Georgia Tech blows big lead in 38-31 loss to Tar Heels

Georgia Tech’s Shamire Devine hangs his head while kneeling along…

Adam Gostis had to watch almost three-quarters of the game from the locker room on Saturday when he was ejected following a personal foul. The ideal play at the flawless juncture, catching Tech unaware and giving North Carolina its first lead.

It is still startling when Justin Thomas is the second best quarterback on the field.

It was Williams’ third career touchdown catch – each from Davis.

The schedule brings more bad news for the Yellow Jackets, who play at No. 12 Clemson next week and also face No. 11 Florida State later this month.

North Carolina (3-1) travel at the Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA to take on the Georgia Tech (2-2) in a NCAA College Football game on October 3, 3:30 PM.

The Yellow Jackets hit their stride in game two and never lost the lead. I feel like I’ve been gut punched. “And I thought [offensive coordinator] Seth [Littrell] did a really good job just continuing to do what we do”. We just got the chance to this season. So far in this season North Carolina Tar Heels has 25.1 scored compared to Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’s 29.6. The call was confirmed and upheld by video review and Gotsis was escorted to the dressing room.

Thirty-eight points later, North Carolina (4-1, 1-0 ACC) had pulled off an improbable comeback to finally put away a losing streak that has haunted the Tar Heels every other year in ACC Coastal Division play. It was the Yellow Jackets’ low total since they ran for 151 yards in a loss to Mississippi in the 2013 Music City Bowl.

RUNNING ON FUMES: The Yellow Jackets were held to 173 yards rushing by Duke. With less than five minutes remaining in the half, Georgia Tech’s overwhelming advantage in time of possession was 20:38 to 4:48. Despite those signs of defensive improvement, North Carolina ranks last in the ACC in rushing defense with its average of 229 yards rushing allowed. Then came what Johnson called the “momentum-changer”.

Making big plays as a passer, runner and receiver, Marquise Williams proved he’s the do-it-all leader of the Tar Heels’ attack. He handed off to running back T.J. Logan, who ran left and handed off to Davis on what looked like a reverse.

After Williams’ touchdown catch, UNC’s defense stopped Georgia Tech again. “We’re down but at the same time the best way to get off the down side is to win”, Thomas said.

The touchdown catch came one play after Thomas fumbled when hit by Tar Heels linebacker Cayson Collins.

Williams rushed 15 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns, and completed 13-of-24 for 134 yards. He ran for 56 yards and two touchdowns.

Coaching really matters. North Carolina was not flawless in its sideline administration (witness the choice of an unsuccessful onside kick early in the third quarter, even after the Tar Heels had scored the last 17 points).