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Atlanta, Ga – The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-3) loses in a blowout to the Pittsburgh Panthers (4-1), 52-21 for their worst loss of the season
Georgia Tech came into their match-up against the Panthers looking to win their second game in a row after a big win against North Carolina last week.
Early first quarter, the Jackets were stifled by two interceptions thrown by quarterback Jeff Sims. The first pick set up a seven-play 48-yard touchdown drive by the Panthers. The second interception was taken to the house by Panthers’ linebacker John Petrishen.
The Yellow Jackets responded with a 44-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Nate McCollum. The Panthers weren’t deterred, scoring again on their fourth drive of the first quarter to give them a 21-7 lead going into the second quarter.
Pitt would pour on three more touchdowns in the second quarter while holding the Jackets to a single score. Pitt’s quarterback Kenny Pickett threw for 300 passing yards in the first half, including three touchdown passes. Pickett finished the day with 389 passing yards and four touchdowns.
The Yellow Jackets gave up some big plays in the passing game during the first half and trailed the Panthers 42-14 at the half. Not being able to add pressure, made it harder for the cornerbacks to cover.
“Kenny Pickett kept making plays with his feet and kept plays alive with really good vision down field,” stated head coach Geoff Collins. “It wasn’t our day. Hats off to them.”
Tech threatened with their opening drive of the third quarter but after getting to first and goal-to-goal, they had to settle for a field goal try, which was subsequently missed.
The Panthers would tack on a field goal in the fourth quarter and Tech wasn’t able to get any rhythm going.
Sims threw for 342 yards on 23-32 completions with two touchdowns and two interceptions. On the ground, the Yellow Jackets only mustered 73 yards as a team.
Tech Notes:
The Jackets allowed Kenny Pickett to throw four touchdown passes. Thats more touchdown passes than their last three opponents combined.
The 52 points Georgia Tech allowed was the most points they’ve given up all season. In fact, no other team has even reached the 30 point mark this season.
Jeff Sims is the first Georgia Tech quarterback with 300 passing yards since 2007 season (Taylor Bennett).
The Yellow Jackets next game is on the road versus the Duke Blue Devils on October 9th. The two teams have split their last two contests versus each other.
