By : Ethan Horner
(Photo/Rodney Cofield- The Mojo Network)
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets left no doubt on Saturday, rolling past Gardner-Webb with a commanding 59-12 victory at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Jackets dominated in all phases of the game, showing depth and explosiveness even without their starting quarterback Haynes King, who was sidelined.
Stepping into the spotlight, backup quarterback Aaron Philo delivered a performance that gave Tech fans plenty to cheer about. The redshirt freshman looked poised and confident, finishing with 373 passing yards, the fifth most in single game history at Georgia Tech and a touchdown. His ability to spread the ball around kept the offense humming and set the tone for a high-powered attack.
Still, the real strength for Georgia Tech was its ground game. The Jackets imposed their will in the trenches, averaging an eye-popping 8.0 yards per carry and finding the end zone five times on the ground. Gardner-Webb simply had no answers for the Yellow Jackets’ offensive line and stable of backs, who gashed the defense repeatedly with explosive runs.
On the other side of the ball, Tech’s defense played with energy and discipline, limiting Gardner-Webb’s big-play chances and keeping them out of rhythm throughout the afternoon. By the second half, the Jackets had built an insurmountable lead and never looked back.
This win not only showcased the team’s depth but also highlighted their offensive versatility. With Haynes King expected to return, the Jackets look to be in a strong position moving forward.
Looking Ahead: The schedule ramps up in a big way as Georgia Tech will host No. 12 Clemson this weekend at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Tigers bring one of the nation’s toughest defenses, making this a true test for the Jackets’ explosive ground game. A win here would not only make a statement but also establish Georgia Tech as a legitimate contender in the ACC race.