden, Frank Beamer and Tom O Brien. Johnson is 12-3 at Tech in games decided by five points or less. Johnson s Tech teams are 22-1 when scoring more than 30 points. Johnson is the first coach in ACC history to be named Coach of the Year in each of his first two seasons. JOHNSON S RECORD WHEN... 7-6 vs. nationally-ranked opponents 16-2 when holding opponents to 20 points or less 20-5 at home in four years under Johnson 22-1 when scoring more than 30 points 26-4 when leading at halftime 29-2 when leading after three quarters 31-7 when scoring at least 20 points 2011 ACC STANDINGS Coastal Division ACC Overall Virginia Tech.................7-1.....11-2 Georgia Tech.................5-3......8-4 Virginia.....................5-3......8-4 Miami......................3-5......6-6 North Carolina................3-5......7-5 Duke.......................1-7......3-9 Atlantic Division ACC Overall Clemson....................6-2.....10-3 Florida State.................5-3......7-5 Wake Forest.................5-3......6-6 NC State....................4-4......7-5 Boston College................3-5......4-8 Maryland....................1-7.....2-10 ACC BOWL SCHEDULE Monday, December 26th AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, 5:00 Shreveport, La. / ESPN2 North Carolina (7-5) vs. Missouri (7-5) Tuesday, December 27th Belk Bowl, 8:00 Charlotte, NC / ESPN NC State (7-5) vs. Louisville (7-5) Thursday, December 29th Champs Sports Bowl, 6:30 Orlando, Fla. / ESPN Florida State (8-4) vs. Notre Dame (8-4) Friday, December 30th Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, 6:40 Nashville, Tenn. / ESPN Wake Forest (6-6) vs. Mississippi State (6-6) Saturday, December 31st Hyundai Sun Bowl, 2:00 El Paso, Texas / CBS Georgia Tech (8-4) vs. Utah (7-5) Saturday, December 31st Chick-fil-A Bowl, 7:30 Atlanta, Ga. / ESPN Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5) Tuesday, January 3rd Allstate Sugar Bowl, 8:30 New Orleans, La. / ESPN Virginia Tech (11-2) vs. Michigan (9-3) Wednesday, January 4th Discover Orange Bowl, 8:00 Miami Gardens, Fla. / ESPN Clemson (10-3) vs. West Virginia (9-3) GET SOCIAL facebook.com/gtathletics twitter.com/gtathletics youtube.com/ramblinwrecktube gtathletics.tumblr.com
GEORGIA TECH S BOWL WEEK CALENDAR MONDAY (Dec. 26) 11:00 AM -- Depart for El Paso ---------------------------- 1:30 mt -- Arrive in El Paso ---------------------------- 2:00 -- Arrive at team hotel, The Radisson ---------------------------- 6:15 -- Welcome Reception ---------------------------- TUESDAY (Dec. 27) 9:00 AM -- Head coaches press conference (Hawthorn Inn & Suites) ---------------------------- 10:00AM -- Practice (closed -- first 20 minutes open to TV stations to shoot b-roll) ---------------------------- 11:45AM (approximate) -- Requested players and coaches available in hotel lobby upon return from practice ---------------------------- 2:00 -- Players hospital visit ---------------------------- 6:00 -- Bowl Before The Bowl (Oasis Lanes) ---------------------------- WEDNESDAY (Dec. 28) 10:00AM -- Practice (closed -- first 20 minutes open to TV stations to shoot b-roll) ---------------------------- 11:45AM (approximate) -- Requested players (skill position players only) and coaches available in hotel lobby upon return from practice ---------------------------- 4:00 -- Day & Dinner with the Troops (Fort Bliss) ---------------------------- THURSDAY (Dec. 29) 9:00-10:30 AM Coordinators press conference (Hawthorn Inn & Suites) 9:00 -- Utah 9:45 -- Georgia Tech ---------------------------- 10:00 -- Practice (closed) ---------------------------- 6:00 -- Mexican Fiesta at the Museum (staff only, no players) ---------------------------- FRIDAY (Dec. 30) 10:30 AM -- Head coach press conference (Judson F. Williams Convention Center) ---------------------------- 11:30 -- Rotary Sun Bowl Team Luncheon (Judson F. Williams Convention Center) ---------------------------- 1:30 - Walk-through at stadium (no interviews) ---------------------------- SATURDAY (Dec. 31) 2:00 ET -- Hyundai Sun Bowl (El Paso, Texas) Georgia Tech vs. Utah CBS ---------------------------- Depart for Atlanta following the game ---------------------------- SUNDAY (Jan. 1) HAPPY NEW YEAR! ---------------------------- 2011-12 COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL SCHEDULE Bowl Game Date/Time (ET) Site Matchup Network Gildan New Mexico Dec. 17 / 2 p.m. Albuquerque, N.M. Temple vs. Wyoming ESPN Famous Idaho Potato Dec. 17 / 5:30 p.m. Boise, Idaho Ohio vs. Utah State ESPN R+L Carriers New Orleans Dec. 17 / 9 p.m. New Orleans, La. San Diego State vs. La.-Lafayette ESPN Beef O Brady s St. Petersburg Dec. 20 / 8 p.m. St. Petersburg, Fla. Florida International vs. Marshall ESPN San Diego County Credit Union Poinsietta Dec. 21 / 8 p.m. San Diego, Calif. TCU vs. Louisiana Tech ESPN MAACO Las Vegas Dec. 22 / 8 p.m. Las Vegas, Nev. Arizona State vs. Boise State ESPN Sheraton Hawai i Dec. 24 / 8 p.m. Honolulu, Ha. Nevada vs. Southern Miss ESPN AdvoCare V100 Independence Dec. 26 / 5 p.m. Shreveport, La. North Carolina vs. Missouri ESPN2 Little Caesars Pizza Dec. 27 / 4:30 p.m. Detroit, Mich. Western Michigan vs. Purdue ESPN Belk Dec. 27 / 8 p.m. Charlotte, N.C. NC State vs. Louisville ESPN Military presented by Northrop Grumman Dec. 28 / 4:30 p.m. Washington, D.C. Toledo vs. Air Force ESPN Bridgepoint Education Holiday Dec. 28 / 8 p.m. San Diego, Calif. Texas vs. California ESPN Champs Sports Dec. 29 / 5:30 p.m. Orlando, Fla. Florida State vs. Notre Dame ESPN Valero Alamo Dec. 29 / 9 p.m. San Antonio, Texas Washington vs. Baylor ESPN Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Dec. 30 / 12 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas Tulsa vs. BYU ESPN New Era Pinstripe Dec. 30 / 3:20 p.m. New York, N.Y. Rutgers vs. Iowa State ESPN Franklin American Mortgage Music City Dec. 30 / 6:40 p.m. Nashville, Tenn. Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State ESPN Insight Dec. 30 / 10 p.m. Tempe, Ariz. Iowa vs. Oklahoma ESPN Meineke Car Care of Texas Dec. 31 / 12 p.m. Houston, Texas Northwestern vs. Texas A&M ESPN Hyundai Sun Bowl Dec. 31 / 2 p.m. El Paso, Texas GEORGIA TECH vs. Utah CBS AutoZone Liberty Dec. 31 / 3:30 p.m. Memphis, Tenn. Cincinnati vs. Vanderbilt ABC Kraft Fight Hunger Dec. 31 / 3:30 p.m. San Francisco, Calif. Illinois vs. UCLA ESPN Chick-fil-A Dec. 31 / 7:30 p.m. Atlanta, Ga. Virginia vs. Auburn ESPN TicketCity Jan. 2 / 12 p.m. Dallas, Texas Houston vs. Penn State ESPNU Capital One Jan. 2 / 1 p.m. Orlando, Fla. Nebraska vs. South Carolina ESPN Outback Jan. 2 / 1 p.m. Tampa, Fla. Michigan State vs. Georgia ABC Gator Jan. 2 / 1 p.m. Jacksonville, Fla. Ohio State vs. Florida ESPN2 Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO Jan. 2 / 5 p.m. Pasadena, Calif. Oregon vs. Wisconsin ESPN Allstate Sugar Jan. 3 / 8:30 p.m. New Orleans, La. Virginia Tech vs. Michigan ESPN Discover Orange Jan. 4 / 8:30 p.m. Miami, Fla. Clemson vs. West Virginia ESPN Tostitos Fiesta Jan. 5 / 8:30 p.m. Glendale, Ariz. Oklahoma State vs. Stanford ESPN AT&T Cotton Jan. 6 / 8 p.m. Arlington, Texas Kansas State vs. Arkansas FOX BBVA Compass Jan. 7 / 1 p.m. Birmingham, Ala. SMU vs. Pittsburgh ESPN GoDaddy.com Jan. 8 / 9 p.m. Mobile, Ala. Arkansas State vs. N. Illinois ESPN Allstate BCS National Championship Jan. 9 / 8:30 p.m. New Orleans, La. LSU vs. Alabama ESPN SUN BOWL HISTORY In most of its early history, the game pitted the champion of the Border Conference against an at-large opponent. Games are now played at Sun Bowl Stadium on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso. The first three were played at El Paso High School Stadium (1935 1937), then switched to Kidd Field until the present stadium was ready in 1963. For its first 24 years of existence the game was played on January 1 (New Year's Day) or January 2; since then, with the exception of a January 2 game in 1977, the game has been played in December with the last 15 games played on or near December 31. TECH BY-THE-BOWL All American Bowl (1-0) 1985 Georgia Tech 17, Michigan State 14 Aloha Bowl (1-0) 1991 Georgia Tech 18, Stanford 17 Bluebonnet Bowl (0-1) 1962 Missouri 14, Georgia Tech 10 Carquest Bowl (1-0) 1997 Georgia Tech 35, West Virginia 30 Champs Sports Bowl (1-0) 2004 Georgia Tech 51, Syracuse 14 Cotton Bowl (1-1) 1943 Texas 14, Georgia Tech 7 1955 Georgia Tech 14, Arkansas 6 Emerald Bowl (0-1) 2005 Utah 38, Georgia Tech 10 Florida Citrus Bowl (1-0) 1991 Georgia Tech 45, Nebraska 21 Gator Bowl (3-4) 1956 Georgia Tech 21, Pittsburgh 14 1960 Arkansas 14, Georgia Tech 7 1961 Penn State 30, Georgia Tech 15 1965 Georgia Tech 31, Texas Tech 21 1999 Georgia Tech 35, Notre Dame 28 2000 Miami 28, Georgia Tech 13 2007 West Virginia 38, Georgia Tech 35 Humanitarian Bowl (1-1) 2004 Georgia Tech 52, Tulsa 10 2007 Fresno State 40, Georgia Tech 28 Independence Bowl (0-1) 2010 Air Force 14, Georgia Tech 7 Liberty Bowl (1-0) 1972 Georgia Tech 31, Iowa State 30 Oil Bowl (1-0) 1947 Georgia Tech 41, St. Mary s 19 Orange Bowl (3-3) 1940 Georgia Tech 21, Missouri 7 1945 Tulsa 26, Georgia Tech 12 1948 Georgia Tech 20, Kansas 14 1952 Georgia Tech 17, Baylor 14 1967 Florida 27, Georgia Tech 12 2010 Iowa 24, Georgia Tech 14 Chick-fil-A/Peach Bowl (0-4) 1971 Mississippi 41, Georgia Tech 18 1978 Purdue 41, Georgia Tech 21 2000 LSU 28, Georgia Tech 14 2008 LSU 38, Georgia Tech 3 Rose Bowl (1-0) 1929 Georgia Tech 8, California 7 Seattle Bowl (1-0) 2001 Georgia Tech 24, Stanford 14 Silicon Valley Classic (0-1) 2002 Fresno State 30, Georgia Tech 21 Sugar Bowl (4-0) 1944 Georgia Tech 20, Tulsa 18 1953 Georgia Tech 24, Mississippi 7 1954 Georgia Tech 42, West Virginia 19 1956 Georgia Tech 7, Pittsburgh 0 Sun Bowl (1-0) 1970 Georgia Tech 17, Texas Tech 9
Georgia Tech Bowl Results DATE BOWL CITY RESULT NOTE Dec. 27, 2010 Independence Bowl Shreveport, La. Air Force 14 Georgia Tech 7 Tevin Washington rushes for 131 yards, but special teams prove costly Jan. 5, 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl Miami Gardens, Fla. Iowa 24 Georgia Tech 14 Tech digs 14-point hole early in first ever BCS bowl appearance Dec. 31, 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl Atlanta, Ga. LSU 38 Georgia Tech 3 Charles Scott runs for three TDs, Tech loses in backyard Dec. 31, 2007 Humanitarian Bowl Boise, Idaho Fresno State 40 Georgia Tech 28 State scores 27 unanswered points after Tech s early 7-0 lead Jan. 1, 2007 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. West Virginia 38 Georgia Tech 35 Tashard Choice s 169 yards not enough, Pat White leads WV Dec. 29, 2005 Emerald Bowl San Francisco, Calif. Utah 38 Georgia Tech 10 Utah rolls up 550 yards of offense, blanks Tech in second half Dec. 21, 2004 Champs Sports Bowl Orlando, Fla. Georgia Tech 51 Syracuse 14 Tech has 514 yards of total offense, Reggie Ball throws for 2 TDs Jan. 4, 2004 Humanitarian Bowl Boise, Idaho Georgia Tech 52 Tulsa 10 P.J. Daniels rushes for 307 yards, four TDs, Tech defense shines Dec. 31, 2002 Silicon Valley Classic San Jose, Calif. Fresno State 30 Georgia Tech 21 Tech makes strong rally, but Bulldogs score game s final 10 points Dec. 27, 2001 Seattle Bowl Seattle, Wash. Georgia Tech 24 Stanford 14 Godsey, Campbell, interim coach lead Tech in first Seattle Bowl Dec. 29, 2000 Chick-fil-A Bowl Atlanta, Ga. LSU 28 Georgia Tech 14 Tech can t overcome six turnovers, lose to Nick Saban s Tigers Jan. 1, 2000 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Miami 28 Georgia Tech 13 Five-game bowl win streak ends, two Canes rush for 100 yards Jan. 1, 1999 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia Tech 35 Notre Dame 28 Joe Hamilton threw three TD passes and caught another Dec. 29, 1997 Carquest Bowl Miami, Fla. Georgia Tech 35 West Virginia 30 MVP Joe Hamilton has 356 yards total offense, three touchdowns Dec. 25, 1991 Aloha Bowl Honolulu, Hawaii Georgia Tech 18 Stanford 17 Jimy Lincoln s 2-point conversion with 14 seconds left seals win Jan. 1, 1991 Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, Florida Georgia Tech 45 Nebraska 21 Tech clinches UPI national title behind MVP QB Shawn Jones Dec. 31, 1985 All-American Bowl Birmingham, Ala. Georgia Tech 17 Michigan St. 14 Malcolm King runs for 122 yards and scores winning TD late Dec. 25, 1978 Peach Bowl Atlanta, Ga. Purdue 41 Georgia Tech 21 With Eddie Lee Ivery out with injury, Tech has 12 yards rushing Dec. 18, 1972 Liberty Bowl Memphis, Tenn. Georgia Tech 31 Iowa State 30 Back-up QB Jim Stevens throws for 3 TDs, ISU fails on 2-pointer Dec. 30, 1971 Peach Bowl Atlanta, Ga. Mississippi 41 Georgia Tech 18 Despite 317 yards total offense, Tech blown out in Atlanta bowl Dec. 19, 1970 Sun Bowl El Paso, Texas Georgia Tech 17 Texas Tech 9 Jacket defense pitches first-half shut out, builds 10-0 lead Jan. 2, 1967 Orange Bowl Miami, Fla. Florida 27 Georgia Tech 12 Steve Spurrier quarterbacks Gators past Bobby Dodd, Jackets Jan. 1, 1966 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia Tech 31 Texas Tech 21 QB Jerry Priestley s 1-yard TD early in fourth quarter keys Jackets Dec. 22, 1962 Bluebonnet Bowl Houston, Texas Missouri 14 Georgia Tech 10 MU s Bill Tobin runs for 114 yards, Tech throws four interceptions Dec. 30, 1961 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Penn State 30 Georgia Tech 15 Tech bolts to 9-0 lead, but State s Galen Hall passes for 3 TDs Jan. 2, 1960 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Arkansas 14 Georgia Tech 7 Former Tech star Frank Broyles coaches Razorbacks to win Dec. 29, 1956 Gator Bowl Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia Tech 21 Pittsburgh 14 Tech wins sixth straight bowl, beats Pitt for second straight year Jan. 2, 1956 Sugar Bowl New Orleans, La. Georgia Tech 7 Pittsburgh 0 Wade Mitchell scores only TD, Tech wins fifth straight major bowl Jan. 2, 1956 Cotton Bowl Dallas, Texas Georgia Tech 14 Arkansas 6 Jackets complete grand slam with wins in all four major bowls Jan. 1, 1954 Sugar Bowl New Orleans, La. Georgia Tech 42 West Virginia 19 Tech unleashes aerial attack, completing 20-of-35 for 268 yards Jan. 1, 1953 Sugar Bowl New Orleans, La. Georgia Tech 24 Mississippi 7 National championship clinched after scoring 24 straight points Jan. 1, 1952 Orange Bowl Miami, Fla. Georgia Tech 17 Baylor 14 Pepper Rodgers field goal secures win, 11-0-1 season for Tech Jan. 1, 1948 Orange Bowl Miami, Fla. Georgia Tech 20 Kansas 14 Tech forces fumble inside 1-yard line to foil Kansas frenzied rally Jan. 1, 1947 Oil Bowl Houston, Texas Georgia Tech 41 St. Mary s 19 Yellow Jackets pick off eight St. Mary s passes in the rain and mud Jan. 1, 1945 Orange Bowl Miami, Fla. Tulsa 26 Georgia Tech 12 Frank Broyles 304-yard passing effort can t overcome 20-0 deficit Jan. 1, 1944 Sugar Bowl New Orleans, La. Georgia Tech 20 Tulsa 18 Tech overcomes 18-7 second-half deficit, blanks Tulsa in 2nd half Jan. 1, 1943 Cotton Bowl Dallas, Texas Texas 14 Georgia Tech 7 Gallant Tech comeback falls short when drive stalls on 3-yard line Jan. 1, 1940 Orange Bowl Miami, Fla. Georgia Tech 21 Missouri 7 21 straight points makes first of five Orange Bowl trips a success Jan. 1, 1929 Rose Bowl Pasadena, Calif. Georgia Tech 8 California 7 Wrong Way Riegels helps Golden Tornado to perfect 10-0 season Georgia Tech Bowl Superlatives TEAM RECORDS Points: 52 vs. Tulsa (2004 Humanitarian) Fewest Points Allowed: 0 vs. Pittsburgh (1956 Sugar) Total Offense: 514 vs. Syracuse (2004 Champs) Fewest Total Offense Allowed: 66 vs. California (1929 Rose) Rushing: 371 vs. Tulsa (2004 Humanitarian) Fewest Rushing Yards Allowed: - 52 vs. Tulsa (2004 Humanitarian) Rushing Attempts: 79 vs. Texas Tech (1965 Gator) Fewest Rushing Attempts Allowed: 22 vs. Texas Tech (1965 Gator), West Virginia (1997 Carquest) Passing Yards: 326 vs. West Virginia (2007 Gator) Fewest Passing Yards Allowed: 0 vs. Missouri (1962 Bluebonnet) Pass Completions: 23 vs. Stanford (2001 Seattle) Fewest Pass Completions Allowed: 0 vs. Missouri (1962 Bluebonnet) Pass Attempts: 40 vs. Miami (2000 Gator) Fewest Pass Attempts Allowed: 0 vs. Missouri (1962 Bluebonnet) INDIVIDUAL RECORDS Yards Rushing: 307, P.J. Daniels vs. Tulsa, (2004 Humanitarian) *NCAA Bowl Record Rushing Attempts: 33, Lenny Snow vs. Texas Tech (1965 Gator Bowl) Pass Attempts: 40, Joe Hamilton vs. Miami, (2000 Gator) Pass Completions: 23, George Godsey vs. Stanford (2001 Seattle) Yards Passing: 326, Taylor Bennett vs. West Virginia (2007 Gator) Completion Pct.:.696 (16-23), Shawn Jones vs. Nebraska (1991 Citrus) Total Offense: 356, Joe Hamilton vs. West Virginia (1997 Carquest) (274 pass, 82 rush) Receptions: 10, Kelly Campbell vs. Stanford, (2001 Seattle) Yards Receiving: 186, Calvin Johnson vs. West Virginia (2007 Gator) Touchdowns: 4, P.J. Daniels vs. Tulsa (2004 Humanitarian) TDs Rushing: 4, P.J. Daniels vs. Tulsa (2004 Humanitarian) TD Passes: 3, Jim Still vs. Kansas (1948 Orange); Pepper Rodgers vs. WVU (1954 Sugar); Jim Stevens vs. Iowa St. (1972 Liberty); Joe Hamilton vs. Notre Dame (1999 Gator); Taylor Bennett vs. WVU (2007 Gator) TD Receptions: 2, George Brodnax vs. St. Mary s (1947 Oil); Jim Patton vs. Kansas (1948 Orange); Dez White vs. Notre Dame (1999 Gator); Calvin Johnson vs. WVU (2007 Gator) Points: 24, P.J. Daniels vs. Tulsa (2004 Humanitarian) Points by Kicking: 9, Scott Sisson vs. Nebraska (1991 Citrus) Field Goals: 2, Luke Manget vs. Miami (2000 Gator) PATs: 7, Travis Bell vs. Syracuse (2004 Champs) Interceptions: 2, Tom Bleick vs. Texas Tech (1965 Gator); Rick Lewis vs. Texas Tech (1970 Sun) Tackles: 16, Ron Rogers vs. West Virginia (1997 Carquest) Longest Run: 68 yards (TD), Joseph Auer vs. Penn State (1961 Gator) Longest Pass: 80 yards (TD), Reggie Ball to Nate Curry (2004 Champs) Longest Field Goal: 40 yards, David Bell vs. Michigan State (1985 All American) Longest Interception Return: 73 yards, W.P. McHugh vs. St. Mary s (1947 Oil Bowl) Longest Kickoff Return: 43 yards, Drew Hill vs. Purdue (1978 Peach) Longest Punt Return: 63 yards, Willie Clay vs. Stanford (1991 Aloha) Longest Punt: 67 yards, Jason Bender vs. Stanford (1991 Aloha) Best Punting Avg: 49.1 (7 punts), Chandler Anderson vs. Iowa (2010 Orange) INDIVIDUAL CAREER LEADERS Rushing: P.J. Daniels (3), 535 yds, 68 att Passing: Joe Hamilton (3), 756 yds Pass Attempts: Joe Hamilton (3), 96 att Pass Completions: Joe Hamilton (3), 52 cmp TD Passes: Pepper Rodgers (2), 5 TD Total Offense: Joe Hamilton (3), 906 yds Receptions: Kelly Campbell (4), 18 rec, 176 yds Receiving Yards: Calvin Johnson (3), 266 yds, 13 rec Touchdowns: P.J. Daniels (3), 6 TD MOST BOWL VICTORIES Rk. School Wins 1. Alabama...........................33 2. Southern California....................32 3. Penn State..........................27 4. Georgia............................26 Oklahoma..........................26 6. Tennessee..........................25 Texas.............................25 8. Nebraska...........................24 9. Florida State........................23 10. Georgia Tech.......................22 LSU...............................22 12. Mississippi..........................21 Auburn............................21 14. Ohio State..........................20 15. Michigan...........................19 MOST BOWL APPEARANCES Rk. School Appearances 1. Alabama........................... 59 2. Texas.............................50 3. Tennessee......................... 49 4. Southern California....................48 Nebraska...........................48 6. Georgia............................47 7. Oklahoma..........................45 8. Penn State..........................44 9. LSU.............................. 43 Ohio State..........................43 11. Michigan........................... 41 12. Georgia Tech.......................40 Florida State........................40 14. Arkansas...........................39 Florida.............................39 LONGEST CURRENT BOWL STREAKS Rk. School Years 30 Florida State................ 1982-present 21 Florida.....................1991-present 19 Virginia Tech.................1993-present 15 Georgia Tech...............1997-present 15 Georgia....................1997-present 13 Oklahoma..................1999-present
The 1970 Sun Bowl Georgia Tech 17, Texas Tech 9 Dec. 19, 1970 / El Paso, Texas By Jon Cooper, Sting Daily (Dec. 4, 2011) The college football landscape was a lot different in the 1970s than it is today. The phrase "bowl eligible" had yet to enter the vernacular and six wins didn't guarantee a team anything more than a winning season. There also were a lot fewer bowls in which to participate (11, as opposed to 35 today). Back in 1970, conference ties wouldn't have helped Georgia Tech, anyway, as the school played as an independent, having left the Southeastern Conference six years earlier. But in 1970, Tech was a very good independent. Four seasons removed from the end of the Bobby Dodd era, and on the heels of three consecutive 4-6 finishes under Head Coach Bud Carson, the Jackets had a break out season. Led by sophomore quarterback Eddie McAshan and the running of Brent Cunningham and Bob Healy, and a defense featuring Consensus All-American Rock Perdoni that limited opponents to 296.4 yards of total offense and 14.2 points per game, the Yellow Jackets finished the regular season 8-3 and ranked No. 13 nationally. Tech's schedule was a tough one that season, including four top-25 teams. The Jackets opened the season by beating No. 17 South Carolina, 23-20, at Grant Field, sparking a 4-0 start. The streak ended with backto-back road losses to No. 20 Tennessee then at No. 8 Auburn, led by Pat Sullivan, who would finish sixth in that season s Heisman Trophy voting. Following the loss at Auburn, the Jackets would lose only once more the rest of the way. In their final game against a ranked opponent, on Nov. 14, the Jackets traveled to South Bend to face topranked Notre Dame and quarterback Joe Theismann. Tech lost the game, 10-7, but showed enough that pollsters moved No. 2 Texas ahead of the Fighting Irish. They would also hurt the Heisman hopes of Theismann surname pronunciation change and all and the ND QB would finish runner-up to Stanford's Jim Plunkett. The Jackets finished the season on a high, knocking off Georgia for the second straight season, 17-7 in Athens, and received a bid to play in El Paso. Tech in the 1970 Sun Bowl parade. Their opponent would be No. 19 Texas Tech. The third-place team in the Southwest Conference (behind Texas, and Arkansas), the Red Raiders would go to a bowl over Arkansas despite having a lower national ranking than the Razorbacks, one less win and two more losses, including a 24-10 loss to Arkansas in Lubbock. The Georgia Tech-Texas Tech match-up would be the first in the game's 36-year history to feature two ranked teams and would more than live up to the hype. The Jackets drew first blood on the initial drive, taking a 7-0 lead as senior quarterback Jack Williams orchestrated a 62-yard, 11-play drive, capped off by Bob Healy's two-yard plunge. Then the defense, led by Perdoni, took over. The unit, which allowed 10 or fewer points over the final five regular season games (during which Tech went 4-1), dominated the vaunted Texas Tech running game, led by Doug McCutchen, who became the first 1,000- yard rusher in Texas Tech history in 1970, allowing them to cross midfield only once in the first 30 minutes. A 21-yard Jack Moore field goal in the closing minute gave the Yellow Jackets a 10-0 lead heading into the locker room at intermission and completed what Carson called "the best first half we've played all year." Texas Tech got going in the second half and pulled to within a point on a McCutchen seven-yard touchdown run and a safety, as a Chip Pallman punt was blocked out of the end zone. Early in the fourth the Red Raiders drove deep into Georgia Tech territory and threatened to take the lead. But the Jackets defense dug in and when Tech kicker Dickie Ingram misfired on a 26-yard field goal, the 10-9 lead was preserved. Fittingly, the Yellow Jacket defense would set up the score that put the game away late in the fourth. Linebacker Bill Flowers recovered a fumble deep in Texas Tech territory and tailback Kevin McNamara scored six plays later on a two-yard run with 1:44 to play to extend the lead to 17-9, which would be the final score. Flowers, who made eight unassisted tackles in addition to the fumble recovery, was named the game s MVP. Perdoni, who set a Sun Bowl record with four tackles for loss as part of his 13 on the day, was named Outstanding Lineman. His four TFLs are still fourth-most in Sun Bowl history even though the record fell in 1984, when Tennessee's Reggie McKenzie made 4.5 TFLs. Williams also set a record in the game, completing 78.6 percent of his passes (11-of-14). That record stood alone until Stanford's Chad Hutchinson completed 22 of 28 passes in 1996. Georgia Tech 7 3 0 7 -- 17 Texas Tech 0 0 9 0 -- 9 Scoring Summary: GT - Healy 2 yd run (Thigpen kick), 10:23, 1st GT - Moore 21 yd field goal, 0:42, 2nd TT - McCutchen 7 yd run (Ingram kick), 8:13, 3rd TT - Safety, 6:41, 3rd GT - McNamara 2 yd run (Thigpen kick), 1:44, 4th Attendance: 30,512 Statistics GT TT First Downs......................18.......13 Att-Yds Rushing................54-186....49-215 Yards Passing...................138.......28 Total Offense....................324......243 Passes Com-Att-Int............13-19-1....3-11-3 Fumbles-Lost....................0-0......6-3 Punts-Avg....................6-34.3....4-41.0 Penalties-Yards..................7-66......4-40 Leading Rushers: GT - Healy 20-59, TD; Cunningham 14-42 TT - Hargrave 8-83; McCutchen 22-81, TD Leading Passers: GT - Williams 11-14-1, 123; McAshan 2-5-0, 15 TT - Napper 3-11-3, 28 Leading Receivers: GT - Pallman 3-42; Macy 3-37; Foster 3-24 TT - Odom 2-23 ALL-TIME LONGEST BOWL STREAKS No. School Years 35 Nebraska.......................1969-03 34 Michigan.....................1975-2007 30 Florida State................ 1982-present 25 Alabama.......................1959-83 21 Florida.....................1991-present 19 Virginia Tech.................1993-present 17 Brigham Young...................1978-94 16 Tennessee.................... 1989-2004 15 Mississippi...................... 1957-71 15 Ohio State.....................1972-86 15 Georgia Tech............... 1997-present 15 Georgia....................1997-present 14 Penn State......................1971-83 13 Oklahoma...................1999-present BEST BOWL WINNING PERCENTAGE MINIMUM OF 25 BOWL APPEARANCES Rk. School W-L-T Pct 1. Southern California.........32-16-0.667 2. Penn State...............27-14-2.639 3. Mississippi.............. 21-12-0.636 4. Florida State.............23-14-2.615 5. Auburn.................21-13-2.611 6. Oklahoma...............26-17-1.602 7. Georgia.................26-17-3.598 8. Alabama................33-22-3.595 9. Georgia Tech............22-17-0.564 10. NC State................13-11-1.540 11. LSU...................22-19-1.536 12. Texas..................25-22-2.531 13. Miami..................18-16-0.529 14. Arizona State.............12-11-1,521 15. Nebraska................24-23-0.511 16. Tennessee...............25-24-0.510 17. Wisconsin...............11-11-0.500 BY BOWL W-L BY BOWL W-L All-American Bowl 1-0 Independence Bowl 0-1 Aloha Bowl 1-0 Liberty Bowl 1-0 Bluebonnet Bowl 0-1 Oil Bowl 1-0 Carquest /Champs 2-0 Orange Bowl 3-3 Chick-fil-A/Peach 0-4 Rose Bowl 1-0 Cotton Bowl 1-1 Seattle Bowl 1-0 Florida Citrus Bowl 1-0 Silicon Valley Classic 0-1 Emerald Bowl 0-1 Sugar Bowl 4-0 Gator Bowl 3-4 Sun Bowl 1-0 Humanitarian Bowl 1-1 BY CITY, STATE W-L BY CITY, STATE W-L Atlanta, Ga. 0-4 Miami/Miami Gardens 4-3 Birmingham, Ala. 1-0 New Orleans, La. 4-0 Boise, Idaho 1-1 Orlando, Fla. 2-0 Dallas, Texas 1-1 Pasadena, Cal. 1-0 El Paso, Texas 1-0 San Francisco, Cal. 0-1 Honolulu, Hawaii 1-0 San Jose, Cal. 0-1 Houston, Texas 1-1 Seattle, Wash. 1-0 Jacksonville, Fla. 3-4 Shreveport, La. 0-1 Memphis, Tenn. 1-0 BY OPPONENT W-L BY OPPONENT W-L Air Force 0-1 Nebraska 1-0 Arkansas 1-1 Notre Dame 1-0 Baylor 1-0 Penn State 0-1 California 1-0 Pittsburgh 2-0 Florida 0-1 Purdue 0-1 Fresno State 0-2 Saint Mary s 1-0 Iowa 0-1 Stanford 2-0 Iowa State 1-0 Syracuse 1-0 Kansas 1-0 Texas 0-1 LSU 0-2 Texas Tech 2-0 Miami 0-1 Tulsa 2-1 Michigan State 1-0 Utah 0-1 Mississippi 1-1 West Virginia 2-1 Missouri 1-1 BY CONFERENCE W-L BY CONFERENCE W-L ACC 0-1 Independent 2-0 Big East 5-1 Mountain West 0-2 Big Ten 1-3 PAC 10 3-0 Big 12 7-2 SEC 2-5 Conference USA 2-1 WAC 0-1 BY DATE W-L BY DATE W-L December 18 1-0 December 29 2-2 December 19 1-0 December 30 0-2 December 21 1-0 December 31 1-3 December 22 0-1 January 1 11-4 December 25 1-1 January 2 2-2 December 27 1-1 January 4 1-0 January 5 0-1
TECH-UTAH STATISTICAL COMPARISON Georgia Tech ranks third nationally in rushing offense (316.8). Meanwhile, Utah ranks seventh nationally in rushing defense (97.0). The Yellow Jackets rank 19th nationally in scoring offense (34.9), while the Utes rank 18th nationally in scoring defense (19.7). Utah s John White ranks 11th nationally in rushing (117.0 ypg). Georgia Tech has allowed a 100-yard rusher five times this season. STATISTICAL COMPARISON Category Georgia Tech Utah Record........................8-4..........7-5 Rushing Offense............316.83 (3)....137.08 (82) Passing Offense...........142.75 (112)....171.58 (99) Total Offense..............459.58 (17)...308.67 (110) Scoring Offense.............34.92 (19).....24.58 (78) Rushing Defense..........162.92 (T-70)......97.00 (7) Pass Efficiency Defense.......124.55 (46)....114.70 (23) Total Defense..............361.17 (45)....342.75 (29) Scoring Defense.............25.75 (60).....19.67 (18) Net Punting................36.86 (55).....39.19 (15) Punt Returns................8.00 (63)......8.29 (59) Kickoff Returns.............19.28 (109).....21.87 (56) Turnover Margin............+.17 (T-42)......+.83 (14) Pass Defense..............198.25 (30)....245.75 (89) Passing Efficiency...........152.55 (19)....126.09 (70) Sacks.....................1.67 (79)......2.50 (25) Tackles for Loss..............4.58 (99)......5.83 (54) Sacks Allowed...............1.08 (17)......2.58 (95) (2011 NCAA ranking in parenthesis) TECH-UTAH SERIES HISTORY Utah leads the all-time series, 1-0. The Utes won the only previous meeting, 38-10, in the Emerald Bowl on Dec. 29, 2005. Utah s Travis La- Tendresse caught 16 passes for 214 yards, Brett Ratliff passed for 381 yards and the Utes rolled up 550 yards of total offense in San Francisco. Georgia Tech is 6-9 all-time against teams in the Pac-12. Tech s last meeting with a Pac-12 team was the loss to Utah in the 2005 Emerald Bowl, although the Utes were not yet league members. The last time the Jackets played a team that was a Pac-12 member at the time was a win over Stanford in the 2001 Seattle Bowl. TECH vs. THE PAC 12 Tech is 3-0 vs. Pac-12 Arizona 0-2 teams in bowl play, 3-1 if you Arizona State 0-0 count the loss to Utah in California 3-4 2005. The Jackets also beat Colorado 0-0 Oregon 0-0 Stanford in the 1991 Aloha Oregon State 0-0 Bowl and Tech beat Cal in the Southern Cal 1-2 Jan. 1, 1929 Rose Bowl. Stanford 2-0 Utah coach Kyle Whittingham was in his first full UCLA 0-0 Utah 0-1 season as head coach of the Washington 0-0 Washington State 0-0 Utes when they beat Georgia TOTAL 6-9 Tech in 2005. Georgia Tech s Paul Johnson has never coached against Utah. The Yellow Jackets are 1-2 all-time against teams from Utah, including a 1-1 mark vs. BYU and an 0-1 record against the Utes. Georgia Tech is scheduled to host BYU next season and will travel to Provo in 2013. The other newest member of the Pac-12, Colorado, shared the 1990 national championship with Tech. YELLOW JACKET-UTE CONNECTIONS Georgia Tech has no players on its roster from Utah, and the Utes have no players from Georgia. Both teams have wide receivers from Houston -- Georgia Tech senior Tyler Melton and Utah junior Josh Gordon. Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow is familiar with the ACC, having served as the offensive coordinator at NC State in 2000. State beat Tech, 30-23 in overtime, in 2000. Utah assistant coach Dave Schramm was an assistant coach at Montana in 2003 and 2004 when current Tech associate athletic director Wayne Hogan was serving as athletic director for the Grizzlies. MISCELLANEOUS SUN BOWL NOTES Georgia Tech will play in the state of Texas for the first time since a 31-27 loss at Baylor on Nov. 7, 1992. Yellow Jacket co-offensive line coach Todd Spencer was an assistant coach at UTEP in 1989. Yellow Jacket recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach Andy McCollum coached linebackers and special steams at UTEP from 1989-92. Georgia Tech has two players on its roster from Texas -- senior WR Tyler Melton (Houston) and sophomore WR Jeremy Moore (Austin). Both Georgia Tech and Utah are making their second appearance in the Sun Bowl. Tech last played in 1970, a win over Texas Tech. Utah last played in 1939 (the 1938 season). Georgia Tech s Paul Johnson has coached in El Paso previously. As an assistant coach at Hawaii from 1987-94, the Warriors played UTEP every season as both were members of the WAC. CBS Sports will broadcast the game for the 44th consecutive year, which is the longest running partnership between a network and a bowl game. ON THIS DATE IN TECH HISTORY Georgia Tech is 1-3 all-time when playing on New Year s Eve... the Yellow Jackets have lost three straight on Dec. 31st, with their only win coming in 1985 when Tech beat Michigan State 17-14 in the All-American Bowl. DECEMBER 31st IN TECH HISTORY Year Result Opponent 2008 nl 3-38 LSU (Chick-fil-A Bowl) 2007 nl 28-40 Fresno State (Humanitarian Bowl) 2002 nl 21-30 Fresno State (Silicon Valley Classic) 1985 nw 17-14 Michigan State (All-American Bowl) SENIORS TO PLAY FINAL GAME Georgia Tech s 11-man senior class will play its final game in a Yellow Jacket uniform. Those seniors have accomplished a great deal over the last four seasons: Over the last four years combined, Georgia Tech has won 34 games (8.5 wins per year). The Yellow Jackets won the ACC championship outright in 2009 for the first time since 1990. Tech played in its first BCS bowl game. Tech s seniors will play in their fourth consecutive bowl game. The Jackets have defeated eight nationally-ranked teams including two ranked in the top 10. Tech was 20-5 at home over the last four years. In 2010, Tech became the first team in school history to lead the nation in rushing offense. Over the last four years, Tech has defeated every team in the ACC at least once. 2011 Senior Class Chandler Anderson, K/P....Came to Tech as a walk-on Roddy Jones, AB.........One of Tech s all-time favorites Preston Lyons, BB........Atlanta native, Colgate transfer Tyler Melton, WR.........Four-year starter Embry Peeples, AB........Speedster played as true freshman Jason Peters, DE.........Baton Rouge native a solid DE Michael Peterson, DB......Valuable reserve for four years Ty Rawlings, K...........Georgia Military transfer Rashaad Reid, DB........Will play in 53rd career game Steven Sylvester, LB.......Co-captain as a senior Logan Walls, DT.........Three-year starter in the middle JACKETS HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY GOOD Since 2008, when Paul Johnson took over at Georgia Tech, only Virginia Tech has won more ACC games: Last 4 Seasons Combined (2008-2011) Rk. School................ACC....Overall 1. Virginia Tech............26-6......42-12 2. Georgia Tech..........21-11......34-18 3. Clemson..............20-12......32-21 Last 6 Seasons Combined (2006-2011) Rk. School................ACC....Overall 1. Virginia Tech............39-9......63-18 2. Georgia Tech..........32-16......50-30 3. Clemson..............30-18......49-30 TECH IN THE ACC, NCAA STATS TEAM Pct/# ACC NCAA Rushing Offense...........316.83 1 3 Passing Offense...........142.75 12 112 Total Offense.............459.58 1 17 Scoring Offense............34.92 1 19 Rushing Defense...........162.92 8 T-70 Pass Defense.............198.25 3 30 Total Defense.............361.17 7 45 Scoring Defense............25.75 8 60 Net Punting...............36.86 6 55 Punt Returns...............8.00 6 63 Kickoff Returns.............19.28 12 109 Turnover Margin............+.17 5 T-42 Fumbles Recovered.............7 T-7 T-92 Passes Intercepted............13 T-3 T-32 Fumbles Lost................10 T-7 T-52 Passes Had Intercepted..........8 T-1 T-23 Turnovers Gained.............20 T-6 T-64 Turnovers Lost...............18 4 T-28 Passing Efficiency..........152.55 3 19 Pass Efficiency Defense......124.55 7 46 Fewest Penalties.............4.5 4 T-12 Fewest Yards Penalized........37.5 4 13 Punt Return Yardage Def........3.7 -- 6 Kickoff Return Yardage Def......20.9 -- 50 Sacks....................1.67 8 T-79 Tackles for Loss.............4.58 10 T-99 Sacks Allowed..............1.08 1 17 Tackles for Loss Allowed........4.5 -- 18 3rd-Down Conversion Pct......54.88 1 1 4th-Down Conversion Pct......52.63 4 T-55 3rd-Down Defense..........43.83 11 92 4th-Down Defense..........63.64 11 T-106 Time of Possession..........31:45 2 26 First Downs................20.5 4 55 Opponent First Downs........18.75 5 T-36 Opponent Penalty Yards.......27.8 12 -- Field Goal Percentage.........69.2 6 -- Red Zone Offense............89.0 1 T-12 Red Zone Defense...........81.0 5 T-53 PAT Kicking...............100.0 T-1 -- INDIVIDUAL Pct/# ACC NCAA Jeremiah Attaochu, So., LB Sacks....................0.60 4 T-43 Tackles For Loss.............0.85 14 -- Julian Burnett, Jr., LB Tackles...................9.42 5 T-32 Tackles For Loss.............0.79 T-17 -- Stephen Hill, Jr., WR Receiving..................65.4 8 72 Isaiah Johnson, So., S Interceptions...............0.25 T-6 T-65 Justin Moore, So., K Scoring...................6.67 7 T-90 PAT Pct...................100.0 T-1 -- Field Goal Pct...............69.2 6 -- Sean Poole, So., P Punting...................38.7 8 -- Orwin Smith, Jr., AB Scoring...................6.55 8 T-93 All Purpose...............115.82 7 65 Rod Sweeting, Jr., CB Passes Defended............1.00 4 -- Interceptions...............0.25 T-6 T-65 Jemea Thomas, r-so., S Interceptions...............0.25 T-6 T-65 Tevin Washington, Jr., QB Rushing..................74.17 6 65 Scoring...................7.00 T-5 T-79 Total Offense.............200.42 9 69 2011 GAMES MISSED BECAUSE OF INJURY B.J. Bostic...............................12 Fred Holton, S.............................12 Jimmie Kitchen, DL.........................12 Morgan Bailey, OL...........................7 Lance Richardson, DB........................7 Tyler Morgan, LS............................4 J.C. Lanier, OL.............................3 Jeremiah Attaochu, LB........................2 Daniel Drummond, LB........................1 Jay Finch, C...............................1 Jeff Greene, WR............................1 Preston Lyons, BB...........................1 Orwin Smith, AB............................1 Brandon Watts, LB..........................1
YOUNG WILL NOT PLAY IN SUN BOWL Sophomore cornerback Louis Young, who has started every game this season, will not play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl for disciplinary reasons. MODEL OF CONSISTENCY Tech will play in a bowl game for the 15th consecutive season. That ranks as the fourth-longest active streak among FBS schools. Tech has finished.500 or better in league play for an ACC-record 17 consecutive seasons. That s the longest current streak in the nation. Florida s streak of 24 straight seasons came to an end this season. CURRENT CONSECUTIVE BOWL GAME APPEARANCES 30 Florida State 1982-present 21 Florida 1991-present 19 Virginia Tech 1993-present 15 Georgia Tech 1997-present 15 Georgia 1997-present Includes 2011 CONSECUTIVE NON-LOSING SEASONS IN CONFERENCE PLAY No. Team Conference Since 17 Georgia Tech ACC 1995 16 a-southern Miss C-USA 1996 13 Boise State WAC/Big West 1999 13 Clemson ACC 1999 12 Oklahoma Big 12 1999 10 USC Pac-10 2001 a - was an independent prior to 1996 JONES, REID APPROACHING MILESTONES Senior A-back Roddy Jones made his 51st career start Nov. 26 against Georgia, breaking the all-time Georgia Tech record. Senior defensive back Rashaad Reid will play in his 53rd career game in the bowl game, which will tie the Tech career record for games played. Career Games Started 51, Roddy Jones.................RB.......2008-11 50, Recardo Wimbush..............LB.......1999-02 49, Reggie Ball...................QB.......2003-06 48, Andrew Gardner...............OT.......2005-08 Career Games Played 53, Scott Blair.....................K.......2007-10 52, Rashaad Reid................DB.......2008-11 52, Mario Butler..................CB.......2007-10 52, Darryl Richard.................DT....2004, 06-08 51, Roddy Jones.................RB.......2008-11 51, Steven Sylvester..............LB.......2008-11 UZZI NAMED 1ST TEAM ALL-ACC; BURNETT 2ND TEAM; ATTAOCHU, SWEETING HM Georgia Tech junior guard Omoregie Uzzi was named first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and junior linebacker Julian Burnett earned second team honors. Uzzi earned All-ACC honors for the second straight year. He was a second-team selection in 2010. Uzzi is part of a Yellow Jacket offense that leads the ACC in rushing offense, total offense and scoring offense. Tech, which ranks third nationally in rushing, also either leads the league or is tied for the lead in fewest sacks allowed, third-down percentage and red-zone offense. Burnett, who earns all-conference honors for the first time, ranks fifth in the ACC in tackles (113). Burnett, who THE ENEMY CAMP A look at Georgia Tech s 2011 opponents has 44 more tackles than any other Tech player, leads the team in tackles for loss (9.5), and he has forced and recovered fumbles. Georgia Tech has placed an offensive lineman on the All-ACC first team for five consecutive seasons (Andrew Gardner, 2007; Gardner, 2008; Sean Bedford and Cord Howard, 2009; Bedford, 2010; Uzzi, 2011). Since Tech's first All-ACC selection in 1982, a Jacket offensive lineman has earned first-team honors 17 times -- more than any other position. Burnett is the first Yellow Jacket linebacker to earn All- ACC honors since Philip Wheeler was named second team in 2007. Brad Jefferson was an honorable mention linebacker in 2009. Tech has placed at least one player on the All-ACC first team every year since 1996. Yellow Jacket sophomore Jeremiah Attaochu and junior cornerback Rod Sweeting were named honorable mention All-ACC. ON THE DEFENSIVE Defensively, Tech improved its national ranking, compared to last year, in every statistical category. Georgia Tech has more interceptions this season (13) than it had all of last season (8). Oct. 29 against sixth-ranked Clemson, Tech held the Tigers to 95 yards rushing, three first-half points and forced four turnovers. At Miami (Oct. 22), Tech held the Hurricanes to just three second-half points. Miami scored 24 points in the game, but seven of those came on a fumble recovery in the end zone. At Virginia, Tech held its opponent scoreless in the second half for the second time this season (also vs. Western Carolina). Last season the Jackets did not hold any opponent scoreless in any half. Maryland entered the fourth quarter with just three points against Tech. Tech has allowed just 44 third-quarter points. Category 2011 2010 2009 Rushing Defense 162.92 (70) 169.7 (78) 151.6 (68) Pass Defense 198.25 (30) 201.9 (34) 208.6 (47) Pass Efficiency Defense 124.55 (46) 129.1 (63) 136.3 (88) Total Defense 361.17 (45) 371.6 (64) 360.3 (54) (national ranking) NOTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS Georgia Tech s special teams have been understandably scrutinized this season. Two Tech field goals have been blocked (one returned for a touchdown), a fumbled punt return resulted in a Miami TD, kickoffs have been returned from deep in the end zone and there have been two punts of less than 20 yards. But, special teams have had their positive moments as well: The Yellow Jackets rank sixth nationally in punt return defense (3.7 ypa). Tech has blocked or deflected four punts or field goal attempts. Sophomore Justin Moore has converted all 53 PATs. With one more PAT, he will break Tech s single-season record. Freshman Tony Zenon s 79-yard kick return against Maryland set up a key Yellow Jacket touchdown. Opponent (Date vs. GT) W-L AP USA Last Game Bowl Game Western Carolina (9/1) 1-10 -- -- L, 45-21 vs. Coastal Carolina None Middle Tennessee State (9/10) 2-10 -- -- L, 7-59 at North Texas None Kansas (9/17) 2-10 -- -- L, 10-24 vs. Missouri None North Carolina (9/24) 7-5 -- -- W, 37-21 vs. Duke Independence Bowl NC State (10/1) 7-5 -- -- W, 56-41 vs. Maryland Belk Bowl Maryland (10/8) 2-10 -- -- L, 41-56 at NC State None Virginia (10/15) 8-4 rv rv W, 14-13 at Florida State Chick-fil-A Bowl Miami (10/22) 6-6 -- -- L, 17-24 vs. Boston College None Clemson (10/29) 10-3 14 14 W, 38-10 vs. Virginia Tech Discover Orange Bowl Virginia Tech (11/10) 11-2 17 11 L, 10-38 vs. Clemson Allstate Sugar Bowl Duke (11/19) 3-9 -- -- L, 21-37 at North Carolina None Georgia (11/26) 10-3 18 18 L, 10-42 vs. LSU Outback Bowl Utah (12/31) 7-5 -- -- L, 14-17 vs. Colorado Hyundai Sun Bowl Opponent Total 75-79 TECH IN THE NATIONAL POLLS Associated Press.......................RV USA Today Coaches.....................RV Harris Poll.............................. CBS................................... Sagarin Ratings.......................... Associated Press 1. LSU (60) 13-0 2. Alabama 11-1 3. Oklahoma St. 11-1 4. Stanford 11-1 5. USC 10-2 6. Oregon 11-2 7. Arkansas 10-2 8. Boise State 11-1 9. Wisconsin 11-2 10. South Carolina 10-2 11. Kansas State 10-2 12. Michigan State 10-3 13. Michigan 10-2 14. Clemson 10-3 15. Baylor 9-3 16. TCU 10-2 17. Virginia Tech 11-2 18. Georgia 10-3 19. Oklahoma 9-3 20. Houston 12-1 21. Nebraska 9-3 22. Southern Miss 11-2 23. West Virginia 9-3 24. Penn State 8-4 25. Florida State 8-4 Receiving Votes: Notre Dame 23, Cincinnati 22, Arkansas State 18, BYU 12, Georgia Tech 7, Northern Illinois 7, Missouri 5, Virginia 5, Tulsa 2, Louisville 1 WEEK-BY-WEEK IN THE POLLS AP USA BCS Preseason.......NR........RV September 6.....RV........RV September 11....RV........RV September 18.....25.........24 September 25.....21.........21 October 2........13.........13 October 9........12.........12 October 16.......20.........19.........22 October 23.......RV........RV October 30th.....22.........23.........23 November 6......20.........19.........21 November 13.....RV.........23 November 20.....25.........21.........23 November 27.....RV........RV December 4......RV........RV TECH IN THE AP POLL Last time ranked in the top 25....Nov. 20, 2011 Last time ranked in the top 10.....Dec. 6, 2009 All-time weeks ranked in AP poll.........293 All-time weeks ranked in top 10..........143 All-time weeks ranked in top 5............58 Highest AP ranking all-time......2nd (13 times) vs. AP top 25 all-time...............87-156-6 vs. ACC.........................26-38 at home.......................47-72-4 on road........................24-74-2 neutral sites......................16-10 under Paul Johnson...................7-6 THE VOTERS TAKE ON TECH USA Today Coaches Poll 1. LSU (59) 13-0 2. Alabama 11-1 3. Oklahoma St. 11-1 4. Stanford 11-1 5. Oregon 11-2 6. Boise State 11-1 7. Arkansas 10-2 8. Wisconsin 11-2 9. South Carolina 10-2 10. Kansas State 10-2 11. Virginia Tech 11-2 12. Michigan 10-2 13. Michigan State 10-3 14. Clemson 10-3 15. TCU 10-2 16. Baylor 9-3 17. Houston 12-1 18. Georgia 10-3 19. Oklahoma 9-3 20. Nebraska 9-3 21. Southern Miss 11-2 22. West Virginia 9-3 23. Penn State 9-3 24. Cincinnati 9-3 25. Florida State 8-4 Receiving Votes: BYU 20, Northern Illinois 14, Missouri 11, Georgia Tech 10, Arkansas State 9, Notre Dame 9, Virginia 5, Louisiana Tech 2, Rutgers 1, Texas 1 Where random Associated Press poll voters placed the Yellow Jackets this week: Josh Kendall, The State (Columbia, S.C.)......22nd Chad Cripe, Idaho Statesman..............24th John Clay, Lexington Herald-Leader..........25th
THREE YARDS AND A CLOUD OF DUST? The Yellow Jackets have produced 73 plays of at least 20 yards. Tech had 13 plays of at least 20 yards vs. Kansas. Georgia Tech has produced 22 offensive plays of 40 yards or more. Georgia Tech has four pass plays of 70-plus yards this season. Last year Tech had just one pass play of at least 70 yards. The Yellow Jackets also have two rushing plays of 70-plus yards, for a total of six scrimmage plays that have gone that distance. Last season Tech had just three plays of 70 yards or longer. Thirteen different players have produced a play of 20 yards or more. Orwin Smith s 95-yard touchdown run on Tech s first offensive play from scrimmage against Kansas was the longest rushing attempt in Tech history. It was also the fourth-longest rush in the FBS in 2011. The Jackets have scored 15 touchdowns on plays of 20 yards or longer and they have scored 10 touchdowns on plays of 50 yards or longer. Tech has eight one-play touchdown drives. The Yellow Jackets had zero one-play drives last season. The Jackets have 27 touchdown drives of less than three minutes. Ten TD drives have been less than one minute. TECH CAN SUSTAIN LONG DRIVES AS WELL Tech has produced seven touchdowns drives of 90 yards or more -- more than any team nationally. Eighteen Yellow Jacket touchdown drives have been of at least 80 yards. Tech has produced seven touchdown drives lasting longer than seven minutes and four TD drives of at least nine minutes. Oct. 22 at Miami, Tech had a 20-play, 92-yard touchdown drive that lasted 9:15. At Middle Tennessee State, Tech had TD drives of 17 plays, 98 yards, 9 minutes, 25 seconds, and 16 plays, 73 yards, 9 minutes and 41 seconds. Most 90-Yard Scoring Drives (FBS) 7 Georgia Tech 95, 98, 90, 95, 92, 94, 91 6 Alabama 98, 94, 92, 92, 92, 90 5 Texas Tech 91, 95, 92, 92, 91 5 Utah State 91, 90, 99, 99, 94 5 Southern Miss 94, 95, 96, 98, 99 5 California 92, 91, 91, 91, 96 5 BYU 99, 97, 96, 91, 90 5 Virginia Tech 97, 96, 90, 95, 96 5 Middle Tennessee 95, 95, 94, 98, 96 5 Louisiana Tech 92, 91, 91, 91, 96 Tech s 90-Yard Touchdown Drives 98 Middle Tennessee State A Sept. 10, 2011 95 Kansas H Sept. 17, 2011 95 Western Carolina H (th) Sept. 1, 2011 94 Duke A Nov. 19, 2011 92 Miami A Oct. 22, 2011 91 Duke A Nov. 19, 2011 90 Middle Tennessee State A Sept. 10, 2011 Longest Tech Scoring Drives (Plays)/Last 30 Years 20 Miami A Oct. 22, 2011 20 (fg) North Carolina A Sept. 18, 2010 20 North Carolina A Nov. 11, 2006 19 Virginia A Oct. 15, 2011 Longest Tech Scoring Drives (Time)/Last 30 Years 10:47 Virginia A Oct. 24, 2009 10:32 (fg) North Carolina A Sept. 18, 2010 10:30 North Carolina A Nov. 11, 2006 9:41 Middle Tennessee State A Sept. 10, 2011 9:31 Virginia A Oct. 15, 2011 9:27 Florida State H Oct. 24, 1998 9:25 Middle Tennessee State A Sept. 10, 2011 9:15 Miami A Oct. 22, 2011 BALANCED ATTACK Unlike previous seasons when the Georgia Tech offense leaned on Calvin Johnson (2006), Tashard Choice (2007), Jonathan Dwyer (2008, 2009) and Anthony Allen (2010), this year s offense is more balanced: Three players -- Tevin Washington (74.2), David Sims (58.2) and Orwin Smith (56.0) -- average at least 56 yards rushing per game. Eleven different offensive players have scored at least one offensive touchdown and six different players have at least three TDs. Thirteen different players have had at least one 20- yard offensive play (rushing or receiving). LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD Georgia Tech ranks first in the ACC and 19th nationally in scoring (34.9 points per game). The Yellow Jackets scoring average is their highest since 1999. Georgia Tech has scored in 37 of 48 quarters. Eleven different players have scored at least one touchdown -- five A-backs, three B-backs, two quarterbacks and one wide receiver. Tech is 47-of-53 (89%) scoring inside the red zone, ranking first in the ACC and tied for 12th nationally in redzone offense. Tech was just the second team in ACC history to score more than 200 points through its first four games. The Jackets are outscoring opponents 115-55 in the first quarter and 104-44 in the third quarter. Tech has scored in the second quarter of every game. Georgia Tech scored on its first possession in each of the first six games of the season (5 touchdowns, 1 field goal). The Yellow Jackets, in fact, scored on their first offensive play in each of the first three games. Tech s First Play of the Game vs. W. Carolina O. Smith 5-yard run Touchdown at MTSU Zenon 73-yard catch Touchdown vs. Kansas O. Smith 95-yard run Touchdown Tech s First Possession vs. W. Carolina Touchdown at MTSU Touchdown vs. Kansas Touchdown vs. N. Carolina Field Goal at NC State Touchdown vs. Maryland Touchdown vs. Virginia Tech Touchdown TECH COULD HAVE FOUR 1,000-YARD RUSHERS There are three career 1,000-yard rushers on the Yellow Jacket roster -- senior Roddy Jones (1,826), junior quarterback Tevin Washington (1,444) and junior Orwin Smith (1,158). There could be a fourth. Senior Embry Peeples enters the bowl game with 976 career yards. TECH OPPONENTS RARELY GET FLAGGED... Georgia Tech s opponents have been called for just 50 penalties for an average of 27.8 yards per game. The Jackets rank last in the ACC in opponent penalties. Three times this season -- vs. Kansas, Maryland and Miami -- Tech s opponents were called for just one penalty for five yards. Kansas only penalty -- a delay of game -- was taken intentionally... AND TECH IS LIGHT ON PENALTIES, TOO Georgia Tech ranks 12th nationally in fewest penalties (4.5 per game). The Yellow Jackets rank 13th nationally in fewest penalty yards per game (37.5). THE CLOSER: JEMEA THOMAS Jemea Thomas has three interceptions over the last four games -- the first three INTs of his career -- but more importantly, he almost single-handedly secured Georgia Tech s last two victories. Nov. 19 at Duke, the Blue Devils were driving late in the fourth quarter for a potential game-tying touchdown when Thomas intercepted a Sean Renfree pass. Oct. 29 in the win over sixth-ranked Clemson, Thomas recorded two fourth-quarter interceptions. His performance vs. Clemson -- his first career start -- earned him ACC Defensive Back of the Week honors. Thomas was the first Yellow Jacket with two interceptions in a game since Jerrard Tarrant had two picks against Middle Tennessee State on Oct. 16, 2010. Thomas also took over as Tech s punt returner in late October. He has two punt returns for 21 yards. TECH BY THE NUMBERS 1 1 1 3 3 3 4 6-2 7 7 7 8 9 10 10 11 13 12-3 12.1 Junior Stephen Hill leads the nation in yards per reception (30.2). Kicker Justin Moore needs to make one more PAT to break the Tech single-season record. Georgia Tech leads the nation in third-down percentage (54.9 percent). Tech ranks third nationally in rushing offense (316.8 ypg). Times the Yellow Jackets have scored on their first offensive play of the game. Times junior QB Tevin Washington has rushed and passed for more than 100 yards in a game. Georgia Tech has played four nationally-ranked opponents, three ranked 13th or higher. Paul Johnson is 6-2 at Tech when playing nationally-ranked teams at home. Touchdown drives of 90 yards or longer for Tech this season. Tech has scored on its first possession in seven games this season (6 TDs, 1 FG). Consecutive years Tech has been ranked at least one week in the AP top 25. Tech has produced eight one-play touchdown drives. Tech has produced nine offensive plays of 60 yards or longer. True freshmen have seen action in 2011. Just 10 scholarship seniors on the roster. The Yellow Jackets rank in the top 20 nationally in 11 different statistical categories. The Yellow Jackets have recorded 13 interceptions, five more than they had in all of 2010. Georgia Tech broke an NCAA record with an average of 12.1 yards per rushing attempt vs. Kansas. 15 17 17 20 24 26-4 29-2 38 Paul Johnson is 12-3 at Georgia Tech in games decided by five points or less. Consecutive years the Yellow Jackets will play in a bowl game. Consecutive years the Yellow Jackets have finished.500 or better in ACC play. True freshman wide receiver Darren Waller s shoe size the largest on the team. Tech has produced 20 touchdown drives of five plays or less. Rushing yards needed by senior Embry Peeples to reach 1,000 career yards. Georgia Tech s record under Paul Johnson when leading at halftime. Georgia Tech s record under Paul Johnson when leading after three quarters. Players in Tech history have rushed for 1,000 career yards, including current Yellow Jackets Roddy Jones, Orwin Smith and Tevin Washington. 45 51 56 73 170 183 Years ago, in 1966, was the last time Georgia Tech started 6-0 like it did this season. Career games started by senior A-back Roddy Jones, the most in Tech history. Touchdowns Tech has scored on its 141 possessions. Tech has produced 73 offensive plays of 20 yards or longer. Straight games without returning a kickoff for a TD (last: 10/31/98 at Maryland). Consecutive games without being shutout (last: 10/18/97 vs. Florida State).
WASHINGTON A PRODUCTIVE DUAL-THREAT QB Junior quarterback Tevin Washington is enjoying one of the most productive seasons ever by a Tech QB: Washington s 321 yards of total offense at Duke Nov. 19 were the most by a Yellow Jacket since Oct. 6, 2005 when Reggie Ball had 367 yards vs. NC State. Against Duke, he rushed and passed for more than 100 yards for the third time in his career. His 176 yards rushing against Clemson were the most ever by a Yellow Jacket quarterback. His pass efficiency (153.5) ranks second in Tech history. WASHINGTON S 100-YARD RUSHING/PASSING GAMES Date Opponent Site Rush Pass Nov. 19, 2011 Duke A 136 185 Oct. 8, 2011 Maryland H 120 114 Nov. 13, 2010 Maryland H 122 101 WASHINGTON IN 2011 Category 2011 Rank in Tech History Rushing Yards by a QB.......890..........2nd Rushing Touchdowns by a QB..14..........2nd Pass Efficiency............153.5.........2nd Rushing Touchdowns........14..........t-3rd TDs Responsible For.........24..........4th Touchdowns...............14..........t-5th Total Offense.............2,405.........10th Points Scored..............84.........t-10th Rushing Attempts..........222.........13th Rushing Yards.............890.........20th WASHINGTON S CAREER TOTALS Category Career Rank in Tech History Pass Efficiency............137.4.........3rd Rushing Touchdowns by a QB..18..........t-3rd Rushing Yards by a QB......1,444.........4th TDs Responsible For.........30..........12th Total Offense.............3,397.........13th Rushing Touchdowns........18.........t-13th Touchdowns...............18.........t-19th Passing Yards.............1,953.........20th Rushing Yards............1,444.........25th Whose Returning, Whose Not In 2012 MOST RUSHING YARDS BY A TECH QUARTERBACK 176 Tevin Washington vs. Clemson Oct. 29, 2011 151 Joshua Nesbitt vs. Virginia Tech Sept. 13, 2008 130 Joshua Nesbitt vs. S.C. State Sept. 4, 2010 130 Reggie Ball vs. Troy Sept. 16, 2006 MOST RUSHING YARDS BY AN ACC QUARTERBACK 220 Woodrow Dantzler (Clemson) vs. Virginia 2000 184 Woodrow Dantzler (Clemson) vs. NC State 2001 183 Woodrow Dantzler (Clemson) vs. Maryland 1999 176 Tevin Washington (Georgia Tech) vs. Clemson 1976 ACC SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING TDs BY A QUARTERBACK 1. Joshua Nesbitt Georgia Tech 2009 18 2. Larry Russell Wake Forest 1971 15 3. Tevin Washington Georgia Tech 2011 14 4. Woodrow Dantzler Clemson 2000 13 Scott Smith NC State 1979 13 ACC CAREER RUSHING TDs BY A QUARTERBACK 1. Joshua Nesbitt Georgia Tech 2007-10 35 2. Larry Russell Wake Forest 1969-71 29 3. Woodrow Dantzler Clemson 1998-01 27 4. Tyrod Taylor Virginia Tech 2007-10 23 5. Mike Dunn Duke 1975-78 22 6. Shawn Jones Georgia Tech 1989-92 19 7. Tevin Washington Georgia Tech 2009-* 18 Two players 18 ACC SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING YARDS BY A QB 1. Woodrow Dantzler Clemson 2001 1,061 2. Joshua Nesbitt Georgia Tech 2009 1,037 3. Woodrow Dantzler Clemson 2000 1,028 4. Tevin Washington Georgia Tech 2011 890 5. Larry Russell Wake Forest 1971 803 6. Joshua Nesbitt Georgia Tech 2008 693 ACC CAREER RUSHING YARDS BY A QB 1. Joshua Nesbitt Georgia Tech 2007-10 2,806 2. Woodrow Dantzler Clemson 1998-01 2,761 3. Tyrod Taylor Virginia Tech 2007-10 2,196 4. Mike Dunn Duke 1975-78 1,939 5. Larry Russell Wake Forest 1969-71 1,923 6. Joe Hamilton Georgia Tech 1996-99 1,748 7. Steve Fuller Clemson 1975-78 1,737 8. Reggie Ball Georgia Tech 2003-06 1,451 9. Tevin Washington Georgia Tech 2009-* 1,444 OFFENSE Starter Lost Starter Returning Back-Ups Returning Injured In 11 Redshirted In 11 Quarterback Tevin Washington (Jr.) Synjyn Days (So.) Vad Lee B-Back David Sims (So.) Charles Perkins (r-fr.) Richard Watson (Jr.) A-Back Roddy Jones Tony Zenon (r-fr.) B.J. Bostic (So.) Chris Milton A-Back Orwin Smith (Jr.) Robert Godhigh (So.) Broderick Snoddy Deon Hill (r-fr.) Receiver Stephen Hill (Jr.) Darren Waller (Fr.) Brandon Oliver Chris Jackson (Jr.) Receiver Tyler Melton Jeff Greene (Fr.) Daniel McKayhan (Jr.) Jeremy Moore (So.) Tackle Phil Smith (Jr.) Tyler Kidney (So.) Guard Omoregie Uzzi (Jr.) J.C. Lanier (So.) Bryan Chamberlain Center Jay Finch (So.) Nick McRae (Jr.) Guard Will Jackson (So.) Shaq Mason (Fr.) Trey Braun Tackle Ray Beno (So.) Catlin Alford (r-fr.) Errin Joe Morgan Bailey (r-fr.) Bryce Sweeney DEFENSE Starter Lost Starter Returning Back-Ups Returning Injured In 11 Redshirted In 11 End Jason Peters Emmanuel Dieke (So.) Jimmie Kitchen Anthony Williams (r-fr.) Tackle Logan Walls T.J. Barnes (Jr.) Shawn Green (r-fr.) End Izaan Cross (Jr.) Euclid Cummings (So.) Chris Crenshaw (So.) Outside LB Jeremiah Attaochu (So.) Malcolm Munroe (Jr.) Anthony Harrell Inside LB Julian Burnett (Jr.) B.J. Machen (Jr.) Chaz Cheeks Tremayne McNair (Fr.) Jabari Hunt-Days Inside LB Quayshawn Nealy (r-fr.) Daniel Drummond (So.) Morgan Carter (So.) Outside LB Steven Sylvester Brandon Watts (So.) Tyler Marcordes Kyle Travis (Fr.) Nick Menocal (Fr.) Cornerback Rod Sweeting (Jr.) Jamal Golden (Fr.) Safety Rashaad Reid Jemea Thomas (So.) Fred Holton (So.) Demond Smith Safety Isaiah Johnson (Jr.) Corey Dennis (Fr.) Lance Richardson (So.) Nick Luly Zach Laskey (Fr.) Cornerback Louis Young (So.) Domonique Noble KICKERS Starter Lost Starter Returning Back-Ups Returning Injured In 11 Redshirted In 11 Kicker Justin Moore (So.) David Scully (So.) Punter Sean Poole (So.) Snapper Sean Tobin (So.) Tyler Morgan (Jr.) 2011 HONORS Jeremiah Attaochu (So., OLB) Honorable Mention All-ACC Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Bronko Nagurski Watch List ESPN Gameday Helmet Sticker (9/24) ACC Linebacker of the Week (9/26) FWAA National Player of the Week (9/27) Julian Burnett (Jr., LB) (Team co-captain) Second Team All-ACC Second Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Preseason Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Izaan Cross (Jr., DE) Ted Hendricks Award (Watch List) Stephen Hill (Jr., WR) Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Preseason Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Biletnikoff Award Watch List ACC Receiver of the Week (9/6) Will Jackson (Jr., G) Preseason Fourth Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Isaiah Johnson (So., S) Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) ACC Defensive Back of the Week (9/26) Roddy Jones (Sr., RB) (Team co-captain) Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Candidate Justin Moore (So, PK) ACC Specialist of the Week (10/3) Charles Perkins (r-fr., RB) Preseason ACC Newcomer of the Year (Blue Ribbon) Jason Peters (Sr., DE) Preseason Second Team All-ACC (Lindy s) Preseason Fourth Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Orwin Smith (Jr., AB) Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Paul Hornung Weekly Honor Roll (9/19) Rod Sweeting (Jr., CB) Honorable Mention All-ACC Third Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) ACC Defensive Back of the Week (10/17) Steven Sylvester (Sr., LB) (Team co-captain) Preseason Fourth Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Jemea Thomas (So., DB) ACC Defensive Back of the Week (10/31) Omoregie Uzzi (Jr., G) Second Team All-American (SI.com) Third Team All-American (Rivals) First Team All-ACC First Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Preseason All-ACC Outland Trophy Watch List Preseason First Team All-ACC (Phil Steele) Preseason First Team All-ACC (Athlon) Preseason First Team All-ACC (Blue Ribbon) ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week (9/19) ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week (9/26) Third Team Midseason All-American (Phil Steele) Tevin Washington (Jr., QB) Maxwell Award Watch List Rivals ACC Player of the Week (Oct. 31) ACC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 9-6 Receiver of the Week Stephen Hill 9-19 Off. Lineman of the Week Omoregie Uzzi 9-26 Off. Lineman of the Week Omoregie Uzzi 9-26 Linebacker of the Week Jeremiah Attaochu 9-26 Defensive Back of the Week Isaiah Johnson 10-3 Specialist of the Week Justin Moore 10-17 Defensive Back of the Week Rod Sweeting 10-31 Defensive Back of the Week Jemea Thomas
STEPHEN HILL GIVES TECH BIG-PLAY THREAT When junior WR Stephen Hill s number has been called this season, he has usually responded with a big play: Hill has nine receptions of 40 yards or longer and three catches of 70 yards or longer. Four of his 26 receptions have been for touchdowns. Has three 100-yard receiving games this season and two games with 150 yards. He has more than 1,200 career receiving yards. Hill s 181 receiving yards vs. Western Carolina were the 15th-most single-game yards in Tech history. Hill averages 30.2 yards per reception, which ranks first nationally. The NCAA single-season record is 31.9 yards per catch by Tulsa s Brennan Marion in 2007. Not only does Hill lead the nation in yards per reception, he dominates the category. Only one other player -- Fresno State s Jalen Saunders (21.30 ypr) -- averages at least 20 yards per catch. Hill s career average for yards per catch is 25.8. The NCAA record is 24.4 by Fresno State s Henry Ellard in 1982. Hill, against North Carolina, made one of the great one-handed catches in college football this season: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcs-iqymqrk He made another remarkable catch vs. Clemson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfalnrblfxk NCAA Yards Per Reception 1. Stephen Hill Georgia Tech 30.19 2. Jalen Saunders Fresno State 21.30 4. Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt 19.51 3. Patrick Edwards Houston 19.29 5. Titus Davis Central Michigan 18.78 WASHINGTON-TO-HILL: A CAPITAL DUO On a team known for its rushing attack, juniors Tevin Washington and Stephen Hill have quietly developed into one of the top home run passing combinations in Georgia Tech history. Three of the 24 longest pass plays in Yellow Jacket history have been Washington to Hill, and two of those long plays (82 and 77 yards) came in the season opener against Western Carolina. To put Tech s longest pass plays into perspective, consider that Tech s greatest receiver, Calvin Johnson, is not on the list of the 24 longest pass plays. Also, Washingtonto-Hill is the only quarterback-receiver combination that is on the list three times. In fact, Joe Hamilton-to-Dez TEAM STATS UNDER PAUL JOHNSON Category 2011 2010 2009 2008 Rushing Offense 316.83 (3) 323.3 (1) 295.4 (2) 273.2 (4) Passing Offense 142.75 (112) 83.9 (119) 126.7 (115) 99.2 (116) Total Offense 459.58 (17) 407.2 (36) 442.1 (11) 372.5 (50) Scoring Offense 34.92 (19) 26.0 (71) 33.8 (11) 24.4 (74) Rushing Defense 162.92 (T-70) 169.7 (78) 151.6 (68) 120.3 (24) Pass Defense 198.25 (30) 201.9 (34) 208.6 (47) 193.2 (41) Total Defense 361.17 (45) 371.6 (64) 360.3 (54) 313.5 (25) Scoring Defense 25.75 (60) 25.2 (57) 24.8 (58) 20.3 (28) Net Punting 36.86 (55) 32.2 (114) 38.1 (43) 33.2 (93) Punt Returns 8.00 (63) 5.8 (97) 13.4 (10) 6.7 (88) Kickoff Returns 19.28 (109) 19.9 (97) 21.8 (49) 19.6 (95) Turnover Margin +.17 (T-42) -.47 (86) +.57 (25) +.15 (49) Fumbles Recovered 7 (T-91) 13 (T-21) 14 (15) 11 (38) Passes Intercepted 13 (T-32) 8 (T-99) 12 (50) 18 (15) Fumbles Lost 10 (T-52) 20 (T-119) 12 (79) 20 (118) Passes Had Intercepted 8 (T-23) 7 (T-11) 6 (11) 7 (10) Turnovers Gained 20 (T-64) 21 (T-69) 26 (29) 29 (20) Turnovers Lost 18 (T-28) 27 (T-95) 18 (28) 27 (88) Passing Efficiency 152.55 (19) 102.0 (113) 149.6 (12) 111.9 (92) Pass Efficiency Defense 124.55 (46) 129.1 (63) 136.3 (88) 117.4 (43) Fewest Penalties 4.5 (T-12) 6.2 (74) 6.0 (56) 4.9 (26) Fewest Yards Penalized 37.5 (13) 53.0 (66) 47.1 (34) 43.9 (36) Punt Return Yardage Def. 3.7 (6) 11.6 (98) 7.4 (44) 9.8 (73) Kickoff Return Yardage Def. 20.9 (50) 19.1 (11) 22.5 (83) 19.9 (40) Sacks 1.67 (79) 1.3 (T-101) 1.8 (72) 2.6 (18) Tackles for Loss 4.58 (T-99) 4.5 (T-108) 4.9 (93) 7.3 (13) Sacks Allowed 1.08 (17) 1.2 (23).86 (5) 1.46 (30) Tackles for Loss Allowed 4.5 (18) 6.0 (70) 5.1 (32) 5.6 (53) 3rd-Down Conversion Pct. 54.88 (1) 40.44 (56) 52.3 (1) 36.7 (84) 4th-Down Conversion Pct. 52.63 (T-55) 55.00 (T-47) 55.6 (41) 42.9 (74) 3rd-Down Defense 43.83 (92) 38.95 (52) 41.04 (82) 38.1 (57) 4th-Down Defense 63.64 (T-106) 47.62 (T-44) 42.86 (38) 40.0 (28) Time of Possession 31:45 (26) 31:53 (21) 33:49 (3) 30:31 (48) First Downs 20.5 (55) 20.4 (T-50) 20.5 (43) 16.5 (103) Opponent First Downs 18.75 (T-37) 19.5 (T-60) 17.2 (22) 17.2 (34) Red Zone Offense 89.0 (T-12) 76.0 (T-98) 82.0 (56) 77.0 (82) Red Zone Defense 81.0 (T-54) 76.0 (T-22) 83.0 (75) 79.0 (37) White (two times) is the only other combination listed more than once. LONGEST PASS PLAYS IN GEORGIA TECH HISTORY 96 (td) B. Shaw to Charlie Rogers UCF, 1996 90 (td) T. Peeples to Drew Hill Duke, 1978 88 (td) J. Shaw to D. Thomas Duke, 2008 87 (td) J. Nesbitt to E. Peeples Vanderbilt, 2009 87 (td) D. Gast to Greg Lester Duke, 1987 82 (td) T. Washington to S. Hill WCU, 2011 82 (td) S. Jones to K. Walker Maryland, 1991 81 (td) S. Jones to B. Rodriguez Clemson, 1989 80 (td) R. Ball to Nate Curry Syracuse, 2004 80 (td) J. Hamilton to Dez White Maryland, 1999 80 (td) J. Hamilton to D. White FSU, 1999 80 (td) G. Stroman to C.Williams Maryland, 1994 80 (td) D. Davis to D. Steagall Furman, 1993 80 (td) M. Kelley to L. Chadwick N. Dame, 1979 80 (td) K. King to John Sias TCU, 1967 79 (td) T. Washington to S.Hill Duke, 2010 79 (td) C. Booker to. Dwyer Gardner-Webb, 2008 79 R. Strom to S. Davenport Citadel, 1987 79 (td) E. Holtsinger to J. Kilzer Auburn, 1945 78 (td) S. Jones to W. Bell Chattanooga, 1990 78 (td) K. Bonifay to John Sias Duke, 1968 77 (td) T. Washington to S. Hill WCU, 2011 77 T. Luginbill to O. Cassidy UNC, 1994 77 (td) E. McAshan to J. Robinson M. State, 1972 BURNETT FITS THE PART At 5-10, 220 pounds, junior Julian Burnett may not fit the physical description of an inside linebacker in Al Groh s 3-4 defense. However, the player Paul Johnson once called a heat-seeking missile makes up for his stature with effort and speed. Burnett has 113 tackles this season -- that s 44 more than any other Yellow Jacket player. It also ranks him fifth in the ACC and 32nd nationally. He has produced double-digit tackles in a game five times this season. Burnett leads the team in tackles for loss (9.5). He has forced one fumble and has one fumble recovery. MORE EFFICIENT IN 2011 Georgia Tech ranks 19th nationally in pass efficiency (152.6). Last season the Jackets were near the bottom of the pack, ranking 113th in efficiency (102.00). TECH RECORDS BROKEN IN 2011 MOST TOTAL OFFENSE Yds Rush/Pass Opponent, Year 768 604/164 Kansas, 2011 706 NA Citadel, 1948 662 297/365 W. Carolina, 2011 627 304/323 Virginia, 2000 623 397/226 The Citadel, 1984 ACC RECORDS BROKEN IN 2011 HIGHEST AVERAGE GAIN PER PLAY 13.5 Georgia Tech vs. Kansas Sept. 17, 2011 9.9 Florida State vs. Maryland Nov. 7, 1992 MOST RUSHING YARDS 604 Georgia Tech vs. Kansas Sept. 17, 2011 HIGHEST AVERAGE PER RUSH 12.1 Georgia Tech vs. Kansas Sept. 17, 2011 TOTAL OFFENSE 858 Florida State vs. Maryland 1992 802 Maryland vs. Virginia 1975 797 Florida State vs. Duke 1995 771 Florida State vs. Clemson 2000 768 Georgia Tech vs. Kansas 2011 RUSHING YARDS/TWO TEAMS 933 Maryland vs. Virginia 1975 836 East Carolina vs. Virginia 1975 755 Georgia Tech vs. Kansas 2011 ACC CUMULATIVE STANDINGS LAST 4 SEASONS COMBINED (2008-2011) Rk. School ACC Overall 1. Virginia Tech............26-6......42-12 2. Georgia Tech..........21-11......34-18 3. Clemson..............20-12......32-21 Florida State............20-12......34-18 5. Miami................17-15......29-22 Boston College..........17-15......28-24 7. North Carolina..........15-17......31-20 NC State..............15-17......27-23 9. Wake Forest............13-19......22-27 10. Maryland..............11-21......21-29 Virginia...............11-21......20-28 12. Duke..................6-26......15-33 LAST 6 SEASONS COMBINED (2006-2011) Rk. School ACC Overall 1. Virginia Tech............39-9......63-18 2. Georgia Tech..........32-16......50-30 3. Clemson..............30-18......49-30 4. Boston College..........28-20......49-29 5. Florida State............27-21......48-30 6. Wake Forest............24-24......42-34 7. Miami................22-26......41-35 8. Virginia...............21-27......34-39 9. Maryland..............19-29......36-40 10. North Carolina..........20-28......38-37 NC State..............20-28......35-39 12. Duke..................6-42......16-56 LAST 7 SEASONS COMBINED (2005-2011) Rk. School ACC Overall 1. Virginia Tech...........46-10......74-20 2. Georgia Tech..........37-19......57-34 3. Clemson..............34-22......57-34 4. Boston College..........33-23......58-33 5. Florida State............32-24......56-35 6. Miami................28-28......50-38 7. Wake Forest............27-29......46-41 8. Virginia...............24-32......41-44 North Carolina..........24-32......43-43 10. NC State..............23-33......42-44 11. Maryland..............22-34......41-46 12. Duke..................6-50......17-66 LAST 8 SEASONS COMBINED (2004-2011) Rk. School ACC Overall 1. Virginia Tech...........53-11......84-23 2. Georgia Tech..........41-23......64-39 3. Clemson..............38-26......63-39 Florida State............38-26......65-38 5. +Boston College.........33-23......67-36 6. Miami................33-31......59-41 7. Virginia...............29-35......49-48 North Carolina..........29-35......49-50 9. Wake Forest............28-36......50-48 10. NC State..............26-38......47-50 11. Maryland..............25-39......46-52 12. Duke..................7-57......19-75 + Joined the ACC in 2005 LAST 13 SEASONS COMBINED (1999-2011) Rk. School ACC Overall 1. ^Virginia Tech..........53-11.....131-38 2. Florida State............75-30.....116-52 3. Georgia Tech..........64-40.....103-63 4. Clemson..............62-42.....101-63 5. +Boston College.........33-23.....107-58 6. ^Miami...............33-31.....114-49 7. Virginia...............52-52......84-76 8. Maryland..............49-55......87-72 9. NC State..............46-58......87-73 10. Wake Forest............41-63......77-80 North Carolina..........41-63......71-86 12. Duke.................12-92.....28-123 + Joined the ACC in 2005 ^ Joined the ACC in 2004 TECH vs. THE ACC DIVISIONS 05 06 07 08 09 10 '11 Total vs. Coastal 3-2 5-0 3-2 2-3 4-1 3-2 2-3 22-13 Home 1-0 3-0 1-1 2-1 2-0 2-1 1-1 12-4 Away 2-2 2-0 2-1 0-2 2-1 1-1 1-2 10-9 vs. Atlantic 2-1 2-2 1-2 3-0 4-0 1-2 3-0 16-7 Home 2-1 1-0 1-1 1-0 2-0 0-1 2-0 9-3 Away 0-0 1-1 0-1 2-0 1-0 1-1 1-0 6-3 Neutral 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-0 1-1 TOTAL 5-3 *7-2 4-4 5-3 *8-1 4-4 5-3 38-20 *Includes 2006 and 2009 ACC Championship Games
ORWIN SMITH: MR. VERSATILITY Junior A-back Orwin Smith has been highly productive this fall as a runner, receiver and kick returner: Smith averages 10.3 yards per rushing attempt. He has scored a touchdown every 5.45 carries -- 11 touchdowns, 60 carries. Smith averages 23.5 yards per reception. His 12 touchdowns (11 rushing, 1 receiving) rank tied for second in the ACC. Smith rushed for three touchdowns at NC State. Smith has more than 1,100 career rushing yards, 1,300 kickoff return yards and 3,000 all-purpose yards. He has more than 1,200 all-purpose yards this season alone. Smith s 95-yard run on Tech s first play of the game against Kansas was the longest run from scrimmage in Georgia Tech history. Against Kansas, Smith rushed for 157 yards and a touchdown, and had 108 yards receiving and a TD. He became the first player in Tech history to have more than 100 rushing and receiving yards in the same game. He was the first ACC player to have 100 or more yards in rushing and receiving in the same game since Mikell Simpson of Virginia vs. Maryland on Oct. 20, 2007. He was the first ACC player with 100-plus yards and a touchdown in both receiving and rushing in the same game since Thomas Jones of Virginia vs. Buffalo on Nov. 13, 1999. Smith owns three of the 19 longest rushing attempts in Tech history. GEORGIA TECH S LONGEST RUSHING ATTEMPTS 95 (td) Orwin Smith Kansas, 2011 88 (td) Jonathan Dwyer Mississippi State, 2008 87 (td) Bob McCoy Citadel, 1948 86 (td) Gerry Bussell Georgia, 1962 85 (td) #Jonathan Dwyer North Carolina, 2008 85 (td) Morris Harrison Citadel, 1947 83 (td) Robert Lavette Navy, 1981 82 (td) Anthony Allen Clemson, 2009 82 (td) Buck Flowers Georgetown, 1920 80 (td) Eddie Lee Ivery Air Force, 1978 79 (td) Jerry Mays NC State, 1986 77 (td) Orwin Smith Western Carolina, 2011 77 (td) Bill Teas LSU, 1954 75 (td) Jimy Lincoln Furman, 1993 74 (td) Jonathan Dwyer Jacksonville State, 2009 73 (td) Orwin Smith North Carolina, 2010 73 (td) Tashard Choice Samford, 2007 73 Nate Kelsey Virginia, 1986 73 (td) Eddie Lee Ivery Air Force, 1978 IT S JUST: GEORGIA TECH It is incorrect to call it Georgia Tech University. Officially, it s The Georgia Institute of Technology. But just call us Georgia Tech. MOST WINS IN A 4-YEAR SPAN 4-Year Span W-L-T 1951-1954 40-5-2 1950-1953 37-8-2 2006-2009 36-18 1953-1956 36-7-2 1952-1955 36-6-2 1998-2001 35-14 1949-1952 35-9-1 2008-2011 34-18 1997-2000 34-14 2007-2010 33-20 1946-1949 33-9 MOST WINS IN A 3-YEAR SPAN 3-Year Span W-L-T 1951-1953 32-2-2 1952-1954 29-5-1 1950-1952 28-6-1 2007-2009 27-13 1998-2000 27-9 1954-1956 27-5-1 2008-2010 26-14 1989-1991 26-9-1 1953-1955 26-6-2 1946-1948 26-6 2009-2011 25-14 1942-1944 25-8 2006-2008 25-15 1999-2001 25-12 1997-1999 25-11 SPECIAL TEAMS COACHING ASSIGNMENTS Coach Assignment Charles Kelly.....................Punt, Punt Return Andy McCollum....................Field Goal Block Buzz Preston.......................Kickoff Return Mike Sewak.......................PATs, Field Goal Joe Speed..............................Kickoff JOHNSON IS 12-3 IN THE CLOSE ONES In his four seasons at Tech, Paul Johnson is 12-3 in games decided by five points or less. Since 2004, his teams are 25-10 in games decided by five points or less. Paul Johnson 2011 2010 2009 2008 Total Games decided by 5 pts 1-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 4-0 Games decided by 4 pts 0-0 1-0 0-0 1-0 2-0 Games decided by 3 pts 0-1 0-1 2-0 4-1 6-3 Games decided by 2 pts 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Games decided by 1 pts 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 Total 1-1 1-1 5-0 5-1 12-3 Tech s Nail-Biters Under Johnson Oct. 15, 2011 at Virginia L, 21-24 Oct. 8, 2011 vs. Maryland W, 21-16 Oct. 2, 2010 at Wake Forest W, 24-20 Sept. 11, 2010 at Kansas L, 25-28 Dec. 5, 2009 vs. #25 Clemson W, 39-34 Nov. 7, 2009 vs. Wake Forest (OT) W, 30-27 Oct. 17, 2009 vs. #4 Virginia Tech W, 28-23 Oct. 10, 2009 at Florida State W, 49-44 Sept. 10, 2009 vs. Clemson W, 30-27 Nov. 29, 2008 at #13 Georgia W, 45-42 Nov. 1, 2008 vs. #16 Florida State W, 31-28 Oct. 18, 2008 at Clemson W, 21-17 Oct. 11, 2008 vs. Gardner-Webb W, 10-7 Sept. 13, 2008 at Virginia Tech L, 17-20 Sept. 6, 2008 at Boston College W, 19-16 MORE ON PAUL JOHNSON Only four coaches in ACC history won more games in their first four seasons than Johnson. With a win in the bowl game, Johnson will tie Bobby Ross and Chuck Amato for the third-most wins. Johnson s winning percentage in ACC games (.656, 21-11) is the ninth-highest in the history of the league. Tech has scored at least one rushing touchdown in 47 of 52 games under Johnson. The Yellow Jackets have won 34 games in four years under Johnson. In 12 of those 34 wins, Tech has trailed by seven points or more. MOST WINS IN FOURTH YEAR/ACC HISTORY 1. Ralph Friedgen Maryland 2001-04 36-14-0 2. Danny Ford Clemson 1979-82 35-10-1 3. Bobby Ross Maryland 1982-85 34-14-0 Chuck Amato NC State 2000-03 34-17-0 5. Paul Johnson Georgia Tech 2008-11 33-18-0 Lou Holtz NC State 1972-75 33-12-3 CAREER VICTORIES / ACTIVE FBS COACHES 1. Frank Beamer Virginia Tech 250 2. Mack Brown Texas 226 3. Chris Ault Nevada 225 4. Steve Spurrier South Carolina 196 5. Brian Kelly Notre Dame 188 6. Dennis Erickson Arizona State 180 7. Mike Price UTEP 174 8. Larry Blakeney Troy 163 9. Bill Snyder Kansas State 159 10. Howard Schnellenberger FAU 157 11. Gary Pinkel Missouri 156 12. Paul Pasqualoni Connecticut 146 13. Paul Johnson Georgia Tech 140 14. Nick Saban Alabama 139 15. Bob Stoops Oklahoma 137 ALL-TIME WINNING PERCENTAGE / ACC COACHES 1. Frank Beamer Virginia Tech 83-22-0.790 2. Bobby Bowden Florida State 173-53-1.764 3. Danny Ford Clemson 96-29-4.760 4. Lou Holtz NC State 33-12-3.719 5. Ken Hatfield Clemson 32-13-1.707 6. Jim Tatum Md/UNC 41-19-2.677 7. Larry Coker Miami 25-12-0.675 8. Jerry Claiborne Maryland 72-37-3.656 9. Paul Johnson Georgia Tech 33-18-0.547 10. Dick Sheridan NC State 52-29-3.637 ALL-TIME WIN PERCENTAGE / ACC GAMES 1. Frank Beamer Virginia Tech 55-12-0.821 2. Bobby Bowden Florida State 118-27-0.814 3. Jerry Claiborne Maryland 46-11-1.802 4. Bill Murray Duke 54-15-2.775 5. Danny Ford Clemson 44-14-1.754 6. Lou Holtz NC State 16-5-2.739 7. Jim Tatum Md/UNC 21-9-2.687 8. Frank Howard Clemson 66-30-2.684 9. Paul Johnson Georgia Tech 21-11-0.656 10. Bo Rein NC State 15-8-0.652 CAREER GAMES STARTED Player 08 09 10 11 Strk TOT Roddy Jones, Sr., AB 13 13 13 12 38 51 Logan Walls, Sr., DT 0 11 12 12 15 35 Tyler Melton, Sr., WR 7 10 5 12 13 34 Steven Sylvester, Sr., LB 0 9 13 9 3 31 Jason Peters, Sr. DE 0 4 13 12 25 29 Izaan Cross, Jr., DE -- 2 13 12 25 27 Rashaad Reid, Sr., DB 8 6 1 12 13 27 Omoregie Uzzi, Jr., OG -- -- 13 12 25 25 Julian Burnett, Jr., LB -- 3 8 12 20 23 Stephen Hill, Jr., WR -- 1 9 12 12 22 Will Jackson, So., OG -- -- 9 12 14 21 Phil Smith, Jr., OT -- 4 8 8 6 20 Orwin Smith, Jr., AB -- -- 6 10 -- 16 Tevin Washington, Jr., QB -- -- 4 12 16 16 Isaiah Johnson, So., S -- -- 3 12 12 15 Jay Finch, So., C/OG -- -- 3 11 4 14 Rod Sweeting, Jr., CB -- -- -- 12 12 12 Louis Young, So., CB -- -- -- 12 12 12 Ray Beno, So., OT -- -- -- 11 2 11 David Sims, So., BB -- -- -- 11 10 11 Jeremiah Attaochu, So., LB -- -- 1 9 1 10 Embry Peeples, Sr,. AB 0 1 4 2 2 7 Quayshawn Nealy, Fr., LB -- -- -- 7 6 7 Daniel Drummond, So., LB -- -- -- 5 1 5 Tyler Kidney, So., OT -- -- -- 5 -- 5 Brandon Watts, So., LB -- -- 3 1 1 4 Michael Peterson, Sr., DB 0 2 0 1 -- 3 T.J. Barnes, Jr., DT -- 2 1 -- -- 3 Nick McRae, Jr., OG -- -- 1 1 -- 2 Christopher Crenshaw, So. DE -- -- -- 2 1 2 Tony Zenon, Fr., AB -- -- -- 1 -- 1 Malcolm Munroe, Jr. LB -- -- -- 1 -- 1 Jemea Thomas, So., S -- -- -- 1 -- 1 CAREER GAMES PLAYED Player 08 09 10 11 Total Rashaad Reid, Sr., DB 13 14 13 12 52 Roddy Jones, Sr., AB 13 13 13 12 51 Steven Sylvester, Sr., LB 12 14 13 11 50 Michael Peterson, Sr., DB 12 14 12 11 49 Jason Peters, Sr., DE 10 13 13 12 48 Chandler Anderson, Sr., P 13 14 13 6 46 Embry Peeples, Sr., AB 8 13 13 12 46 Tyler Melton, Sr., WR 10 10 13 12 45 Logan Walls, Sr, DT 3 14 13 12 42 T.J. Barnes, Jr., DT -- 14 13 12 39 Rod Sweeting, Jr. CB -- 14 13 12 39 Orwin Smith, Jr., AB -- 14 13 11 38 Julian Burnett, Jr., LB -- 13 13 12 38 Izaan Cross, Jr., DE -- 13 13 12 38 Stephen Hill, Jr., WR -- 13 12 12 37 Omoregie Uzzi, Jr., OL -- 12 13 12 37 Phil Smith, Jr., OT -- 13 10 10 33 Jemea Thomas, So., S -- 14 0 12 33 Preston Lyons, Sr. BB -- 13 9 10 32 Daniel McKayhan, Jr. WR -- 8 10 12 30 Tyler Morgan, Jr., LS -- 11 13 5 29 Richard Watson, Jr., BB -- 6 13 10 29 Nick McRae, Jr., OL -- 4 13 12 29 Malcolm Munroe, Jr., LB -- 12 5 12 29 Isaiah Johnson, So., S -- -- 13 12 25 B.J. Machen, Jr., LB -- 13 0 12 25 Louis Young, So., CB -- -- 12 12 24 Brandon Watts, So., LB -- -- 12 11 23 Will Jackson, So., OL -- -- 11 12 23 Jamal Paige, Jr., AB -- 11 9 2 22 Jeremiah Attaochu, So., LB -- -- 12 10 22 Jay Finch, So., C -- -- 11 10 21 Tevin Washington, Jr., QB -- 1 8 12 21 Sean Poole, So., P -- -- 9 12 21 Emmanuel Dieke, So., DE -- -- 9 11 20 Jon Lockhart, Jr., WR -- 12 5 2 19 Tyler Kidney, So., OL -- -- 6 11 17 David Sims, So., QB -- -- 5 12 17 Ray Beno, So., C -- -- 3 12 15 Euclid Cummings, So., DE -- -- 3 12 15 Justin Moore, So., K -- -- 2 12 14 Robert Godhigh, So., AB -- -- 9 5 14 Fred Holton, So., S -- -- 13 -- 13 B.J. Bostic, So., AB -- -- 12 -- 12 David Scully, So., P -- -- 2 10 12 Corey Dennis, Fr. -- -- -- 12 12 Deon Hill, Fr., AB -- -- -- 12 12 Chris Jackson, Jr., WR -- -- -- 12 12 Quayshawn Nealy, Fr. LB -- -- -- 12 12 Darren Waller, Fr., WR/DB -- -- -- 12 12 Kyle Travis, Fr., LB -- -- -- 11 11 Charles Perkins, Fr., RB -- -- -- 11 11 Shaq Mason, Fr., OL -- -- -- 11 11 Jeff Greene, Fr., WR -- -- -- 11 11 Jamal Golden, Fr., DB -- -- -- 10 10 Daniel Drummond, So., LB -- -- -- 10 10
EMORY HEALTHCARE INJURY UPDATE A look at Georgia Tech s injury situation: Out: TBD Out for the season: B.J. Bostic, RB Fred Holton, S Jimmie Kitchen, DL Lance Richardson, S JACKETS ONE OF NATION S YOUNGEST TEAMS Georgia Tech has just 10 scholarship seniors. Just two seniors -- A-back Roddy Jones and wide receiver Tyler Melton -- start on offense. There are no senior offensive linemen on the roster. Four seniors -- tackle Logan Walls, end Jason Peters, linebacker Steven Sylvester and safety Rashaad Reid -- start on defense. Out of Tech s 56 touchdowns, 48 have been scored by non-seniors. Off the 46 players on the two-deep, 24 are either sophomores or freshmen. TEN FRESHMEN SEEING ACTION IN 2011 Head coach Paul Johnson always says that he will get his best players on the field, regardless of class. That held true in 2011 as 10 true freshmen have seen action in 2011, the most in one season under Johnson. TRUE FRESHMEN WHO DID NOT REDSHIRT 2008 2009 2010 2011 T. Melton J. Burnett J. Attaochu C. Dennis E. Peeples I. Cross B.J. Bostic J. Greene R. Reid S. Hill F. Holton J. Golden J. Shaw T. Morgan I. Johnson Z. Laskey S. Sylvester O. Smith J.Moore S. Mason C. Taylor R. Sweeting L. Young T. McNair M. Wright J. Thomas N. Menocal S. Tobin K. Travis D. Waller THE GOON SQUAD Georgia Tech's offensive line includes no seniors and has just 98 combined career starts. The self-proclaimed "Goon Squad" is a key to Tech's prolific offense. Career Starts / Tech Offensive Line Omoregie Uzzi, Jr., G............25 Will Jackson, So., G.............21 Phil Smith, Jr., T................20 Jay Finch, So., C................14 Ray Beno, So., T...............11 Tyler Kidney, So., T...............5 Nick McRae, Jr., C................2 KEEPING UP WITH JONES Senior Roddy Jones is just the 17th player in Yellow Jacket history to rush for 1,700 career yards. He currently has 1,826 yards, which ranks 16th in school history. Remarkably, Jones has accumulated those yards with just 238 rushing attempts for an average of 7.67 yards per carry. TOP RUSHING GAMES IN PAUL JOHNSON ERA Yards Player Opponent Date 214 Roddy Jones at Georgia Nov. 29, 2008 195 Anthony Allen vs. Virginia Oct. 9, 2010 189 Jonathan Dwyer vs. Wake Forest Nov. 7, 2009 186 Jonathan Dwyer at Vanderbilt Oct. 31, 2009 YELLOW JACKET BIRTHDAYS Dec. 11, 1989 Rashaad Reid Dec. 14, 1991 Charles Perkins Dec. 17, 1970 Brian Bohannon (Assistant Coach) Dec. 17, 1992 Andrew Chau Dec. 19, 1991 Anthony Williams Dec. 19, 1955 Todd Spender (Assistant Coach) Dec. 23, 1991 Justin Moore Dec. 26, 1990 Julian Burnett Dec. 29, 1990 Corey Alford Jan. 3, 1993 Broderick Snoddy FIVE JACKETS GRADUATING THIS MONTH Four Yellow Jackets -- seniors Chandler Anderson, Preston Lyons and Steven Sylvester, and juniors B.J. Machen and Omoregie Uzzi -- will earn their Georgia Tech degrees Dec. 17. The commencement ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. in the Georgia Dome. Roddy Jones, Tyler Melton, Jason Peters, Michael Peterson and Logan Walls played this season as graduate students. TECH AT HISTORIC BOBBY DODD STADIUM No team in college football has won more games in its current home stadium than Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets are 443-184-21 all-time in Bobby Dodd Stadium. SEVEN DAYS / MORE THAN SEVEN DAYS Since Paul Johnson s arrival at Georgia Tech in 2008, opponents who beat Georgia Tech and play seven days later are 3-8 the week after beating the Yellow Jackets. One myth is that Tech struggles against teams that have more than seven days to prepare. The Jackets are 3-2 this season vs. teams that had more than seven days of preparation. Over the last four years, Tech has won 10 games in that situation. ESPN THURSDAY NIGHT REGULARS The Yellow Jackets played in an ESPN nationally-televised Thursday night game for the 19th consecutive season when Tech hosted Virginia Tech Nov. 10. ESPN THURSDAY NIGHT GAMES Year Opponent Site Result 1991 #20 Virginia H W, 24-21 1993 #25 Virginia H L, 14-35 1994 #7 Arizona H L, 14-19 1995 #16 Maryland H W, 31-3 1996 Duke H W, 48-22 1996 Maryland A L, 10-13 1997 #5 North Carolina H L, 13-16 1998 Clemson A W, 24-21 1999 Maryland H W, 49-31 2000 NC State A L, 23-30 (ot) 2000 Virginia H W, 35-0 2001 Maryland H L, 20-17 (ot) 2001 North Carolina H W, 28-21 2002 Maryland A L, 10-34 2003 Brigham Young A L, 13-24 2003 Maryland H W, 7-3 2004 #22 Virginia Tech H L, 20-34 2005 NC State H L, 14-17 2006 Virginia H W, 24-7 2007 #11 Virginia Tech H L, 3-27 2008 #23 Miami H W, 41-23 2009 Clemson H W, 30-27 2009 #22 Miami A L, 17-33 2010 #20 Virginia Tech A L, 21-28 2011 #10 Virginia Tech H L, 26-37 TECH S OVERTIME HISTORY Georgia Tech is 4-3 all-time in overtime games. The Jackets last overtime game was a 30-27 win over Wake Forest on Nov. 7, 2009. GEORGIA TECH S START WAS HISTORIC Georgia Tech started 6-0 for the first time in 45 years, since 1966, and for the 13th time in the 119-year history of the program. The Yellow Jackets were 3-0 in the ACC for the first time since 2006. Tech started 2-0 on the road for the first time since 2001. MISCELLANEOUS With one more win, Georgia Tech (8-4) will have a three-win improvement over last year s 6-7 record. The last time the Yellow Jackets improved by three wins from one season to the next came in 1997 (7-5) to 1998 (10-2). The ACC will welcome Pittsburgh and Syracuse at some point in the future. Georgia Tech is 5-2 all-time vs. Pitt, but the two teams have not met since 1976. The Yellow Jackets and Panthers played in the 1956 Sugar Bowl. Tech is 2-0 all-time vs. Syracuse, with the most recent meeting coming in the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl. QUICK FACTS ABOUT EL PASO El Paso stands on the Rio Grande, across the border from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The sun shines 302 days per year on average. In December, the average high temperature is 57.4 degrees, the average low 33.4. The record high was 80 degrees, the record low -5 degrees. Average December snowfall: 1.8 inches. Nicknamed The Sun City, El Paso was incorporated in 1873. It s the sixth-largest city in Texas and the 19th-largest city in the United States. In 2010 El Paso was awarded an All-America City Award. Population: 649,211. Elevation: 3,800. Home to The University of Texas at El Paso (founded in 1914 as The Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy). Fort Bliss, one of the largest military complexes of the United States Army, lies to the east and northeast of the city. The Franklin Mountains nearly divide the city into two sections. El Paso lies at the intersection of three states: Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua(Mexico). Only major Texas city on Mountain Time. The 24,000-acre Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States and resides entirely in El Paso. El Paso is surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert. El Paso is closer to four other state capitals than Austin, Texas. More than 70 Fortune 500 companies have offices in El Paso. El Paso is the second largest city without a major sports team. Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw all stayed at the once luxurious El Paso International Hotel, now a Doubletree Hotel. The Tigua Indian Reservation Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, located in El Paso County, is one of two Indian reservations in Texas. The El Paso area has the largest pecan orchard in the world, Stahman Farms. El Paso is the sight of the actual first Thanksgiving in April, 1598, predating the Pilgrims by 23 years. El Paso International Airport (ELP) is a public airport located four miles northeast of the central business district. There are 15 gates for: American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection, Southwest Airlines, US Airways, US Airways Express, Continental Airlines, Continental Exoress and United Express. GEORGIA TECH SPORTS INFORMATION Football Contact (Assistant AD)...Dean Buchan E-mail...dbuchan@athletics.gatech.edu Office...404.894.5445 Cell...404.295.8703 Assistant SID (Secondary FB contact)...mike DeGeorge E-mail...mdegeorge@athletics.gatech.edu Office...404.894.5445 Cell...404.263.9478 Associate SID...Mike Stamus Assistant SID...Marcus Dittmer Director of New Media...Dan Goldberger SID Assistant...Betsy Devine ACC COMMUNICATIONS 4512 Weybridge Lane Greensboro, NC 27407 www.theacc.com Office: (336) 851-6062/ Fax: (336) 854-8797 Mike Finn, Associate Commissioner (Football contact) Michael Kelly, Associate Commissioner
Georgia Tech's game at Middle Tennessee State was its first road game against a team from a non-bcs automatic qualifying conference since playing at BYU on Aug. 28, 2003. The Yellow Jackets were scheduled to play at Army in 2008, but the Black Knights opted out of the contract. Since 1982, the Yellow Jackets have had 79 first team All-ACC selections. Nine Jacket offensive linemen have earned first or second team All-ACC honors over the last five years. The entire Tech coaching staff is back from a year ago. Charles Kelly, the secondary coach who is in his sixth season, has been at Tech the longest. Tech is one of 14 FBS teams that retained their entire coaching staff from 2010. Georgia Tech is in its 119th season of football. Georgia Tech s average of 323.3 yards rushing per game in 2010 not only led the nation, it broke an ACC single-season record. TOTALLY OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE JAYHAWKS Georgia Tech s offense ran and sometimes passed wild in the Sept. 17 win over Kansas, breaking school, ACC and NCAA records: Tech s 768 yards of total offense not only smashed a school record that stood since 1948, it ranked fifth in ACC history. The Jackets 431 yards of total offense in the second half broke a school record for total offense in a half. Tech averaged 13.1 yards per play, breaking a school record. The Jackets 604 yards rushing broke a school and ACC record. It was the most rushing yards by an FBS team since Nov. 29, 2003, when Rice racked up 672 on the ground at Louisiana Tech. Tech s average of 12.1 yards per rushing attempt (604 yards on 50 attempts) broke an NCAA record. The Jackets averaged 23.4 yards per pass attempt, which was their highest average in at least 30 years. The Jackets averaged 41.0 yards per pass completion (164 yards, 4-of-7 passing) the fifth time under Paul Johnson Tech has averaged at least 40 yards per pass completion in a game. NCAA RECORD FOR RUSHING AVG. (min. 50 attempts) School Opp. Avg. Att./Yds. Georgia Tech (9-17-11) Kansas 12.1 50/604 Alabama (10-27-73) Virginia Tech 11.9 63/748 ACC RECORD FOR MOST RUSH YARDS School Opp. Yds. Att. Georgia Tech (9-17-11) Kansas 604 50 Maryland (11-22-75) Virginia 582 67 TECH RECORD FOR TOTAL OFFENSE Yds Rush/Pass Opponent, Year 768 604/164 Kansas, 2011 706 NA Citadel, 1948 662 297/365 W. Carolina, 2011 627 304/323 Virginia, 2000 623 397/226 The Citadel, 1984 610 411/199 Maryland, 1993 600 558/42 VMI, 1975 597 404/193 Vanderbilt, 2009 596 382/214 MTSU., 2011 593 277/316 Duke, 1993 NCAA INFRACTIONS REPORT In July of 2011, the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Committee on Infractions found the Georgia Institute of Technology men's basketball and football programs have committed violations of NCAA regulations. The Institute was cited for a lack of cooperation during the investigation, a failure to meet the conditions and obligations of membership and preferential treatment violations. There were additional violations in the men's basketball program related to rules stemming from a nonscholastic basketball tournament conducted on the Institute's campus, which the public report further details. "Georgia Tech is committed to the integrity of its athletics program, including full cooperation and support of the NCAA," said Georgia Tech President G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "Given the information we had at the time, I believe we took reasonable and appropriate steps to determine the proper course of action and acted in good faith. Looking back, there are things we could have done differently. Because of our unwavering commitment to NCAA compliance, we have already taken a number of steps to address perceived shortcomings, hopefully ensuring that our programs remain beyond reproach." After being notified of the allegations in November 2009, Georgia Tech conducted its own internal investigation, forming a committee made up of faculty, staff and external counsel that made recommendations based on available information and the internal investigation findings. As a result of this exhaustive review process and because of Georgia Tech's steadfast commitment to compliance, the Institute completely revamped and enhanced its athletic compliance operation and staffing. Changes include a greater investment in experienced staff, training and awareness among staff and student athletes. Penalties include: Public reprimand and censure. Four years of probation from July 14, 2011, through July 13, 2015. The report further details this probation. A $100,000 financial penalty. A reduction of two men's basketball recruiting days during the 2011 summer evaluation period (self-imposed by the Institute). A limit to 10 official visits for men's basketball for the 2011-12 and 2012-2013 academic years. A vacation of all contests won by the football team during the 2009 season after November 24, which is when the university was alerted to the potential eligibility issues. PAUL JOHNSON S OFFENSE FOR DUMMIES Georgia Tech s offense is called the spread option. It is not the triple option. The triple option is just one play, or a series of plays, within the offense. Tech runs the triple option roughly 20 percent of the time. There are two A-Backs, or slot-backs, that line up outside and behind the tackles (there is no tight end). The A-Back is a hybrid position, part runner and part receiver. The B-Back many people call the fullback because he lines up directly behind the quarterback. There are two wide receivers, who usually receive single coverage. The quarterback is very rarely in the shotgun, but otherwise there are more similarities with the popular spread offenses than most people think.
HOLTON GETS ENCOURAGEMENT FROM A FALCON Georgia Tech sophomore safety Fred Holton tore his Achilles tendon in an August scrimmage and is out for the 2011 season. The news was tough to swallow for Holton, who was competing for a starting job and had worked extremely hard over the off-season. Holton, however, got some encouragement out of the blue from Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas. When Douglas, who overcame a serious injury of his own, heard the news about Holton, he reached out to the Yellow Jacket DB via Twitter. Douglas sent a series of four Tweets to Holton, offering encouragement and giving him his cell number. YELLOW JACKET ARTISTS Senior cornerback Michael Peterson and junior wide receiver Daniel McKayhan are both exceptional artists. The Yellow Jacket duo found an unusual spot to hone their painting skills a multi-level homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta. Peterson earned his degree in the spring, and is playing an important role on defense this fall. His oil paintings have been featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and on NCAA.com. MAGNA CARTER Several Yellow Jackets players had interesting and productive internships over the summer, but perhaps most noteworthy was junior linebacker Morgan Carter. The Rutgers transfer interned with the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC. IMPROBABLE DETOUR Following Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana native Tony Zenon and his family fled his home state. The Zenons packed up everything they could, got in the car and began driving with no destination in mind. They stumbled upon Albany, Ga., settled there and Tony began playing at Deerfield Windsor Academy, where he put up remarkable numbers in high school. FIVE GRADUATES Five Yellow Jackets are playing this fall as graduate students. Roddy Jones, Tyler Melton, Jason Peters, Michael Peterson and Logan Walls have already received their undergraduate degrees. TECH PLAYERS IN THE NFL (24) Team Player Pos Yrs Atlanta Falcons Kevin Cone WR R Michael Cox FB 4 Vance Walker DT 2 Baltimore Ravens Anthony Allen RB R Buffalo Bills Joshua Nesbitt QB/DB R Cincinnati Bengals Michael Johnson LB 2 Dallas Cowboys Keith Brooking LB 13 Mario Butler CB R Denver Broncos Demaryius Thomas WR 1 Detroit Lions Will Heller TE 9 Calvin Johnson WR 4 Green Bay Packers Morgan Burnett DB 1 Houston Texans Andrew Gardner OL 2 Indianapolis Colts Philip Wheeler LB 3 Jacksonville Jaguars Daryl Smith LB 7 New England Patriots Gary Guyton LB 3 Pittsburgh Steelers Jonathan Dwyer RB 1 Seattle Seahawks Anthony Hargrove DT 8 St. Louis Rams James Butler S 6 Tampa Bay Bucs Andrew Economos LS 5 Tennessee Titans Derrick Morgan DE 1 Washington Redskins Tashard Choice RB 3 Keyaron Fox LB 7 Dawan Landry S 6 Head Coach Arizona Cardinals Assistant Coaches Dallas Cowboys New England Patriots FEATURE STORIES NOTEBOOK Ken Whisenhunt Jimmy Robinson George Godsey THE DAYS FAMILY Redshirt freshman quarterback Synjyn Days is joined on the Yellow Jacket team this fall by his brother, true freshman linebacker Jabari Hunt-Days. But perhaps the most interesting story concerning the Days family is that Synjyn s mother, Paula, was an assistant coach on his middle school team. Paula coached the offensive and defensive lines. MEDICAL CONDITION HALTS McCOY S CAREER Defensive lineman Denzel McCoy found out before the season that a rare heart condition known as "Cardiomyopathy" may have prematurely ended his football career. McCoy redshirted last season after learning of the condition in 2010, but had hoped that he would eventually be cleared to play. McCoy will continue to receive a scholarship at Tech and is assisting the program as a student assistant. FEATURES NOTEBOOK Senior linebacker Steven Sylvester was a childhood friend of Atlanta Braves slugger Jason Heyward in McDonough, Ga. Sophomore kicker Justin Moore, earlier this year, received some individual coaching from Morten Anderson -- the former Atlanta Falcon who is the all-time leading scorer in NFL history. TEAM PLAYERS OF THE WEEK in wins only Special Game Offense Defense Teams WCU S. Hill L. Walls None MTSU T. Washington I. Johnson J. Thomas KU O. Smith S. Sylvester J. Thomas UNC T. Melton/S. Hill J. Attaochu D. Waller NCST R. Jones I. Cross S. Tobin MD O. Smith R. Reid None Clemson T. Washington J. Thomas S. Poole Duke T. Melton B. Watts J. Thomas 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAMBLIN WRECK The Wreck, which celebrated it s 50th anniversary in 2011, has led the Jackets on the field before every home game since 1961. It has occasionally made some away trips. There have only been 42 different drivers behind the wheel of the wreck over its 50 seasons. QUICK FACTS GENERAL Location...................Atlanta, GA 30332 Founded.............................1885 Enrollment.........................19,404 Nicknames........Yellow Jackets, Rambling Wreck Colors....................Old Gold and White Conference.......Atlantic Coast (Coastal Division) President...............Dr. G.P. Bud Peterson Alma Mater................Kansas State (1977) Director of Athletics............Dan Radakovich Alma Mater....Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania (1980) Stadium.........Bobby Dodd Stadium/Grant Field Surface........................Natural Grass Capacity...........................55,000 Basic Offense..................Spread Option Basic Defense..........................3-4 HISTORY First Year of Football...................1892 Number of Seasons.....................119 All-Time Record..................687-460-43 All-Time W-L at Bobby Dodd Stadium.443-184-21 Bowl Appearances.................39 (22-17) Consecutive Bowl Appearances............14 First Year Competed For ACC Title........1983 National Championships....4 (1990, 52, 28, 17) ACC Championships........3 (2009, 1998, 1990) SEC Championships......................5 Southern Conference Championships........3 2010 SUMMARY 2010 Record...........................6-7 2010 Bowl Independence Bowl (L, 7-14 vs. Air Force) 2010 ACC Record.......................4-4 2010 Coastal Division Finish...........(tie) 3rd COACHING STAFF Head Coach....................Paul Johnson Alma Mater.............Western Carolina (1979) Record at Georgia Tech.......34-18 (4 seasons) Record Overall.............141-57 (15 seasons) Quarterbacks/B-Backs.........Brian Bohannon Defensive Coordinator................Al Groh Secondary......................Charles Kelly Defensive Line/Recruiting Coord..Andy McCollum A-Backs.......................Lamar Owens Wide Receivers..............Al Buzz Preston Co-Offensive Line.................Mike Sewak Linebackers......................Joe Speed Co-Offensive Line...............Todd Spencer Graduate Assistant..............Shane Bowen Graduate Assistant............Maurice Duncan Staff Assistant................Preston Pehrson Staff Assistant...................J.R. Dorman Staff Assistant..............Andrew Rodrigues Player Development..............Neal Peduzzi Sports Medicine...................Jay Shoop Director of Operations............Jason Snider Assistant Director of Operations......Mike Huff Director of Player Personnel.........Liam Klein Equipment Manager..............Tom Conner Assistant Equipment Manager....Punt Windham Administrative Coordinator..........Teri Anton Recruiting Assistant.............Courtney Keck SI: RAMBLIN WRECK ONE OF TOP 10 TRADITIONS IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL Sports Illustrated named the Ramblin Wreck, Georgia Tech s 1930 Ford Model A, the 10th-best tradition in college football. Sports Illustrated Top 10 College Football Traditions: 1. Ohio State, Script Ohio 2. Auburn, War Eagle 3. Texas A&M, Midnight Yell 4. Army-Navy, March On 5. Clemson, Howard s Rock 6. Live Mascots, From Texas Bevo, to Colorado s Ralphie and more 7. Florida State, Chief Osceola 8. Wisconsin,Jump Around 9. Notre Dame, Alma Mater 10. Georgia Tech, The Ramblin Wreck
HEAD COACH PAUL JOHNSON Western Carolina (1979) / 34-18 in 4th Season at Georgia Tech / 141-57 in 15th Season Overall Paul Johnson, a two-time Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year and the mastermind behind Georgia Tech s high-production offense, is in his fourth season as head coach of the Yellow Jackets. Under Johnson, Georgia Tech was one of college football s biggest surprise stories in 2008 and won the ACC championship in 2009. The ACC Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2009, Johnson s teams have appeared in a bowl game each of the last three seasons. In four seasons on the Flats, Johnson has compiled a record of 34-18, including a 21-11 mark in ACC play. No coach in Tech history won more games than Johnson in their first three seasons. Over the last four seasons combined, only Virginia Tech has won more ACC games than Johnson s Jackets. In 15 seasons overall as a head coach, Johnson owns a career record of 141-57. His career winning percentage (.712) ranks in the top 10 among active BCS head coaches. Johnson enjoyed success as the head coach at Georgia Southern (1997-2001) and Navy (2002-2007) before being named Georgia Tech s 12th head coach on Dec. 12, 2007. What Johnson has accomplished at Georgia Tech has been remarkable: In his first two seasons at Tech, Johnson was named the ACC Coach of the Year. He is the first coach to win the award in his first two years in the league. In 2008, he was named National Coach of the Year by CBS Sports. In 2009, the Yellow Jackets won the ACC title outright for the first time since 1990, defeating Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. Tech played in a BCS bowl game for the first time in 2009. Under Johnson, Tech has averaged nearly nine wins per season. In each of his three previous seasons, Tech has ranked in the top five nationally in rushing offense. Last season, the Yellow Jackets led the nation in rushing (323.3 ypg). WINNINGEST ACTIVE FBS COACHES By Percentage, min. of five full years as a head coach Rk. Coach 2011 Record Pct 1. Bob Stoops (Oklahoma) 9-3 138-34.802 2. Gary Patterson (TCU) 10-2 108-30.783 3. Bobby Petrino (Arkansas) 10-2 74-26.740 4. Mark Richt (Georgia) 10-3 106-37.741 5. Brian Kelly (Notre Dame) 8-4 187-66-2.737 6. Steve Spurrier (S. Carolina) 10-2 196-75-2.722 7. Paul Johnson (Georgia Tech) 8-4 141-57.712 GEORGIA TECH COACHES BY PERCENTAGE Coach Years W-L-T Pct. John Heisman 1904-19 102-29-7.779 Bobby Dodd 1945-66 165-64-8.713 Paul Johnson 2008-** 34-18-0.654 George O Leary 1994-01 52-33-0.612 William Alexander 1920-44 134-95-15.580 Chan Gailey 2002-07 44-32-0.579 TECH S ACC COACHES OF THE YEAR 2009..........................Paul Johnson 2008..........................Paul Johnson 2000..........................George O Leary 1998..........................George O Leary 1990............................Bobby Ross 1985..............................Bill Curry In 21 of Johnson s 40 games at Georgia Tech (entering 2011), the Yellow Jackets produced more than 400 yards of total offense. Tech scored at least one rushing touchdown in 35 of 40 games under Johnson through 2010. Over the previous three seasons, Tech has produced four 1,000-yard rushers -- Jonathan Dwyer in 2008, Dwyer and Joshua Nesbitt in 2009, and Anthony Allen in 2010. Over the previous three years combined, the Yellow Jackets have produced 12 first team All-ACC selections. Tech has produced two first team All-Americans under Johnson -- Michael Johnson in 2008 and Derrick Morgan in 2009. Since Johnson s arrival, a Tech player has been named ACC Offensive Player of the Year (Dwyer in 2008) and ACC Defensive Player of the Year (Morgan in 2009). Entering 2011, Johnson was 11-2 at Tech in games decided by five points or less, 6-4 at Tech against nationally-ranked opponents, 10-7 in road games, 23-5 when scoring at least 20 points, 16-1 when scoring more than 30 points. In 2009, Tech won in Tallahassee (Fla.) for the first time in school history, beat a top-five ranked team at home (Virginia Tech) for the first time since 1962 and won on the road in Charlottesville (Va.) for the first time since 1990. Also in 2009, Tech earned its highest national ranking (7th) since 1999. In 2008, the Jackets broke a seven-year losing skid to rival Georgia, beating the 13th-ranked Bulldogs, 45-42, in Athens (Ga.). JOHNSON YEAR-BY-YEAR Year School W-L Pct. 2011 Georgia Tech.................8-4.667 2010 Georgia Tech.................6-7.462 Advocare V100 Independence Bowl 2009 Georgia Tech................11-3.786 FedEx Orange Bowl (ACC Champions) 2008 Georgia Tech.................9-4.692 Chick-fil-A Bowl 2007 Navy......................8-4.667 Poinsettia Bowl (did not coach in bowl) 2006 Navy......................9-4.692 Meineke Car Care Bowl 2005 Navy......................8-4.667 Poinsettia Bowl Champions 2004 Navy.....................10-2.833 Emerald Bowl Champions 2003 Navy......................8-5.615 EV1.net Houston Bowl 2002 Navy.....................2-10.167 2001 Georgia Southern............12-2.857 Southern Conference Champions 2000 Georgia Southern............13-2.867 Southern Conference Champions I-AA National Champion 1999 Georgia Southern............13-2.867 Southern Conference Champions I-AA National Champion 1998 Georgia Southern............14-1.933 Southern Conference Champions I-AA Runner-Up 1997 Georgia Southern............10-3.769 Southern Conference Champions GSU Totals (5 seasons)..............62-10.861 Navy Totals (6 seasons).............45-29.608 Georgia Tech Totals (4 seasons).......34-18.654 Career (15 seasons)...............141-57.712 Under Johnson, Georgia Tech s Academic Progress Report (APR) scores have risen each of the last three years. In 2010, Georgia Tech earned a bowl bid for the 14th consecutive season, tying for the fourth-longest current streak in college football. The Yellow Jackets, who lost four juniors to the 2010 NFL Draft and played the final four games without injured quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, finished 4-4 in the ACC and led the nation in rushing offense for the first time in school history. JOHNSON S RECORD WHEN... At Tech *Total overall......................34-18...79-47 playing at home................20-6...40-18 playing on the road.............13-9...29-20 playing at a neutral site...........1-3....10-9 in bowl games..................0-3.....2-5 in overtime....................1-0.....3-2 more than 7 days to prepare.......10-6...28-14 in August.....................1-0.....4-0 in September..................11-4...23-14 in October....................14-4...23-16 in November...................7-7...18-13 in December...................1-1.....9-3 in January.....................0-2.....0-2 outrushing opponent...........34-13...79-32 when rushing for 300 yards........21-4...55-13 when rushing for 400 yards........8-1....19-2 when rushing for 500 yards.........1-0.....1-0 when rushing for 600 yards.........1-0.....1-0 outrushed by opponent...........0-4....0-14 when allowing 300 yards rushing.....1-1.....1-2 rushing yards the same............0-1.....0-1 outpassing opponent.............7-2....12-6 when passing for 300 yards........1-0.....1-1 outpassed by opponent..........27-16...66-41 when allowing 300 yards passing....4-1.....9-6 when allowing 400 yards passing....1-0.....4-2 more total offense than opponent...27-6...66-15 when having 400+ total offense....23-5...52-14 when having 500+ total offense....10-1....21-4 when having 600+ total offense......2-0.....2-0 when having 700+ total offense......1-0.....1-0 less total offense than opponent....7-12...13-32 when allowing 400+ total offense....5-9...14-30 when allowing 500+ total offense....1-2....5-10 committing fewer turnovers.......16-2....41-6 committing more turnovers........9-10...21-32 turnovers are even...............9-6....17-9 0-30:00 of time of possession.....12-13...41-31 30:01-plus of time of possession....22-5...38-16 scoring first...................23-5...48-14 opponent scores first...........11-13...29-32 leading after the 1st quarter.......21-4...47-11 trailing after the 1st quarter.......6-11...16-25 tied after the 1st quarter..........7-1....16-9 leading at halftime..............26-4....57-7 trailing at halftime..............6-14...13-35 tied at halftime.................2-0.....9-5 leading after the 3rd quarter.......29-2....68-6 trailing after the 3rd quarter.......3-16....8-38 tied after the 3rd quarter..........2-0.....3-3 scoring 0-10 points..............1-4....1-11 scoring 11-20 points.............1-7....2-13 scoring 21-30 points.............9-6...23-18 scoring 31-40 points.............9-1....30-4 scoring 41-plus points...........13-0....28-1 opponent scores 0-10 points........7-0....17-0 opponent scores 11-20 points......10-2....24-4 opponent scores 21-30 points......11-9...23-17 opponent scores 31-40 points.......5-5....7-11 opponent scores 41-plus points......2-2....6-15 individual 100-yard rusher.........20-7...54-17 with two 100-yard rushers.........7-0....18-2 opponent 100-yard rusher.........11-8...22-22 opponent with 2 100-yard rushers....0-1.....0-1 *Total includes Johnson s six seasons at Navy and first four seasons at Georgia Tech