One year! One year was how long the Yellow Jackets had to wait for revenge this past Saturday. The emotions that have been bottled up, finally were allowed to be unleashed...and unleashed they were. By the time the last second came off the game clock, Georgia Tech would set school, conference and NCAA records on the offensive side of the ball. This was a total dismantling of a football team in every facet of the game. 604 yards rushing in the game was a new GT record. That along with the 164 yards passing would account for the highest all-time game total in the schools history (768 yards).
Highlights
The game began as good as it could have for the Yellow Jackets. They forced the Jayhawks to punt on their first possession, but were began the first offensive drive from their own 5-yard line. Georgia Tech had scored on the first play of each game so far this season, and would not disappoint on this day either. Orwin Smith would take a counter option play 95 yards for a touchdown. This put the fans at Bobby Dodd Stadium into a frenzy. Smith would go on to have an even bigger day scoring once more, rushing for 157 yards total and even leading the team with 108 yards receiving.
If you were a Georgia Tech running back, last Saturday was your day. I believe every active player that suited up played. Embry Peebles racked up 110 yards rushing while Roddy Jones (72), David Sims (70), and Synjyn Days (69) would tack on as well. Quarterback Tevin Washington amazed yet again. He would only attempt 7 passes, but completed 4 of them, and 2 of which were for touchdowns. He also ran for 32 yards, but with everyone running the ball well, Washington only needed to distribute the ball on this day. The AJC quoted Washington after the game as saying "We were spreading the love. When everybody's touching the ball, everybody's happy."
The defense had a few difficulties in the first half, mainly stopping Kansas on 3rd down conversions. Julian Burnett once again lead the way with 9 tackles, which added to his team lead of 29. The biggest impact player last Saturday may have been Steven Sylvester, who had 8 tackles, forced a fumble, and kept pressure on Kansas QB Jordan Webb all game long.
With this win the Associated Press voted the Yellow Jackets into the Top 25 (25th) for the first time this season. The Coaches Poll also ranked GT in the Top 25 nationally at 24th.
Offensive Player of the Game: Orwin Smith (5 rushes 157 yards 1 TD, 2 catches 108 yards 1 TD)
Defensive Player of the Game: Steven Sylvester (8 tackles 1 forced fumble)
Next Opponent: vs North Carolina (Sept. 24, 2011)
If the Yellow Jackets are going to pull off this win, then they will need to keep the pace on offense like they have so far this season, control the clock and keep the Tar Heels stud quarterback Bryn Renner off the field. Renner is completing over 80% of his passes and has thrown for almost 700 yards so far this season. The Tar Heels are also undefeated and could be looking to avenge a 30-24 loss last season to the Jackets.
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