Georgia Tech May Be ACC's Biggest Disappointment

By Shannon Sickmon
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Getty Images

Georgia Tech started off the 2015 season with such promise; yet yesterday after a crushing loss to Duke they returned to Atlanta a Ramblin’ Wreck. Their undeniably talented front end coupled with a formidable triple-option offense seemed destined to take the ACC by storm. Alas, this was not the case.

Two losses early this season and the bulk of their toughest opponents yet to play may spell disaster for Tech’s ACC Championship hopes. It definitely puts an end to Tech having any chance at the playoffs. Yesterday’s loss certainly means that the ACC Coastal division is wide open.

Granted, Notre Dame was never going to be an easy adversary. Tech showed tenacity in the game, rallying in the final minutes; yet a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown by Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise terminated the match. The Fighting Irish held the Jackets to 216 yards rushing and only 337 yards of total offense.

This is in marked opposition to Tech’s previous numbers in which they averaged 67 points a game and 457 yards. On the other hand, Paul Johnson’s speedy offense should have easily dispatched the Blue Devils. Nonetheless, it seems that Duke has done their homework deflecting Tech’s offense — the Blue Devils have shut down Tech two years running.

What is clear is that Duke’s defense has been spectacular and Tech has some work to do with special teams and with their receiving units. Tech also struggled with third-down conversions — this is in marked contrast to last year when the Jackets led the nation in third downs.

This is not to say that Tech might not rally and finish the remainder of the season flawlessly. Last year, they lost to Duke and still managed to snag the ACC Coastal and a trip to the Orange Bowl.  Still, Tech has a brutal schedule remaining and miles to go before it sleeps.

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