Georgia Tech Hands Colorado An Opening Win

No one saw this coming. At least no one in the Georgia Tech sphere. They did not anticipate a sixty -minute amalgam of pigskin ineptitude rising to this order of magnitude.

Not that they couldn't lose Game One of a fresh campaign. There were too many unknowns to be over- confident. Vegas agreed, installing Tech as a modest 6.5 point favorite in a game long- hyped by the home team to remind all that it was prime time - doubly-so, and a nationally televised game, with special stadium improvements and innovative halftime show elements to make for a" sold- out" event– which it was.

Too, Colorado is certainly a worthy opponent , led by one of the biggest names in football. Plus the Buffaloes were launching a redemption tour, trying to shake off a miserable 2025 year.

No, the surprise was not that Tech lost the game. It was how they did it– by underperforming in all phases of the game- including coaching.

After enduring a sour conclusion to a breakout 2025 season, Tech fans were looking forward to a fresh approach, especially on defense, where the mantra preseason was "vertical and violent". They were looking forward to a power run game, with promises to wear down the opposition. They were looking forward to a a precise and productive kicking game, a strong carry over from 2025.

None of those things appeared on Thursday night for the home team. And it will be a few weeks before we get a sense of the caliber of opponent Colorado and the Prime show truly are. Maybe they are unexpectedly great. But probably not.

This loss was more about what Key and Company couldn't do. A short list:

-- generate an effective run game

-- generate an effective pass rush

-- demonstrate a firm grasp of football basics, including lining up on time, avoiding pre- snap penalties, wrapping up tackles, blocking for place kicks, etc.etc.

As for the coaching, there seemed to be little in the way of meaningful adjustments as the game unfolded. We aren't privy to those attempts, of course, but we can see some odd clock management issues re- occurring.

Post- game, Brent Key cited a lack of execution, as opposed to a lack of effort. And he dismissed the idea that this performance was "concerning", saying that such a term suggests things that are not fixable. And he has a good point to make– these items are fixable. But there is much to set right in one thin week, and the next opponent is thought to be worthy of a #20 national ranking. Of course, rankings are always tenuous, and on week two they are largely speculative.

So there's hope. It is ironic that the biggest concern for most Tech fans– the play of new QB Alberto Mendoza– was one of the few bright spots. He demonstrated poise and accuracy, no interceptions, and unfortunately, no scores. Tech's lone touchdown came on a kickoff return. Mendoza also brought his team down field in a hurry to set up a potential game winning kick. But Tech's kick protection was inadequate and the kick was blocked and the loss was in the books. Preventable.

Next week the Jackets are back at home for a 7pm. kickoff on Saturday vs Tennessee– something to aim for.

As for game one, just like that, a hard lesson has landed on Georgia Tech. The magic that pervaded the first two months of 2025 is long gone. Haynes King is in the NFL...so is Key Rutledge. The opposition doesn't care about who used to play here.

There's work to do.

Patrick Conarro

RamblinSports.com