By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/ Ethan Horner-The Mojo Network)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Georgia Tech started with the ball and put together an impressive opening drive. The Yellow Jackets converted a fourth-and-1 from their own 39-yard line before driving 78 yards in 12 plays. The drive was capped off by a 5-yard passing touchdown to Jordan Allen, giving Georgia Tech an early 7-0 lead.
Penalties plagued Duke on its opening possession, preventing the Blue Devils from gaining any momentum and forcing them to punt. Jordan Allen then made an impact on special teams, returning the punt 33 yards to set up the Georgia Tech offense at its own 45-yard line.
Score after the first quarter: Georgia Tech 7, Duke 0
Duke responded in the second quarter with a 7-play, 64-yard scoring drive. The Blue Devils tied the game at 7-7 on a 5-yard direct-snap rushing touchdown by Nate Sheppard.
Duke's defense then forced Georgia Tech into a three-and-out, giving the Blue Devils another opportunity to take control of the game.
However, Georgia Tech answered with a scoring drive of its own. The Yellow Jackets marched 92 yards in seven plays, finishing the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Trelain Maddox. Duke's defense surrendered 30 yards on penalties during the drive, helping Georgia Tech regain the lead at 14-7.
The Blue Devils managed to respond with a 35-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 14-10 with 3:47 remaining in the first half.
Georgia Tech maintained its four-point advantage heading into the locker room.
Halftime: Georgia Tech 14, Duke 10
Duke opened the second half with a three-and-out, and Georgia Tech quickly capitalized on the opportunity.
The Yellow Jackets struck with a 60-yard rushing touchdown by Trelain Maddox, his second touchdown of the afternoon, extending Georgia Tech's lead.
Duke answered with an impressive 15-play, seven-minute drive. The Blue Devils converted a crucial fourth-and-4 before finishing the possession with an 8-yard receiving touchdown by Jared Richardson. Duke then successfully converted the two-point attempt, cutting Georgia Tech's lead to three points.
Score entering the fourth quarter: Georgia Tech 21, Duke 18
Duke took its first lead of the game in the fourth quarter after putting together a 12-play, 70-yard scoring drive that took 6:34 off the clock. Nate Sheppard capped off the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, his second of the afternoon, giving the Blue Devils a 25-21 lead with 2:40 remaining.
Georgia Tech responded with a clutch drive of its own, marching 61 yards in eight plays. Trelain Maddox finished the drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, his third of the game, putting the Yellow Jackets back in front with just 54 seconds remaining. The extra point gave Georgia Tech a 28-25 advantage.
Duke still had one final opportunity to tie the game. The Blue Devils drove into Georgia Tech territory and attempted a field goal with eight seconds remaining, but the kick sailed wide, sealing the victory for the Yellow Jackets.