2009 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team
Encyclopedia
The 2009 Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology
in the 2009–2010 Football Season
. The team was coached by second year head coach Paul Johnson
. Georgia Tech played their home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field
in Atlanta, Georgia
.
The Yellow Jackets finished the season 11–3, 7–1 in ACC
play, represented the coastal division in the ACC Championship Game
where they defeated atlantic division champion Clemson
39–34 to earn the ACC's automatic bid to the BCS
. The Yellow Jackets would be invited to the Fedex Orange Bowl
where they lost 24–14 to Iowa
. The ACC Championship was vacated by the NCAA on July 14, 2011 as a penalty for Georgia Tech's non-compliance with NCAA rules and its refusal to cooperate with the NCAA in the investigation of those rules violations.
, including a share of the ACC
Coastal Crown and continuing 12-year bowl streak with an invite to the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl
. The Jackets ended a 13-game losing streak against Florida State
with a 31–28 win in Atlanta, and ended a seven game losing streak to rival
Georgia
by 45–42 in Athens
. Tech finished the season ranked 22 in the AP
and the USA Today Coaches' Poll. Johnson was named ACC Coach of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Conference
Media Association and 2008 National Coach of the Year by CBSSports.com.
, Quarterback Josh Nesbitt
, A-Back Roddy Jones, WR Demaryius Thomas
, and the entire offensive line from the bowl game. Tech adds Louisville transfer Anthony Allen to the backfield. On defense, Tech returns eight of eleven starters including All-ACC players Morgan Burnett
and Derrick Morgan
. Tech returns nineteen starters to a squad that defeated three ranked teams in 2008. Johnson signed a recruiting class of 21 players.
GT vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Georgia Tech rushed for nearly 300 yards behind Jonathan Dwyer's 96 yards on just 7 carries. On the first play of the season, the former ACC Player of the Year took a Josh Nesbitt pitch 74 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. Dwyer was untouched on the carry. The B-Back, Tech's feature back in the offense, carried the ball six more times in the game, finishing with seven carries. Josh Nesbitt connected on a touchdown with Anthony Allen. In Tech's home opener, Demaryius "BayBay" Thomas posted a 100 yard receiving performance, catching the ball four times for 101 yards. All-American candidate Morgan Burnett listed an interception, his first of 2009 and 11th of his career. Coach Johnson earned his 10th win at Georgia Tech.
GT vs. Clemson Tigers
Georgia Tech earned a second half scare by Clemson. However, Scott Blair
connected on three field goals for the Yellow Jackets to seal the win. Tech scored on three plays in the first half. Louisville transfer Anthony Allen took a Josh Nesbitt pitch 82 yards down the sideline to score Tech's first touchdown on its opening possession. Jerrard Tarrant
returned a punt 65 yards to increase the Tech lead to 14–0. Following a Scott Blair
field goal, Tech on its ensuing possession marched the ball downfield only to have itself stopped. On 4th down, Tech ran onto the field with its kicking unit, but instead of kicking the field goal, Blair took the snap, finding "BayBay" Thomas down the sideline, earning a 40 yard touchdown score for the White and Gold. While Tech led 24–7 at the half, the Tech defense gave up 27 unanswered points. Clemson took the lead 27–24 in the 4th quarter. Tech, who was 0–9 on third down attempts early in the 4th, converted three in a row late in the 4th quarter with Josh Nesbitt earning two consecutive field goals. Anthony Allen ran for 127 yards on 5 carries, 25.4 yards per carry. The Tech Defense intercepted Kyle Parker twice.
GT at Miami Hurricanes
Georgia Tech traveled to Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. to compete against the University of Miami. Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple and Miami Quarterback Jacory Harris prepared a game plan against Dave Wommack and the Georgia Tech Defense. Miami threw the ball for 300 yards. Tech managed to run for only 180 yards, and it earned merely 250 yards of total offense. Josh Nesbitt and Demaryius Thomas hooked up for a touchdown late in the game. On just Tech's third possession of the game, a 40 yard Roddy Jones touchdown was nullified on a block in the back call by walk-on Kevin Cone. The crucial call nullified a 14–10 score midway through the second quarter. The Tech offense stalled out on the same drive, attempting a 40 yard field goal which was missed by PK Scott Blair
.
GT vs. UNC Tarheels
Georgia Tech bounced back the following week in Atlanta against the University of North Carolina. Butch Davis and the Tar Heels came in ranked in the Top 20. The Tech defense held North Carolina to just 154 yards of total offense, including only 17 on the ground. The Tech offense, led by Jonathan Dwyer, rushed for 317 yards. Josh Nesbitt showed improvement in the air, earning a completion % of 60. He connected with Demaryius "BayBay" Thomas for a touchdown. Jonathan Dwyer finished with 157 yards on 17 carries. Josh Nesbitt ran for two touchdowns and Roddy Jones ran one in from 13.
GT at Mississippi State Bulldogs
Georgia Tech was 2–0 against Mississippi State University in the all-time series going into the October 3rd contest between the two schools. On the first possession of the game, former Tulsa DE and current Georgia Tech End Anthony Egbuniwe sacked MSU QB Tyson Lee, stripping the ball from Lee's possession and gaining possession for the White and Gold. Stephen Hill took a 30 yard reverse to the house on Tech's opening drive. Josh Nesbitt threw 266 yards on 11 of 14 completions and a touchdown. Nesbitt led the Tech Offense all the way to MSU's goaline on its second possession with his throwing Jonathan Dwyer ran the ball in from two yards to improve the Tech lead to 14–0. MSU responded with a 98 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Tech was slated to go up 21–7 when Jonathan Dwyer fumbled the ball around Tech's goaline and MSU recovered, earning a touchback and possession of the football. On the ensuing drive, Lee and Anthony Dixon fumbled, where DB Jerrard Tarrant
picked it up, returning it 35 yards to the house. Tech went on to win the contest by a score of 42–31. The Tech Defense gave up 497 yards of total offense.
GT at Florida State Seminoles
Georgia Tech ran for 401 yards en route to defeating Florida State 49–44 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Tech had never defeated the Seminoles in Tallahassee previously. Jonathan Dwyer ran for a couple scores, one of which was a 69 yard memorable dart downfield on the first play of Tech's third possession. A-Backs Anthony Allen, Marcus Wright, and Embry Peeples posted stellar games. Allen took a pitch 60 yards down the sideline on Tech's second drive to set up a Josh Nesbitt one yard touchdown. Tech had four possessions in the first half, scoring on each of them. It finished with 49 points. Nesbitt added two more touchdowns, the final coming late in 4th quarter. On the game winning drive, Roddy Jones dropped a Josh Nesbitt pitch, and FSU picked it up, maintaining possession. However, Nesbitt used both of his hands to take the football back before the FSU player was down, regaining possession for Tech. Nesbitt later scored on a 25 yard scamper that same drive, sealing victory for the White and Gold. The epic scamper increased the Tech lead to 11 at 49-38. While the Tech Offense posted a career day, the Tech defense struggled. It gave up 550 yards of total offense, 408 coming in the first half. Christian Ponder had a career day, throwing for five touchdowns. FSU punted once all game, Tech never punted. Paul Johnson and his spread option offense posted its third 400 plus yard rushing performance at Georgia Tech. The other two came in Johnson's first season at Tech, against Miami (FL) in Atlanta and Georgia in Athens.
"We simply could not stop them."
- Bobby Bowden
GT vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Josh Nesbitt scored three touchdowns and Georgia Tech ran for 306 yards to upset #4 Virginia Tech on a cold, memorable night in Atlanta. For the second straight week, head coach Paul Johnson led the #19 Yellow Jacket squad to a victory, earning a win that ended a 17 game losing skid to top five opponents played at Bobby Dodd Stadium since 1962. Jason Peters batted down and intercepted Tyrod Taylor in the 1st quarter. Josh Nesbitt ran in a couple scores from inside the five, and Sophomore Marcus Wright scored from 13 yards out in the third quarter to increase the Tech lead to 11. The Georgia Tech Defense played effectively, limiting an elusive Tyrod Taylor and the Virginia Tech offense to only 342 yards of total offense. Taylor scored on a 3rd quarter scamper. However, on 3rd and 7 with 3:02 remaining in the final quarter, Josh Nesbitt had a 33 yard game icing stiff arm and score to increase the Tech lead to 28–16. Following the announcement of a 28–23 final tally, Grant Field was swarmed. Steven Sylvester and Derrick Morgan each recorded a sack. Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen combined for 150 yards on the ground to set up Josh Nesbitt and the Georgia Tech offense. The win over Frank Beamer's #4 Hokies improved Paul Johnson's record to 10–1 at home.
"...with the caliber of players they have – Nesbitt is unbelievable, they’ve got Dwyer – it’s just exhausting."
- Torrian Gray
GT at Virginia Cavaliers
Georgia Tech defeated Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. for the first time since 1990 by a score of 34–9. Tech had two 100 yard rushers in the game. Jonathan Dwyer led the team with 125 yards while Anthony Allen followed with 111 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Nesbitt ran in two touchdowns from inside the five. Redshirt Freshman Malcolm Munroe forced a fumble by Virginia punt returner Chase Minnifield
. The Tech offense accumulated 447 yards of total offense. The Tech Defense held Virginia to 198 yards.
...Tech's time of possession today was the highest in at least 20 years; the next closest in the last 20 years was 42:10 vs. Wake Forest on Sept. 14, 1996 and 42:06 vs. North Carolina earlier this season
... Tech had two 100-yard rushers in a game for the second time this season
... Tech had over 400 yards total offense for the sixth time this season
... Tech rushed for more than 300 yards for the sixth time this season
... Georgia Tech has outscored opponents 79-31 in the first quarter this season
... When Tech's fake punt in the first quarter failed, it ended a streak of six consecutive fourth-down conversions; it was the Jackets' first failed fourth-down attempt since Sept. 17 (vs. Clemson)
... Georgia Tech attempted its first field goal since Sept. 26 (vs. North Carolina)
... 139 consecutive games without returning a kickoff for a touchdown
... 27 consecutive starts by senior guard Cord Howard
... back-up DT Jason Peters (r-So.) did not travel to Virginia (sick)
GT at Vanderbilt Commodores
Paul Johnson and his #11 ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will travel to Nashville, Tenn. to compete against Vanderbilt University on Halloween night, 2009. Tech dominates the series, leading the Commodores 18–15–3 in 36 contests. Tech comes in averaging nearly 295 yards on the ground. Tech holds a #11 ranking in the AP, Coaches', and BCS polls, its highest mark since 1998. A win over Bobby Johnson and the Commodores could mean Tech's highest ranking since 2001.
Jonathan Dwyer rushed for a career high 186 yards and three touchdowns while Josh Nesbitt added 2 touchdowns on the ground and 2 in the air as Georgia Tech routed Vanderbilt 56–31 in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt led 31–28 with twelve minutes left in the 3rd quarter, but a series of turnovers allowed Georgia Tech's high powered offense to score four more touchdowns. Josh Nesbitt threw an 87 yard touchdown to sophomore Embry Peeples in the 4th quarter to increase the Tech lead to 18 at 49–31. The win marked Tech's fourth victory on the road, its most since 2000. It also elevated the Jackets to a #10 BCS ranking, its highest ranking in November since 1990. Paul Johnson posted his fifth 400 plus yard rushing attack at Georgia Tech, as the Yellow Jackets ran up and down Nashville, Tenn. for 404 yards.
"There is no way to figure it out." - Bobby Johnson
GT vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Yellow Jackets, ranked in the Top 10 for the first time since 1999, hosted the Demon Deacons in Atlanta. The game got off to a quick start as Tech jumped out to a quick 10–0 lead helped by Preston Lyons first career TD. But the Deacons controlled the rest of the first half scoring 17 unanswered points. The Yellow Jackets kept committing penalties, contributing to all of Wake Forest's points. The offense also had its share of mistakes, getting called three times for chop blocks as the officials seemed to pay close attention to the interior line after opponents complained of dirty blocking tactics. After trailing 17–10 at the half, Tech's Jonathan Dwyer broke off a 59-yard TD run on Georgia Tech's first offensive snap of the second half, tying the game at 17. Wake Forest managed only one first down on its four possessions after halftime, and Georgia Tech went ahead 24–17 when Josh Nesbitt scored on a 12-yard run with 8:19 left in regulation. Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner drove the Deacons down late in the 4th quarter and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Devon Brown with 4:27 remaining. After Georgia Tech was stopped again on fourth down, Wake Forest appeared to be driving into range for a winning field-goal attempt. But Skinner was sacked by Derrick Morgan on third-and-7 from the Georgia Tech 35, and Wake Forest decided to punt it away and settle for OT. In the first period of OT, the Yellow Jacket defense was able to hold Wake Forest to a field goal helped by a Derrick Morgan sack on Riley Skinner on a 3rd and seven. On the Jacket's OT possession, Georgia Tech drove to the 5 where it faced fourth-and-less-than-a-yard. The Yellow Jackets initially tried to draw Wake offsides, but was forced to burn a timeout when that didn't work. Deciding to go for the first instead of kicking a field goal, Josh Nesbitt got the first down on a QB sneak. On the very next play, the Jackets were able to get into the endzone thanks to another Josh Nesbitt sneak and was able to seal the victory. The victory lifted Tech to a 9–1 record and dropped the Deacons to 4–6. The Yellow Jacket offense, also known as the Nesbone, rumbled up and down Grant Field for 412 yards, Coach Johnson's sixth 400 plus rushing yard performance in two seasons.
GT at Duke Blue Devils
Georgia Tech surged to the top of the ACC Coastal division behind the performance of All American Tailback Jonathan Dwyer, who carried the ball 14 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Nesbitt connected with true Freshman Stephen Hill and veteran Junior Demaryius "BayBay" Thomas for a couple of scores en route to a 49–10 romp of Duke University at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. The Yellow Jacket offense was the story of the game after falling behind 10–0 in the first quarter. The high powered triple option offense scored forty nine consecutive points to wrap up the Coastal Division for Paul Johnson and the Yellow Jackets.
GT vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Surprisingly, Georgia Tech was outgained by the Bulldogs both rushing (349–209) and time of possession, which had been key components to the Yellow Jackets' success throughout the season. Georgia tailbacks Washaun Ealey and Caleb King both had breakout performances, running for 183 and 166 yards, respectively, both career highs. Georgia Tech had a chance to take the lead late in the game, but Demaryius Thomas
dropped a wide open pass on fourth down which would have resulted in a first down, securing Georgia's 30-24 victory. This game dropped Georgia Tech's record against Georgia coach Mark Richt to 1-8.
Georgia Tech was forced to vacate this game on July 14, 2011 as part of their sanctions for an alleged failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation.
GT vs. Clemson Tigers
Run Dwyer, Run.
Georgia Tech was forced to vacate this game on July 14, 2011 as part of their sanctions for an alleged failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation.
GT vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Georgia Tech was forced to vacate this game on July 14, 2011 as part of their sanctions for an alleged failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation.
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology is a public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States...
in the 2009–2010 Football Season
2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on September 2, 2009, progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in Pasadena, California on January 7, 2010, featuring the...
. The team was coached by second year head coach Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson (American football coach)
Paul Johnson is an American football coach. He is currently the head coach at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a position he has held since the 2008 season. Previously, Johnson served as the head coach at Georgia Southern University from 1997 to 2001 and at the United States Naval Academy...
. Georgia Tech played their home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field
Bobby Dodd Stadium
Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field is the football stadium located at the corner of North Avenue at Techwood Drive on the campus of Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, who completed the 2011 season with a loss to rival UGA...
in Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
The Yellow Jackets finished the season 11–3, 7–1 in ACC
2009 ACC football season
The 2009 ACC football season was an NCAA football season that was played from September 3, 2009, to January 5, 2010. The Atlantic Coast Conference consists of 12 members in two divisions. The Atlantic division consists of Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, Maryland, North Carolina State and...
play, represented the coastal division in the ACC Championship Game
2009 ACC Championship Game
The 2009 ACC Championship Game was a college football game between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Clemson Tigers. The game, sponsored by Dr. Pepper, was the final regular-season contest of the 2009 college football season for the Atlantic Coast Conference. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson,...
where they defeated atlantic division champion Clemson
2009 Clemson Tigers football team
The 2009 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2009 college football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, who was in his first full season as head coach. The Tigers played their home games in Memorial Stadium...
39–34 to earn the ACC's automatic bid to the BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
. The Yellow Jackets would be invited to the Fedex Orange Bowl
2010 Orange Bowl
The 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl game featured the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Iowa Hawkeyes on Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida...
where they lost 24–14 to Iowa
2009 Iowa Hawkeyes football team
The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa and the Iowa Hawkeyes athletic program during the 2009 college football season. The team played its home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 2009 marked Kirk Ferentz's 11th year as head coach of Iowa...
. The ACC Championship was vacated by the NCAA on July 14, 2011 as a penalty for Georgia Tech's non-compliance with NCAA rules and its refusal to cooperate with the NCAA in the investigation of those rules violations.
Previous Season
The previous season ended with a 9–4 record under first-year head coach Paul JohnsonPaul Johnson (American football coach)
Paul Johnson is an American football coach. He is currently the head coach at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a position he has held since the 2008 season. Previously, Johnson served as the head coach at Georgia Southern University from 1997 to 2001 and at the United States Naval Academy...
, including a share of the ACC
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
Coastal Crown and continuing 12-year bowl streak with an invite to the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl
2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl
The 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl was the 41st annual edition of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, formerly known as the Peach Bowl and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. It pitted the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Louisiana State Tigers in a postseason American college football game in Atlanta, Georgia...
. The Jackets ended a 13-game losing streak against Florida State
Florida State Seminoles football
The Florida State Seminoles football team represents Florida State University in college football. The Florida State Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I-FBS and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
with a 31–28 win in Atlanta, and ended a seven game losing streak to rival
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate
Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate is the nickname given to an American college football rivalry game played annually by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team of the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Georgia Bulldogs football team of the University of Georgia. The two Georgia universities are...
Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs football
The Georgia Bulldogs football team represents the University of Georgia in football. The Bulldogs are a member of the Southeastern Conference and are frequently a top-25 team. The University of Georgia has had a football team since 1892 and has an all-time record of 738–398–54...
by 45–42 in Athens
Athens, Georgia
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state, comprising the former City of Athens proper and Clarke County. The University of Georgia is located in this college town and is responsible for the initial growth of the city...
. Tech finished the season ranked 22 in the AP
AP Poll
The Associated Press College Poll refers to weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling sportswriters across the nation...
and the USA Today Coaches' Poll. Johnson was named ACC Coach of the Year by the Atlantic Coast Conference
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
Media Association and 2008 National Coach of the Year by CBSSports.com.
Preseason
The 2009 squad returns ACC Player of the Year and All-American B-Back Jonathan DwyerJonathan Dwyer
Jonathan Avery Dwyer is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
, Quarterback Josh Nesbitt
Josh Nesbitt
Joshua Leonard Nesbitt is an American football player, currently a member of the Buffalo Bills'. He was formerly the starting quarterback for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.-High school career:...
, A-Back Roddy Jones, WR Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Antwon Thomas is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Thomas led the team in receiving in all 3 of his seasons at Tech, 2007, 2008,...
, and the entire offensive line from the bowl game. Tech adds Louisville transfer Anthony Allen to the backfield. On defense, Tech returns eight of eleven starters including All-ACC players Morgan Burnett
Morgan Burnett
Morgan Mark Burnett is an American football safety for the Green Bay Packers. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and was drafted in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft with the 71st overall pick.-High school career:...
and Derrick Morgan
Derrick Morgan (American football)
-Tennessee Titans:Morgan was drafted by the Tennessee Titans 16th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He and the Titans agreed to a six-year deal on July 31, 2010. However, with playing time incentives the contract could revert to five years...
. Tech returns nineteen starters to a squad that defeated three ranked teams in 2008. Johnson signed a recruiting class of 21 players.
Rankings
| Poll | Pre | Wk 1 | Wk 2 | Wk 3 | Wk 4 | Wk 5 | Wk 6 | Wk 7 | Wk 8 | Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP | 15 | 15 | 14 | -- | 25 | 22 | 19 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 12 | 9 | 13 |
| Coaches | 15 | 13 | 13 | -- | -- | 23 | 20 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 13 |
| Harris | Not released | -- | 22 | 20 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 10 | ||||
| BCS | Not released | 12 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 9 | |||||||
Schedule
Depth chart
Jacksonville State
Pregame Line: Off the BoardGT vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University is a regional public coeducational university located in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in four academic units leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees, in addition to continuing and...
Georgia Tech rushed for nearly 300 yards behind Jonathan Dwyer's 96 yards on just 7 carries. On the first play of the season, the former ACC Player of the Year took a Josh Nesbitt pitch 74 yards down the sideline for a touchdown. Dwyer was untouched on the carry. The B-Back, Tech's feature back in the offense, carried the ball six more times in the game, finishing with seven carries. Josh Nesbitt connected on a touchdown with Anthony Allen. In Tech's home opener, Demaryius "BayBay" Thomas posted a 100 yard receiving performance, catching the ball four times for 101 yards. All-American candidate Morgan Burnett listed an interception, his first of 2009 and 11th of his career. Coach Johnson earned his 10th win at Georgia Tech.
Clemson
Pregame Line: Clemson +5.5GT vs. Clemson Tigers
2009 Clemson Tigers football team
The 2009 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2009 college football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, who was in his first full season as head coach. The Tigers played their home games in Memorial Stadium...
Georgia Tech earned a second half scare by Clemson. However, Scott Blair
Scott Blair
Scott Blair was an American football placekicker for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets where he was a four year starter. He played high school football for the Calhoun Yellow Jackets in Calhoun, Georgia.- References :...
connected on three field goals for the Yellow Jackets to seal the win. Tech scored on three plays in the first half. Louisville transfer Anthony Allen took a Josh Nesbitt pitch 82 yards down the sideline to score Tech's first touchdown on its opening possession. Jerrard Tarrant
Jerrard Tarrant
Jerrard DaShawn Tarrant is an American football free safety for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He attended Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Georgia.-College career:...
returned a punt 65 yards to increase the Tech lead to 14–0. Following a Scott Blair
Scott Blair
Scott Blair was an American football placekicker for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets where he was a four year starter. He played high school football for the Calhoun Yellow Jackets in Calhoun, Georgia.- References :...
field goal, Tech on its ensuing possession marched the ball downfield only to have itself stopped. On 4th down, Tech ran onto the field with its kicking unit, but instead of kicking the field goal, Blair took the snap, finding "BayBay" Thomas down the sideline, earning a 40 yard touchdown score for the White and Gold. While Tech led 24–7 at the half, the Tech defense gave up 27 unanswered points. Clemson took the lead 27–24 in the 4th quarter. Tech, who was 0–9 on third down attempts early in the 4th, converted three in a row late in the 4th quarter with Josh Nesbitt earning two consecutive field goals. Anthony Allen ran for 127 yards on 5 carries, 25.4 yards per carry. The Tech Defense intercepted Kyle Parker twice.
Miami
Pregame Line: Miami –4.5GT at Miami Hurricanes
2009 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 2009 Miami Hurricanes football team represented the University of Miami during the 2009 Division I college football season. The Hurricanes were coached by Randy Shannon and played their home games at Land Shark Stadium...
Georgia Tech traveled to Land Shark Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. to compete against the University of Miami. Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple and Miami Quarterback Jacory Harris prepared a game plan against Dave Wommack and the Georgia Tech Defense. Miami threw the ball for 300 yards. Tech managed to run for only 180 yards, and it earned merely 250 yards of total offense. Josh Nesbitt and Demaryius Thomas hooked up for a touchdown late in the game. On just Tech's third possession of the game, a 40 yard Roddy Jones touchdown was nullified on a block in the back call by walk-on Kevin Cone. The crucial call nullified a 14–10 score midway through the second quarter. The Tech offense stalled out on the same drive, attempting a 40 yard field goal which was missed by PK Scott Blair
Scott Blair
Scott Blair was an American football placekicker for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets where he was a four year starter. He played high school football for the Calhoun Yellow Jackets in Calhoun, Georgia.- References :...
.
North Carolina
Pregame Line: North Carolina +2.5GT vs. UNC Tarheels
2009 North Carolina Tar Heels football team
The 2009 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina during its 57th season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels played in the Coastal Division of the conference. The Tar Heels finished the season 8–5, 4–4 in ACC play and lost in the Meineke Car...
Georgia Tech bounced back the following week in Atlanta against the University of North Carolina. Butch Davis and the Tar Heels came in ranked in the Top 20. The Tech defense held North Carolina to just 154 yards of total offense, including only 17 on the ground. The Tech offense, led by Jonathan Dwyer, rushed for 317 yards. Josh Nesbitt showed improvement in the air, earning a completion % of 60. He connected with Demaryius "BayBay" Thomas for a touchdown. Jonathan Dwyer finished with 157 yards on 17 carries. Josh Nesbitt ran for two touchdowns and Roddy Jones ran one in from 13.
Mississippi State
Pregame Line: Mississippi State +6GT at Mississippi State Bulldogs
2009 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team
The 2009 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team represented Mississippi State University during the 2009 college football season. Mississippi State has been a member of the Southeastern Conference since the league's inception in 1932, and has participated in that conference's Western Division...
Georgia Tech was 2–0 against Mississippi State University in the all-time series going into the October 3rd contest between the two schools. On the first possession of the game, former Tulsa DE and current Georgia Tech End Anthony Egbuniwe sacked MSU QB Tyson Lee, stripping the ball from Lee's possession and gaining possession for the White and Gold. Stephen Hill took a 30 yard reverse to the house on Tech's opening drive. Josh Nesbitt threw 266 yards on 11 of 14 completions and a touchdown. Nesbitt led the Tech Offense all the way to MSU's goaline on its second possession with his throwing Jonathan Dwyer ran the ball in from two yards to improve the Tech lead to 14–0. MSU responded with a 98 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Tech was slated to go up 21–7 when Jonathan Dwyer fumbled the ball around Tech's goaline and MSU recovered, earning a touchback and possession of the football. On the ensuing drive, Lee and Anthony Dixon fumbled, where DB Jerrard Tarrant
Jerrard Tarrant
Jerrard DaShawn Tarrant is an American football free safety for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. He attended Carrollton High School in Carrollton, Georgia.-College career:...
picked it up, returning it 35 yards to the house. Tech went on to win the contest by a score of 42–31. The Tech Defense gave up 497 yards of total offense.
Florida State
Pregame Line: Florida State -3.5GT at Florida State Seminoles
2009 Florida State Seminoles football team
The 2009 Florida State Seminoles football team represented Florida State University during the 2009 college football season. The Seminoles were led by 34th year head coach Bobby Bowden...
Georgia Tech ran for 401 yards en route to defeating Florida State 49–44 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida. Tech had never defeated the Seminoles in Tallahassee previously. Jonathan Dwyer ran for a couple scores, one of which was a 69 yard memorable dart downfield on the first play of Tech's third possession. A-Backs Anthony Allen, Marcus Wright, and Embry Peeples posted stellar games. Allen took a pitch 60 yards down the sideline on Tech's second drive to set up a Josh Nesbitt one yard touchdown. Tech had four possessions in the first half, scoring on each of them. It finished with 49 points. Nesbitt added two more touchdowns, the final coming late in 4th quarter. On the game winning drive, Roddy Jones dropped a Josh Nesbitt pitch, and FSU picked it up, maintaining possession. However, Nesbitt used both of his hands to take the football back before the FSU player was down, regaining possession for Tech. Nesbitt later scored on a 25 yard scamper that same drive, sealing victory for the White and Gold. The epic scamper increased the Tech lead to 11 at 49-38. While the Tech Offense posted a career day, the Tech defense struggled. It gave up 550 yards of total offense, 408 coming in the first half. Christian Ponder had a career day, throwing for five touchdowns. FSU punted once all game, Tech never punted. Paul Johnson and his spread option offense posted its third 400 plus yard rushing performance at Georgia Tech. The other two came in Johnson's first season at Tech, against Miami (FL) in Atlanta and Georgia in Athens.
"We simply could not stop them."
- Bobby Bowden
Virginia Tech
Pregame Line: Virginia Tech –3.5GT vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team
The 2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Frank Beamer...
Josh Nesbitt scored three touchdowns and Georgia Tech ran for 306 yards to upset #4 Virginia Tech on a cold, memorable night in Atlanta. For the second straight week, head coach Paul Johnson led the #19 Yellow Jacket squad to a victory, earning a win that ended a 17 game losing skid to top five opponents played at Bobby Dodd Stadium since 1962. Jason Peters batted down and intercepted Tyrod Taylor in the 1st quarter. Josh Nesbitt ran in a couple scores from inside the five, and Sophomore Marcus Wright scored from 13 yards out in the third quarter to increase the Tech lead to 11. The Georgia Tech Defense played effectively, limiting an elusive Tyrod Taylor and the Virginia Tech offense to only 342 yards of total offense. Taylor scored on a 3rd quarter scamper. However, on 3rd and 7 with 3:02 remaining in the final quarter, Josh Nesbitt had a 33 yard game icing stiff arm and score to increase the Tech lead to 28–16. Following the announcement of a 28–23 final tally, Grant Field was swarmed. Steven Sylvester and Derrick Morgan each recorded a sack. Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen combined for 150 yards on the ground to set up Josh Nesbitt and the Georgia Tech offense. The win over Frank Beamer's #4 Hokies improved Paul Johnson's record to 10–1 at home.
"...with the caliber of players they have – Nesbitt is unbelievable, they’ve got Dwyer – it’s just exhausting."
- Torrian Gray
Virginia
Pregame Line: Virginia +6GT at Virginia Cavaliers
2009 Virginia Cavaliers football team
The 2009 Virginia Cavaliers football team represented the University of Virginia in the 2009 season as a member of the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Cavaliers were led by ninth-year head coach Al Groh...
Georgia Tech defeated Virginia in Charlottesville, Va. for the first time since 1990 by a score of 34–9. Tech had two 100 yard rushers in the game. Jonathan Dwyer led the team with 125 yards while Anthony Allen followed with 111 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Nesbitt ran in two touchdowns from inside the five. Redshirt Freshman Malcolm Munroe forced a fumble by Virginia punt returner Chase Minnifield
Chase Minnifield
Chase Onassis Minnifield is an American football cornerback for the Virginia Cavaliers. He is considered one of the best cornerback prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
. The Tech offense accumulated 447 yards of total offense. The Tech Defense held Virginia to 198 yards.
...Tech's time of possession today was the highest in at least 20 years; the next closest in the last 20 years was 42:10 vs. Wake Forest on Sept. 14, 1996 and 42:06 vs. North Carolina earlier this season
... Tech had two 100-yard rushers in a game for the second time this season
... Tech had over 400 yards total offense for the sixth time this season
... Tech rushed for more than 300 yards for the sixth time this season
... Georgia Tech has outscored opponents 79-31 in the first quarter this season
... When Tech's fake punt in the first quarter failed, it ended a streak of six consecutive fourth-down conversions; it was the Jackets' first failed fourth-down attempt since Sept. 17 (vs. Clemson)
... Georgia Tech attempted its first field goal since Sept. 26 (vs. North Carolina)
... 139 consecutive games without returning a kickoff for a touchdown
... 27 consecutive starts by senior guard Cord Howard
... back-up DT Jason Peters (r-So.) did not travel to Virginia (sick)
Vanderbilt
Pregame Line: Vanderbilt +14GT at Vanderbilt Commodores
2009 Vanderbilt Commodores football team
The 2009 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 2009–10 college football season. The team's head coach was Bobby Johnson, who served his eighth season as the Commodores' head coach...
Paul Johnson and his #11 ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will travel to Nashville, Tenn. to compete against Vanderbilt University on Halloween night, 2009. Tech dominates the series, leading the Commodores 18–15–3 in 36 contests. Tech comes in averaging nearly 295 yards on the ground. Tech holds a #11 ranking in the AP, Coaches', and BCS polls, its highest mark since 1998. A win over Bobby Johnson and the Commodores could mean Tech's highest ranking since 2001.
Jonathan Dwyer rushed for a career high 186 yards and three touchdowns while Josh Nesbitt added 2 touchdowns on the ground and 2 in the air as Georgia Tech routed Vanderbilt 56–31 in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt led 31–28 with twelve minutes left in the 3rd quarter, but a series of turnovers allowed Georgia Tech's high powered offense to score four more touchdowns. Josh Nesbitt threw an 87 yard touchdown to sophomore Embry Peeples in the 4th quarter to increase the Tech lead to 18 at 49–31. The win marked Tech's fourth victory on the road, its most since 2000. It also elevated the Jackets to a #10 BCS ranking, its highest ranking in November since 1990. Paul Johnson posted his fifth 400 plus yard rushing attack at Georgia Tech, as the Yellow Jackets ran up and down Nashville, Tenn. for 404 yards.
"There is no way to figure it out." - Bobby Johnson
Wake Forest
Pregame Line: Wake Forest +16GT vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
2009 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team
The 2009 Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team represented Wake Forest University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Jim Grobe during his ninth season at the school and played its home games at BB&T Field. Wake Forest competed in the Atlantic Coast...
The Yellow Jackets, ranked in the Top 10 for the first time since 1999, hosted the Demon Deacons in Atlanta. The game got off to a quick start as Tech jumped out to a quick 10–0 lead helped by Preston Lyons first career TD. But the Deacons controlled the rest of the first half scoring 17 unanswered points. The Yellow Jackets kept committing penalties, contributing to all of Wake Forest's points. The offense also had its share of mistakes, getting called three times for chop blocks as the officials seemed to pay close attention to the interior line after opponents complained of dirty blocking tactics. After trailing 17–10 at the half, Tech's Jonathan Dwyer broke off a 59-yard TD run on Georgia Tech's first offensive snap of the second half, tying the game at 17. Wake Forest managed only one first down on its four possessions after halftime, and Georgia Tech went ahead 24–17 when Josh Nesbitt scored on a 12-yard run with 8:19 left in regulation. Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner drove the Deacons down late in the 4th quarter and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Devon Brown with 4:27 remaining. After Georgia Tech was stopped again on fourth down, Wake Forest appeared to be driving into range for a winning field-goal attempt. But Skinner was sacked by Derrick Morgan on third-and-7 from the Georgia Tech 35, and Wake Forest decided to punt it away and settle for OT. In the first period of OT, the Yellow Jacket defense was able to hold Wake Forest to a field goal helped by a Derrick Morgan sack on Riley Skinner on a 3rd and seven. On the Jacket's OT possession, Georgia Tech drove to the 5 where it faced fourth-and-less-than-a-yard. The Yellow Jackets initially tried to draw Wake offsides, but was forced to burn a timeout when that didn't work. Deciding to go for the first instead of kicking a field goal, Josh Nesbitt got the first down on a QB sneak. On the very next play, the Jackets were able to get into the endzone thanks to another Josh Nesbitt sneak and was able to seal the victory. The victory lifted Tech to a 9–1 record and dropped the Deacons to 4–6. The Yellow Jacket offense, also known as the Nesbone, rumbled up and down Grant Field for 412 yards, Coach Johnson's sixth 400 plus rushing yard performance in two seasons.
Duke
Pregame Line: Duke +13GT at Duke Blue Devils
2009 Duke Blue Devils football team
The 2009 Duke Blue Devils football team represented Duke University in its 57th season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference in its Coastal Division. The Blue Devils were led by second-year head coach David Cutcliffe...
Georgia Tech surged to the top of the ACC Coastal division behind the performance of All American Tailback Jonathan Dwyer, who carried the ball 14 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Nesbitt connected with true Freshman Stephen Hill and veteran Junior Demaryius "BayBay" Thomas for a couple of scores en route to a 49–10 romp of Duke University at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. The Yellow Jacket offense was the story of the game after falling behind 10–0 in the first quarter. The high powered triple option offense scored forty nine consecutive points to wrap up the Coastal Division for Paul Johnson and the Yellow Jackets.
Georgia
Pregame Line: GeorgiaGT vs. Georgia Bulldogs
2009 Georgia Bulldogs football team
The 2009 Georgia Bulldogs football team represented the University of Georgia in 2009. The Bulldogs competed in the East Division of the Southeastern Conference . This was the Georgia Bulldogs' ninth season head coach Mark Richt. The Bulldogs finished the season 8–5, 4–4 in SEC play and won the...
Surprisingly, Georgia Tech was outgained by the Bulldogs both rushing (349–209) and time of possession, which had been key components to the Yellow Jackets' success throughout the season. Georgia tailbacks Washaun Ealey and Caleb King both had breakout performances, running for 183 and 166 yards, respectively, both career highs. Georgia Tech had a chance to take the lead late in the game, but Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Thomas
Demaryius Antwon Thomas is an American football wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Thomas led the team in receiving in all 3 of his seasons at Tech, 2007, 2008,...
dropped a wide open pass on fourth down which would have resulted in a first down, securing Georgia's 30-24 victory. This game dropped Georgia Tech's record against Georgia coach Mark Richt to 1-8.
Georgia Tech was forced to vacate this game on July 14, 2011 as part of their sanctions for an alleged failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation.
ACC Championship vs. Clemson
Pregame Line: Clemson –1GT vs. Clemson Tigers
2009 Clemson Tigers football team
The 2009 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2009 college football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, who was in his first full season as head coach. The Tigers played their home games in Memorial Stadium...
Run Dwyer, Run.
Georgia Tech was forced to vacate this game on July 14, 2011 as part of their sanctions for an alleged failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation.
FedEx Orange Bowl
Pregame Line: Iowa +4GT vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
2009 Iowa Hawkeyes football team
The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa and the Iowa Hawkeyes athletic program during the 2009 college football season. The team played its home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. 2009 marked Kirk Ferentz's 11th year as head coach of Iowa...
Georgia Tech was forced to vacate this game on July 14, 2011 as part of their sanctions for an alleged failure to cooperate with an NCAA investigation.