'Back That Thing Up!' The Offensive Series When The Ramblin Wreck Went Backward vs Mercer
Georgia Tech beat Mercer on Saturday by a 44-11 count. The Yellow Jackets rode two turnovers and an opportunistic offense to a margin of victory that looked deceptively large , as opposed to how competitive the game felt.
And though they had moderate statistical success in several areas, Tech looked pretty rough at times.
The most glaring example came late in the second quarter when the Yellow Jackets found themselves at the Mercer 11 yard line with a first down.
What ensued from there was as bad an offensive possession as you will ever see. Here's the sad sequence:
1) QB Mendoza missed on a short pass to Kevin Roche--now 2nd down and 10
2) RB Justice Hsynes ran up the middle for five yards--now 3rd and 5
3) Mendoza runs left for a touchdown, but it is called back on a holding call– now 3rd and 15
4) Mendoza pass falls incomplete but pass interference called on Mercer gives Tech a first down on the Mercer 3 yard line, now goal to go
5) Hosley runs up the middle for two yards, –now 2nd and goal to go
6) Hosley runs up the middle for no gain– now 3rd and goal
- 5 YARD PENALTY GT...illegal snap–now 3rd and goal from the six
7) Mendoza sacked for 8 yard loss– now 4th and goal from the 14
8) Birr kicks a 32 yard field goal.
Summary- Georgia Tech started from Mercer 11 with a first down. They ran seven plays, two for no gain on the ground. They had two incomplete passes and two penalties and ended up kicking a field goal from 32 yards out , with the ball on the 16 yard line.
For Tech fans who recall how smoothly things could look when Paul Johnson's option offense was humming, this offensive series vs Mercer looked...offensive.
Of course, any offense can have its rough moments. But this series against an FCS opponent showed how Tech's (self- touted) power run game has been MIA, and how the compensatory contribution of the short passing game can be whimsical. Power running depends on two assets – power and discipline--that have been in short supply so far in 2026 for Tech.
And of course, the penalty bug can bite at the most inopportune moments. But this " demo set" of ineptitude is emblematic of the worries that Tech fans harbor about the 2026 Tech offense under the guidance of new OC George Godsey.
To be fair, proper execution is just as important as strategic concept, and Godsey has been Offensive Coordinator for only three games.
Even so, the offense so far for Georgia Tech has been highly inconsistent, and the most inconsistent piece- the power run game– was believed to be the most reliable piece coming into 2026. Hence the concern.
Patrick Conarro
RamblinSports.com