Georgia Tech Gouges Gardner-Webb
Georgia Tech had a successful Saturday in Atlanta with a big win over little Gardner- Webb, a smallish private school located about 175 miles up I- 85 in Boiling Springs, SC., close to Spartanburg.
Tech prevailed by a 59- 12 count to get the victory. Importantly, the Jackets grabbed the W without incurring any apparent injuries– which was a big part of the goal of scheduling a game such as this.
Plus they were able to find some signifiant playing time for many backups, some of whom were "true" freshmen. And they did it all with their #2 QB in charge, a change that was announced just before kickoff. A lower body injury was reported as the reason to formally shelve Haynes King for the day,, so that brought Aaron Philo to the fore.
After another slow start on offense– namely two consecutive turnovers that led to one touchdown for the visitors– Philo and his teammates settled down and scored the game's next 42 points.
The first of those scores came on an 11 yard pass from Philo to Isaiah Canion, a toss that Philo dropped into a tight window in the far right corner of the rndzone.
Brent Key commented later that Philo's deft touch on that throw helped bolster the QB's confidence after the interception on the prior possession.
Said Key, " He ( Philo) came off the field and said ' That's the way I can play football.'"
Indeed. Philo finished his day 21 of 28 for 373 yards and one score, with that single interception the only sad stat on the sheet.
As important, Philo looked to be confident in his command of the Jackets' offense. The redshirt freshman from Bogart, Georgia ran the offense efficiently and productively, ultimately handing the reins to his own backup, Graham Knowles, who tossed a short pass that Dean Patterson turned into an 84 yard touchdown pass. Knowles' line showed one pass, one completion for 84 yards and a score. for his late 4th quarter appearance.
Otherwise, Tech filled up the stat sheets in happy fashion, gaining 680 total yards and fashioning big days from RB Jamal Haynes ( 9 carries for 92 yards and two scores) and RB Malachi Hosley (9 carries for 100 yards and two scores).
Key often speaks of his affinity for balance. This day was a glowing example. Of that 680 total yards, 457 were from passing and 223 on the ground. 11 different players caught at least one pass. Seven different players had at least one carry.
Tech led 28- 6 at the half and expanded that led to 42-6 prior to Gardner- Webb's next score.
One of the Jackets' scores came on a field goal block by Jordan van den Berg that was returned by Ahmari Harvey 65 yards for a touchdown.
The defense played well too, grabbing one fumble and creating another turnover on the blocked field goal. Then throw in six sacks, two by sophomore Amontrae Bradford and two more from Akelo Stone.
On top of all of those fine features, Tech's kicking game shined.
Key praised PK Aidan Birr, saying that on top of Birr's sterling performance, he was "..a football player".
All in all, the day went quite well for Georgia Tech, with a complete win, broad participation and seemingly successful avoidance of injury. Each of those aspects of the game provide a helpful lead- in to next week's game against Clemson.
Patrick Conarro
RamblinSports