2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - Rec. Class

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2008 Head Coach: Paul Johnson

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

2008 Recruiting Class

Star of the Class

Omoregie Uzzi OL 6-4 298 Chamblee, GA
A highly-touted recruit who excelled on both the offensive and defensive lines in high school... has good size... moves well laterally and plays with great effort... the ninth-rated offensive guard prospect nationally according to Scout.com... a first team all-state selection in 2007... also named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's All-Citywide Team... a 2007 U.S. Army All-American... chosen to play in the first Dekalb County Senior All-Star Game... named most outstanding lineman at Chamblee High School... helped lead Chamblee to a 12-2 record in 2007 - the most wins in school history... Chamblee advanced to the state semifinals and earned a final state ranking of No. 3... was instrumental in Chamblee rushing for 4,267 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and 60 touchdowns in 2007... as a junior in 2006, Uzzi recorded 70 tackles and two sacks... selected Georgia Tech over Alabama, Virginia, Georgia and others

Potential Instant Impact Players

Nick McRae C 6-4 289 Dublin, GA
A highly-touted center prospect with good size... Class 2A all-state honorable mention... also played on Dublin's 2006 state championship basketball team... in the fall of 2006 he led Dublin HS to a state title in football...ranked by Superprep as Georgia's No. 45 prospect... earned four varsity letters in football under coach Roger Holmes... played center, defensive tackle and defensive end... served one year as team captain... also played two years of basketball at the center position... chose Georgia Tech over Maryland, Mississippi, NC State and others.... McRae said: "I like Coach Johnson. He seems like a good person and a good coach."...

Jaybo Shaw QB 6-0 176 Flowery Branch, GA
A dual-threat quarterback who could fit nicely into Georgia Tech's offensive scheme... utilizes his athleticism to avoid the rush and buy more time in the pocket... good at improvising when play breaks down... throws well on the run... does a good job of reading the end on the option... fundamentally sound son of a football coach... as a junior he threw for 2,700 yards and 28 touchdowns... rushed for 1,500 yards and 21 TDs as a junior... set just about every school quarterback-related record at Flowery Branch... finished his career with 9,340 yards and 127 touchdowns... named to the North squad in the GACA North-South All-Star Game... selected to the Gainesville Times 2007 all-county first team... ranked as the nation's 10th-best dual-threat quarterback prospect nationally... among Rivals' top 50 prospects in the state of Georgia... ranked as Georgia's No. 58 prospect by Superprep... ranked the No. 56 prospect nationally at quarterback by Scout.com... led Flowery Branch to consecutive sub-region championships and state playoff appearances... played four years of football under coach Lee Shaw... served two years as team captain... also played basketball for three years, ran track two years and played one year of tennis... chose Georgia Tech over Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and others... Shaw said: "I like Coach Johnson because he's a straight shooter and he's been successful everywhere he's been. He's a winner.".. born October 27, 1989 in Gainesville, Ga... given name is Jaybo Lee Shaw... has two younger siblings - Connor and Anna Kate... father, Lee, played football at Western Carolina... mother, Dawn, played basketball at North Georgia

Rest of the Class

T.J.  Barnes	OL	6-5	320	Enterprise, AL
Brandon Leslie	DB	5-11	194	Fresno, CA
Jon Lockhart	DB	6-0	175	Blountstown, FL
B.J. Machen	LB	6-0	221	Hilliard, OH
Daniel McKayhan	WR	6-0	180	Lithonia, GA
Malcolm Munroe	LB	6-3	195	Miami, FL
Embry Peeples	RB	5-8	165	Orlando, FL
Rashaad Reid	DB	5-10	169	St. Augustine, FL
Kamaron Riley	WR	6-2	190	Hawkinsville, GA
Quentin Sims	WR	6-3	170	Cincinnati, OH
Phil Smith	OL	6-5	270	Tampa, FL
Steven Sylvester	LB	6-2	211	McDonough, GA
Cooper Taylor	ATH	6-3	175	Atlanta, GA
Tevin Washington	ATH	6-1	205	Wetumpka, AL
Richard Watson	RB	6-0	227	Tallahassee, FL
Antonio Wilson	DE	6-6	220	Decatur, GA
Marcus Wright	RB	5-6	163	San Antonio, TX

- 2007 GT Season
- 2007 GT Preview
- 2006 GT Season

2007 Schedule
CFN Prediction: 10-2
2007 Record: 7-6

Sept. 1 at Notre Dame W 33-3
Sept. 8 Samford W 69-14
Sept. 15 Boston College L 24-10
Sept. 22 at Virginia L 28-23
Sept. 29 Clemson W 13-3
Oct. 6 at Maryland L 28-26
Oct. 13 at Miami W 17-14
Oct. 20 Army W 34-10
Nov. 1 Virginia Tech L 27-3
Nov. 10  at Duke W 41-24
Nov. 17 North Carolina W 27-25
Nov. 24 Georgia L 31-17
Humanitarian Bowl
Dec. 31 Fresno State L 40-28

2007 Recap

Recap: The Yellow Jackets’ 11^th consecutive bowl invitation, a loss in the Humanitarian Bowl, was overshadowed by a 1-6 record versus other bowl-eligible programs and a seventh straight season of at least five losses.  The rampant mediocrity and inability to solve rival Georgia marked the end of the Chan Gailey era in Atlanta after six uninspired seasons.  Tech made a brief cameo in the Top 25 with routs of Notre Dame and Samford, but struggled all year with an offense that had no passing game to complement RB Tashard Choice.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Tashard Choice

Defensive Player of the Year: LB Philip Wheeler

Biggest Surprise: Of course, it became less impressive as the season progressed, but when Tech wrecked Notre Dame, 33-3, on opening night, it raised more than a few eyebrows.  The Yellow Jackets handed the Irish its worst season-opening loss, forcing three fumbles and getting 196 yards and two touchdowns from Choice.

Biggest Disappointment: QB Taylor Bennett.  Bennett’s performance in last year’s Gator Bowl ended up looking like a giant tease.  The junior was erratic all season, managing just seven touchdown passes on 327 pass attempts, production that made some Tech fans pine for the days of Reggie Ball.

Looking Ahead: Tech’s quest to get to the next level has prompted the program to hire Paul Johnson, who was wildly successful in stints with Georgia Southern and Navy.  Expect plenty of roster upheaval from a coach that has leaned heavily in the past on an option offense. 

Dec. 31
2007 Humanitarian Bowl
Fresno State 40 ... Georgia Tech 28
Fresno State gave up a 35-yard touchdown catch to Demaryius Thomas on the opening drive of the game, and then rolled from there with 27 straight points on a 43-yard Clifton Smith run, a six-yard run from Marlon Moore, two Clint Stitser field goals, and a three-yard Drew Lubinsky scoring grab. With star RB Tashard Choice hurt, the Yellow Jackets got production out of Jonathan Dwyer in the third quarter on touchdown runs of 36 and two yards out, but it was hardly enough as Tom Brandstater was too sharp throughout. His 24-yard touchdown dash late in the third put it away, while Smith closed things out with a 32-yard scoring run. The two teams combined to convert 18 of 27 third down chances.
Offensive Player of the Game: Fresno State QB Tom Brandstater completed 23 of 30 passes for 285 yards and a touchdown, and ran three times for 40 yards and a score
Defensive Player of the Game: Fresno State DE Tyler Clutts made seven tackles, two sacks and broke up a pass
Stat Leaders: Fresno State - Passing: Tom Brandstater, 23-30, 285 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Clifton Smith, 18-152, 2 TD. Receiving: Marlon Moore, 7-80
Georgia Tech - Passing: Calvin Booker, 7-15, 116 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 12-69. Receiving: Demaryius Thomas, 4-69, 1 TD
Thoughts & Notes ... Georgia Tech interim head coach Jon Tenuta didn't exactly come through with a strong defensive gameplan against Fresno State. There was little of the pass rush that dominated at times throughout the year, there were too many big plays allowed, and not enough stops on third downs. Fresno State played a better first half and Tech couldn't scramble to get back. The fight appeared to be there as the game went on, but the Bulldogs were too sharp. ... FSU QB Tom Brandstater has been teetering on the verge of greatness, and this game might be the one that makes him the WAC's signature star going into 2008 (if Boise State's Ian Johnson leaves early). The offensive line gave him time and he came through with a brilliant game. ... Even though the coaching situation made Georgia Tech understandably uneven, this was still a bad, bad loss for the ACC. The WAC has been mediocre in the bowl season, and Fresno State is certainly nothing too special, but the Yellow Jackets got their doors blown off. Fresno State outgained Tech 571 yards to 379.

Nov. 24
Georgia 31 ... Georgia Tech 17
Matthew Stafford ran for a 31-yard touchdown and hit Mo Massaquoi for a nine-yard score in the second quarter o give the Bulldogs control of the game, but it wasn't until Thomas Brown tore off a 32-yard touchdown run early in the fourth before they could relax a bit. Georgia Tech played tough with a 12-yard Tashard Choice touchdown run and a 17-yard Colin McPeek catch, but the offense couldn't get going in the second half.
Player of the game: Georgia RB Thomas Brown ran 17 times for 139 yards and a touchdown
Stat Leaders: Georgia - Passing: Matthew Stafford, 14-29, 214 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Thomas Brown, 17-139, 1 TD. Receiving: Mo Massaquoi, 6-74,1 TD
Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 9-27, 137 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 25-134, 1 TD. Receiving: Greg Smith, 3-49
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... After yet another loss to Georgia, and with a disappointing season that many felt should've ended with an ACC title, it'll be interesting to see what kind of a hot seat Chan Gailey is on. He has put together a nice program, but when you don't beat your arch-rival since 2000, alumni tend to get very, very cranky. Tashard Choice finished off his regular season like a warrior, but he didn't get any help from the passing game. Taylor Bennett shows just enough talent to suggest he could grow into a major player, but he's way, way too inconsistent and doesn't have an accurate enough arm at the moment.

Nov. 17
Georgia Tech 27 ... North Carolina 25
Georgia Tech PK Travis Bell overcame an earlier miss to nail a 27-yard field goal with 16 seconds to play for the win. The Yellow Jackets lost four fumbles, but the defense more often than not bent without breaking as UNC settled for four Connor Barth field goals and got into the end zone on a 14-yard Hakeem Nicks catch and a one-yard Anthony Elzy run. Greg Smith caught touchdown passes from 40 and 47 yards out for Tech, while RB Tashard Choice, who ran for 142 yards, threw a 17-yard scoring pass to QB Taylor Bennett. UNC finished converting just one of 13 third down chances.
Player of the game: Georgia Tech WR Greg Smith caught six passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 13-24, 196 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 33-142. Receiving: Greg Smith, 6-155, 2 TD
North Carolina - Passing: T.J. Yates, 21-35, 283 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Greg Little, 24-89. Receiving: Hakeem Nicks, 7-162, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Georgia Tech can breathe a huge sigh of relief after getting the late field goal and escaping with a win over North Carolina. For all the problems and all the issues the Yellow Jackets have had, they've won four of their last five games to turn the season around and be in a position for a nice bowl. Getting to seven wins is nice, but beating Georgia would suddenly make the season potentially special. Closing out strong is a must, and to beat the Bulldogs, the offense has to get hot early.

Nov. 10
Georgia Tech 41 ... Duke 24
Tashard Choice ran for 170 yards with touchdown runs from one and 16 yards out, and Taylor Bennett ran for a one-yard score and connected with Correy Earls for a 38-yard touchdown as Georgia Tech got by Duke. The Blue Devils stayed alive on a 64-yard Eron Riley touchdown catch, an 11-yard Requan Boyette run, and a 24-yard Leon Wright fumble recovery for a score, but the Yellow Jacket defense, and the running of Choice, helped put the game away. Tech outgained Duke 477 yards to 146.
Player of the game: Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice ran 24 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 11-23, 218 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 24-170, 2 TD. Receiving: Correy Earls, 5-86, 1 TD
Duke - Passing: Thaddeus Lewis, 12-29, 122 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Re'quan Boyette, 13-51, 1 TD. Receiving: Eron Riley, 3-74, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Getting a huge day from Tashard Choice, and eight sacks, against Duke helped the Yellow Jackets get by what should've been an easy win, but the passing of Taylor Bennett once again proved to be a problem. He's not Reggie Ball quite yet, but he's not improving and he's not taking advantage of the attention paid to the running game. He made enough big throws to beat Duke, but he has to be consistent to beat Georgia in two weeks, and mistake-free to prevent an upset against North Carolina next week.

Nov. 1
Virginia Tech 27 ... Georgia Tech 3
Virginia Tech's Sean Glennon overcame the loss of his jersey, wearing a modified Georgia Tech jersey, to throw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Justin Harper and a 71-yard pass to Josh Morgan. The day belonged to the Hokie defense that forced six turnovers, including five interceptions, and held the Yellow Jacket offense to 271 yards and a 24-yard Travis Bell field goal. Georgia Tech had one big chance to get back in the game, but a trick play just missed on a sure touchdown pass just out of reach for WR James Johnson.
Player of the game: Virginia Tech QB Sean Glennon completed 22 of 32 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 11-26, 157 yds, 4 INT
Rushing: Jonathan Dwyer, 10-68. Receiving: James Johnson, 7-136
Virginia Tech - Passing: Sean Glennon, 22-32, 296 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Branden Ore, 19-86. Receiving: Josh Morgan, 6-103, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The Georgia Tech offensive line couldn't handle the fearsome Virginia Tech defensive line, and couldn't give Taylor Bennett time. It wasn't all the O line's fault that GT QBs threw five interceptions, and while the loss of the top running backs to injury two weeks ago can't be blamed considering Jonathan Dwyer ran well. Nothing clicked after getting up 3-0, and nothing on offense worked. With Duke and North Carolina ahead, there's still a good shot at a nice record and a good bowl, while beating Georgia at the end of the year would mean almost as much to many as a division title. In other words, there's still a lot to play for.

Oct. 20
Georgia Tech 34 ... Army 10
Georgia Tech had few problems with Army, cranking out 510 yards of total offense, getting past a 10-10 first half tie to score the final 24 points of the game, but top running back Tashard Choice, who scored on a one-yard run in the first half, was lost to a knee injury. The rest of the offense picked up the slack, with Rashaun Grant running for a 24-yard score and Jonathan Dwyer and Jamaal Evans each running for short scores. Army got its touchdown on a 27-yard Jeremy Trimble catch.
Player of the game: Georgia Tech RB Rashaun Grant ran 11 times for 119 yards and a touchdown
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 13-24, 207 yds
Rushing: Rashaun Grant, 11-119, 1 TD. Receiving: Greg Smith, 4-61
Army - Passing: Carson Williams, 9-23, 124 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Patrick Mealy, 18-86. Receiving: Jeremy Trimble, 4-83, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... You don't get better by losing a player like Tashard Choice, who went down with a knee injury against Army, but Georgia Tech always finds productive tailbacks. Rashaun Grant stepped in and ran well as part of a gaggle of backs who saw work. If Choice is out for an appreciable length of time, the pressure will be on QB Taylor Bennett to start producing more down the stretch. With two weeks off, the coaching staff will have a lot of work to do before the date with Virginia Tech.

Oct. 13
Georgia Tech 17 ... Miami 14
Taylor Bennett ran for two third quarter touchdowns and Tashard Choice ran for 204 yards as Georgia Tech held on to beat Miami. Tied at 14 midway though the fourth, Travis Bell hit a 39-yard field goal to give Tech the lead for good. Miami never came close again. The Canes got a 39-yard touchdown dash from Shawnbrey McNeal on fourth down in the first quarter, and Sam Shield caught a three-yard touchdown pass in the fourth, but they only gained 223 yards of total offense and got 12 first downs.
Player of the game: Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice ran 37 times for 204 yards, and caught one pass for 13 yards
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 11-28, 114 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 37-204. Receiving: Demaryius Thomas, 3-35
Miami - Passing: Kyle Wright,  8-17, 56 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Graig Cooper, 12-66. Receiving: Sam Shields, 4-22, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The formula continues to be the same for the Yellow Jackets. If the defense is a brick wall, like it was against Miami, and if Tashard Choice is running well, this is a nasty team to beat regardless of what Taylor Bennett does. It would be nice to have more from the passing game, but if Choice is on, everything else falls into place. While the ACC title dreams are long gone, this can still be a strong end of the year with Army, Duke and North Carolina still on the schedule, along with Virginia Tech and Georgia at home.

Oct. 6
Maryland 28 ... Georgia Tech 26
Georgia Tech's Travis Bell missed a 52-yard field goal in the final minute as Maryland held on to pull off the win. The Terps got three touchdown runs from Lance Ball, including a one-yarder late in the third, for a 28-17 lead, but Georgia Tech fought back with a 37-yard field goal and a 39-yard touchdown catch from Demaryius Thomas, but the two-point conversion was stuffed. Tech was down 21-3 before getting things going with a 32-yard fumble return for a touchdown from Darrell Robertson, and started off the scoring in the second half with a one-yard Tashard Choice scoring run, but the Terps answered with an 11-play drive, finishing up with Ball's third score for all the points they'd need. Tech outgained Maryland 484 yards to 343.
Player of the game: Maryland RB Lance Ball ran for 86 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries.
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 22-34, 309 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 32-135, 1 TD. Receiving: Demaryius Thomas, 9-139, 1 TD
Maryland - Passing: Chris Turner, 10-17, 255 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Lance Ball, 16-86, 3 TDs. Receiving: Darrius Heyward-Bey, 4-109
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Georgia Tech outplayed Maryland for about 45 minutes, but couldn't overcome the early deficit to pull off the win. The defensive line did its job, Taylor Bennett threw well, and Tashard Choice ran like he normally does. It controlled the ball for 11:40 of the fourth quarter, dominated the third, but couldn't get the job done. Now the season has become a tremendous disappointment, losing three of the last four games with a trip to Miami ahead. The team is better than this.

Sept. 29
Georgia Tech 13 ... Clemson 3
Georgia Tech got a two-yard Tashard Choice touchdown run and two Travis Bell field goals, but this game belonged to the defense, with a little help from the poor play of the Clemson special teams. Clemson PK Mark Buchholz missed four field goals, while the vaunted Tiger running game was held to just 34 yards. The Tech defense came up with six sacks, with Philip Wheeler combing up with 2.5, and kept the Tigers off the board for almost 59 minutes after Buchholz hit a 48-yard field goal just over a minute into the game.
Player of the game: Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice rushed 32 times for 145 yards and a score.
Stat Leaders: Clemson - Passing: Cullen Harper, 17-39, 194 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: James Davis, 12-60. Receiving: Aaron Kelly, 6-53
Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 7-15, 67 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 32-145, 1 TD. Receiving: James Johnson, 2-40
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... So that's going to be Georgia Tech football this year. Hope the defense rocks, get an All-America caliber performance from Tashard Choice, and get whatever it can from QB Taylor Bennett. After the last two weeks, the lines appeared to be ready for a challenge against Clemson, and they dominated. There's no margin for error now with road games against Maryland and Miami, but if the Yellow Jackets can pull off those wins, they'll be back in the ACC title hunt.

Sept. 22
Virginia 28 ... Georgia Tech 23
Virginia answered a 66-yard Demaryius Thomas touchdown catch with 21 straight first quarter points on four-yard runs from Cedric Peerman and Jameel Sewell, and a 25-yard Jeffrey Fitzgerald interception return for a touchdown. Georgia Tech came back with 16 straight points, with a 21-yard Jonathan Dwyer scoring run and three Travis Bell field goals on the way to a 23-21 lead, but the Cavaliers took the lead for good on a 26-yard Stanton Jobe touchdown catch. The Yellow Jackets had one last shot, but the drive stalled thanks to two holding penalties. 
Player of the game: Virginia DE Chris Long made nine tackles, a sack, and two broken up passes
Stat Leaders: Virginia - Passing: Jameel Sewell, 16-25, 177 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Cedric Peerman, 28-138, 1 TD. Receiving: Jonathan Stupar, 6-48
Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 17-40, 230 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Jonathan Dwyer, 15-75, 1 TD. Receiving: Greg Smith, 5-79
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Even with a big touchdown pass to start the Virginia game, it seemed like there was a hangover from the Boston College game, at least defensively. Then the Notre Dame game kicked in, when QB Taylor Bennett couldn't quite click with his receivers, and good drives stalled with field goals needed in place of possible touchdowns. The defense is far better than it played this week, and again, almost appeared to be worn down from BC. The line has to start playing up to its capabilities again next week against Clemson, or it won't be pretty.

Sept. 15
Boston College 24 ... Georgia Tech 10
Boston College dominated on both sides of the ball, outgaining the Yellow Jackets 527 yards to 267 while not allowing any points until a two-yard Jonathan Dwyer touchdown run in the fourth quarter. BC jumped out to a 21-0 lead on a one-yard L.V. Whitworth touchdown run, a 39-yard scoring grab from Brandon Robinson, and a 16-yard Whitworth run. The BC defense kept Tech star RB Tashard Choice to 31 yards, helped by 12 tackles from LB JoLonn Dunbar.
Player of the game: Boston College QB Matt Ryan completed 30 of 44 passes for 435 yards and a touchdown
Stat Leaders: Boston College - Passing: Matt Ryan, 30-44, 435 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Andre Callender, 17-54. Receiving: Kevin Challenger, 7-88
Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 20-39, 204 yds
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 15-31. Receiving: Demaryius Thomas, 5-68
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... While the dream of dreams might be over after the loss to BC, Tech has to maintain its focus, beat Virginia, and try to get goal one, an ACC title. This might not be the last time the Yellow Jackets face BC, but to have any chance, there has to be more of a pass rush than shown this week, and the mistakes have to stop. Ten penalties for 100 yards are too many, and only converting two of 14 third down conversions put too much stress on the D. While the defense did a fine job against the run, it faced a buzzsaw in Matt Ryan. He'll bomb away against just about everyone.

Sept. 8
Georgia Tech 69 ... Samford 14
Georgia Tech got out to a 45-0 halftime lead as Tashard Choice ripped off touchdown runs from nine and 73 yards out and Jonathan Dwyer ran for two of his three touchdown runs. His 66-yarder late in the third made it 62-0 before Samford finally got on the board with a  four-yard Alex Barnett run. The Yellow Jackets finished with 404 rushing yards while the quarterback completed ten of 12 passes.
Player of the game: Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice rushed 11 times for 110 yards and two scores, and had a reception for 17 yards.
Stat Leaders: Samford - Passing: Jefferson Adcock, 15-29, 156 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Chris Evans, 12-49. Receiving: Jeff Moore, 6-90, 1 TD
Georgia Tech - Passing: Taylor Bennett, 8-9, 85 yds
Rushing: Jonathan Dwyer, 9-138, 3 TDs. Receiving: D.J. Donley, 2-18
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Don't dismiss a blowout win over a team like Samford, even if it was expected. Coming off the high of the Notre Dame blasting, the team appears to have extreme confidence that things are humming as well as possible before diving into the ACC season. Basically, the coaching staff asked the offense to get off to a fast start, it did, and the Tech offensive line dominated from there. It would've been nice to have seen Taylor Bennett throw the ball more than nine times, just to get more work in before facing Boston College, but that's nitpicking.

Sept. 1
Georgia Tech 33 ... Notre Dame 3
Georgia Tech blew out Notre Dame in a game that wasn't even as close as the ugly final score might indicate. The Yellow Jacket defense held the Irish to -8 rushing yards thanks to nine sacks, while the offense got two Tashard Choice touchdown runs, including a 22-yarder off a direct snap. Travis Bell connected on four field goals for Tech. Notre Dame's only points came late in the third quarter on a 24-yard Brandon Walker field goal.
Player of the game ... Georgia Tech RB Tashard Choice ran for 196 yards and Jonathan Dwyer two touchdowns on 26 carries, and added three receptions for 22 yards.
Stat Leaders: Georgia Tech- Passing: Taylor Bennett, 11-23, 121 yds
Rushing: Tashard Choice, 26-196, 2 TDs  Receiving: Greg Smith, 3-31
Notre Dame - Passing: Evan Sharpley, 10-13, 92 yds
Rushing: Demetrius Jones, 12-28  Receiving: Robby Parris, 3-30
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The win over the Irish shouldn't be a surprise, and the ease with which it happened can't come as a shocker considering how good the defense is coming into the year. What was a surprise, in a bad way, was how off the passing game was. Taylor Bennett struggled with his accuracy as he failed to end the game in the first 20 minutes with a few misfires forcing Tech to go for field goals instead of touchdowns. It should've been 28-0 at halftime instead of 16-0, but things will click with a little more time. The receivers were open, and Bennett should use the Samford game to find them. Tashard Choice was tremendous behind a strong game from the line.