In a closely contested match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets suffered a 16-9 defeat against their longstanding rivals, the Georgia Bulldogs, on November 24, 2023. Despite a commendable defensive performance, the Yellow Jackets’ offense struggled, ultimately leading to their disappointing result.
Defensive Strengths Shine for Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets showcased their best defensive effort of the season, effectively neutralizing a potent Georgia passing attack. Georgia Tech limited their rivals to a mere 70 yards through the air and achieved their first turnover since October 25 when defensive back Tah’j Butler intercepted a pass. The defense was relentless, registering seven tackles for loss and two sacks, while allowing only 3.9 yards per play. Linebacker Omar Daniels was particularly impressive, recording 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, contributing significantly to the team’s ability to restrict Georgia to just three points in the second half.
Offensive Struggles Hamper Georgia Tech’s Chances
Contrasting sharply with their defensive display, Georgia Tech’s offense fell short of expectations. Coming into the game ranked as the fifth-best offense in the country, averaging 485.9 yards per game, the Yellow Jackets managed to score only via three field goals. They converted just 4 out of 11 third-down attempts and averaged a mere five yards per play. The running game faltered significantly, accumulating only 69 yards at an average of three yards per carry. Head coach Brent Key acknowledged the difficulties, citing a failure to sustain blocks as a primary issue. “When they come off the blocks, they usually make plays,” he stated, emphasizing the need for better execution.
Despite some late-game improvements in passing, the offense could not capitalize on opportunities to get playmakers into space, ultimately derailing their chances for a comeback.
EJ Lightsey’s Standout Performance
Defensive standout EJ Lightsey emerged as a crucial player, making significant contributions on the field. He recorded 12 tackles, leading the team, and demonstrated exceptional tackling ability in open space. Lightsey attributed the team’s defensive success to a simplified game plan that allowed players to focus on playing hard and fast. “Getting that juice back, getting all that energy and confidence back, good things happen,” he noted, reflecting on the team’s mindset leading up to the game.
Recent Struggles for Georgia Tech
The defeat marked a troubling trend for Georgia Tech, who have now lost three of their last four games, dropping their record to 9-3 after starting the season strong at 8-0. Issues on both sides of the ball have contributed to this downturn, with the offense struggling to perform complementary football. The inability to establish a consistent running game has hindered their offensive rhythm, leading to fewer big plays downfield.
Moreover, Georgia Tech’s defensive weaknesses against the run have been a recurring theme this season. In the recent matchup, they allowed 190 yards on the ground, with Georgia’s Nate Frazier rushing for 108 yards on 16 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per rush. This has been a notable concern, as similar performances against opponents like Pittsburgh and NC State have highlighted the need for improvement in run defense.
As the Yellow Jackets reflect on this season’s challenges, they will need to address these significant issues in preparation for the next. There remains a sense of frustration over what could have been—a season that started with promise now marred by missed opportunities and inconsistent performances.
