2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team

The 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's coach is former Navy Midshipmen and Georgia Southern Eagles coach Paul Johnson. Georgia Tech plays their home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football
ACC Coastal Division co-champion
Chick-fil-A Bowl, L 3-38 vs. LSU
ConferenceAtlantic Coast Conference
DivisionCoastal
Ranking
CoachesNo. 22
APNo. 22
Record9–4 (5–3 ACC)
Head coach
Offensive schemeFlexbone triple option
Defensive coordinatorDave Wommack (1st season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumBobby Dodd Stadium
(Capacity: 55,000)
Seasons
← 2007
2009 →
2008 Atlantic Coast Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Atlantic Division
Boston College xy   5 3     9 5  
No. 21 Florida State x   5 3     9 4  
Maryland   4 4     8 5  
Wake Forest   4 4     8 5  
Clemson   4 4     7 6  
NC State   4 4     6 7  
Coastal Division
No. 15 Virginia Tech xy$   5 3     10 4  
No. 22 Georgia Tech x   5 3     9 4  
North Carolina   0 4     0 5  
Miami (FL)   4 4     7 6  
Virginia   3 5     5 7  
Duke   1 7     4 8  

Championship: Virginia Tech 30, Boston College 12
  • $ – BCS representative as conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
  • North Carolina vacated 8 wins, including 4 ACC wins
Rankings from AP Poll

Preseason

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Paul Johnson is the new head coach of the Yellow Jackets after posting a 45–29 record at the United States Naval Academy since 2002.[1] Johnson also recorded a 7–1 record in the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy against the Air Force and Army.

Johnson will be installing his option offense at Georgia Tech. In response, 2007 starting QB Taylor Bennett transferred to Louisiana Tech, opening up the 2008 QB job for sophomore Josh Nesbitt and freshman Jaybo Shaw. The Georgia Tech offense returns two of its top four receivers in Greg Smith and Demaryius Thomas, and the Tech defense returns defensive end Michael Johnson and primary interior linemen Darryl Richard and Vance Walker.[2]

In June 2008, former University of Louisville RB Anthony Allen announced he will be transferring to Georgia Tech. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he will be required to sit out the 2008 football season.

Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
APRVRVRV21RV22RVRV18151422
CoachesRVRVRVRVRV20RVRV23161522
HarrisNot releasedRVRVRV222520RVRV221614Not released
BCSNot released1820221514Not released

Schedule

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DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
August 287:30 p.m.Jacksonville State*ESPN360W 41–1445,706[3][4][5]
September 612:00 p.m.at Boston CollegeRaycomW 19–1640,106[3][6][7]
September 133:30 p.m.at Virginia TechABCL 17–2066,233[3][8][9]
September 2012:00 p.m.Mississippi State*
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
RaycomW 38–748,402[3][10]
October 412:00 p.m.Duke
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ESPNUW 27–046,104[3][11]
October 113:30 p.m.Gardner–Webb*
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
W 10–741,929[3][12]
October 1812:00 p.m.at ClemsonESPNW 21–1781,500[3]
October 253:30 p.m.Virginia No. 21
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ESPNUL 17–2447,416[3]
November 13:30 p.m.No. 16 Florida State
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ABCW 31–2853,528[3]
November 812:00 p.m.at No. 19 North CarolinaNo. 22RaycomL 7–2859,000[3]
November 207:30 p.m.No. 23 Miami (FL)
  • Bobby Dodd Stadium
  • Atlanta, GA
ESPNW 41–2349,335[3]
November 2912:00 p.m.at No. 13 Georgia*No. 18CBSW 45–4292,746[3]
December 317:30 p.m.vs. LSU*No. 14ESPNL 3–3871,423[3]
  • *Non-conference game
  •  Homecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

Personnel

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2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
RB 3 Marcus Wright Fr
RB 5 Greg Smith   Jr
QB 6 Jim Henry   Fr
QB 7 Doc Coppage   Fr
WR 8 Demaryius Thomas   So
QB 9 Josh Nesbitt So
QB 11 Jaybo Shaw Fr
QB 13 Tevin Washington Fr
WR 15 Correy Earls   So
QB 16 Bryce Dykes   Fr
QB 18 Calvin Booker   Sr
RB 20 Roddy Jones   Fr
FB 21 Jonathan Dwyer So
WR 23 Quinton Sims Fr
WR 24 Embry Peeples Fr
WR 27 Jonathan Malone   So
FB 35 Lance Walls   Jr
RB 36 Lucas Cox   So
FB 38 Quincy Kelly   So
RB 39 Josh Wallace   Fr
RB 43 Tyler Evans Jr
RB 45 Jason Davis   Jr
FB 46 Matt Kamp   Jr
FB 48 Richard Watson Fr
FB 49 Trevor Bray   So
OL 53 A. J. Smith   Sr
OL 55 David Brown   Sr
OL 60 Brad Sellers   Jr
OL 61 Phil Smith Fr
OL 62 Omoregie Uzzi Fr
OL 63 Chase Hudson   Fr
OL 64 Andrew Gardner   Sr
OL 65 Andrew Folkner   Sr
OL 66 Michael St. Denis   Fr
OL 68 Drew Brannon   So
OL 69 Alex Paquette   Jr
OL 70 Joseph Gilbert   Fr
OL 71 Cord Howard   Jr
OL 72 Jason Hill   Jr
OL 75 Nick Claytor   Fr
OL 76 Nick McRae Fr
OL 76 Jeff Lentz   So
OL 77 Dan Voss   So
OL 78 Clyde Yandell   Fr
OL 79 Zach Krish   So
WR 80 Daniel McKayhan Fr
WR 81 Zach Fisher   Fr
RB 83 Andrew Smith   Sr
WR 84 Tyler Melton   Fr
WR 85 Austin Barrick   So
WR 86 R. B. Clyburn   Fr
WR 88 Kevin Cone So
WR 89 Paul Reese   Fr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DB 1 Morgan Burnett So
DB 2 Mario Butler   Fr
DB 4 Brandon Leslie Fr
DB 5 Alex Walker   Fr
DB 6 Willie White   Fr
LB 7 Tony Clark Sr
DB 10 Martin Frierson   Jr
LB 12 Anthony Barnes   So
DB 16 Tyler Barrett   Sr
LB 17 Matt Braman Sr
DB 25 DeRon Jasper   So
DB 26 Dominique Reese   So
DB 28 Rashaad Reid Fr
DB 29 Jon Lockhart Fr
LB 30 James Liipfert   Sr
DB 32 Jahi Word-Daniels Sr
LB 34 Steven Sylvester Fr
DB 35 Michael Peterson   Fr
DB 37 Jerrad Tarrant   Fr
DB 39 Cooper Taylor Fr
DB 40 Kamaron Riley Fr
DL 41 Anthony Egbuniwe   So
LB 42 Malcolm Munroe Fr
LB 44 Albert Rocker   Fr
DB 47 Jake Blackwood   Jr
LB 51 Brad Jefferson So
LB 54 Sedric Griffin Jr
LB 56 Osahon Tongo   So
LB 57 Shane Bowen Jr
LB 58 B. J. Machen Fr
LB 59 Kyle Jackson   Fr
DL 66 Luke Snider   So
LB 67 Steven Powers   So
DL 79 Sean Bedford   So
DL 88 Antonio Wilson Fr
DL 90 T. J. Barnes Fr
DL 91 Derrick Morgan So
DL 92 Jason Peters   Fr
DL 93 Michael Johnson Sr
DL 94 Elris Anyaibe   Sr
DL 95 Darryl Richard   Sr
DL 96 Logan Walls   Fr
DL 97 Robert Hall Jr
DL 98 Ben Anderson   So
DL 99 Vance Walker Sr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
K 14 Scott Blair So
K 24 Chandler Anderson   Fr
P 31 Mohamed Yahiaoui Sr
K 33 Troy Garside   Sr
LS 50 Brett White   Sr
LS 52 Levi Walls   Sr
LS 54 Michael Ray Jr
P 82 Kevin Crosby   So
K 86 Tyler Davis   Sr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  •   Injured
  •   Redshirt

Game summaries

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Jacksonville State

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Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Gamecocks 0 0 7714
Yellow Jackets 14 13 7741

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: August 28
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Clear, 84 °F (29 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,706
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV: ESPN360
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 21-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 5:45. Yellow Jackets 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:33.
  • GT – Josh Nesbitt 2-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 2:30. Yellow Jackets 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:34.

Second quarter

  • GT – Josh Nesbitt 1-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 13:08. Yellow Jackets 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:57.
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 29-yard run (kick failed), 2:32. Yellow Jackets 27–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:23.

Third quarter

  • JVST – Maurice Dupree 5-yard pass from Ryan Perrilloux (Gavin Halford kick), 12:53. Yellow Jackets 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:04.
  • GT – Roddy Jones 49-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 10:36. Yellow Jackets 34–7. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:17.

Fourth quarter

  • GT – Jaybo Shaw 2-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 11:50. Yellow Jackets 41–7. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:28.
  • JVST – Maurice Dupree 16-yard pass from Ryan Perrilloux (Gavin Halford kick), 0:37. Yellow Jackets 41–14. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:43.
Statistics JVST GT
First downs 15 19
Total yards 258 484
Rushing yards 122 349
Passing yards 136 140
Turnovers 4 2
Time of possession 30:17 29:43
Team Category Player Statistics
Jacksonville State Passing Ryan Perrilloux 22/37, 136 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Ryan Perrilloux 18 rushes, 67 yards
Receiving Maurice Dupree 9 receptions, 39 yards, 2 TD
Georgia Tech Passing Joshua Nesbitt 5/12, 87 yards
Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 11 rushes, 112 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Roddy Jones 2 receptions, 50 yards

Georgia Tech ran for 349 yards in the season opener against Jacksonville State. The team was led by Jon Dwyer's 113 yards rushing and pair of touchdown runs. Josh Nesbitt scored two additional rushing touchdowns in the rout. The game featured former Louisiana State University quarterback Ryan Perrilloux who transferred to Jacksonville State after the 2007 football season. Perrilloux led the Gamecocks on their two second-half touchdown drives, but was intercepted twice by Tech safety Morgan Burnett. The Tech defense also added four sacks in the effort. Tech has not lost to an I-AA opponent since its September 17, 1983, game against the Furman Paladins.

At Boston College

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Boston College Eagles – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Yellow Jackets 7 0 3919
Eagles 3 6 7016

at Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Game information
First quarter
  • BC – Steve Aponavicius 36-yard field goal, 9:07. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:09.
  • GT – Josh Nesbitt 1-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 3:46. Yellow Jackets 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:12.

Second quarter

  • BC – Steve Aponavicius 34-yard field goal, 11:54. Yellow Jackets 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:33.
  • BC – Steve Aponavicius 26-yard field goal, 6:18. Eagles 9–7. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:29.

Third quarter

  • GT – Scott Blair 27-yard field goal, 9:57. Yellow Jackets 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 5:03.
  • BC – Ifeanyi Momah 7-yard pass from Chris Crane (Steve Aponavicius kick), 3:03. Eagles 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 3:58.

Fourth quarter

  • GT – Vance Walker safety, 10:24. Eagles 16–12.
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 43-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 8:26. Yellow Jackets 19–16. Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 1:58.
Statistics GT BC
First downs 12 18
Total yards 235 262
Rushing yards 162 120
Passing yards 89 142
Turnovers 3 3
Time of possession 27:15 32:45
Team Category Player Statistics
Georgia Tech Passing Josh Nesbitt 6/13, 73 yards
Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 18 rushes, 108 yards, TD
Receiving Demaryius Thomas 4 receptions, 56 yards
Boston College Passing Chris Crane 18/35, 142 yards, TD, 2 INT
Rushing Josh Haden 8 rushes, 35 yards
Receiving Ryan Purvis 3 receptions, 38 yards

Georgia Tech overcame a fourth quarter deficit and three lost fumbles to defeat the Boston College Eagles 19–16. The Jackets were led by the running of sophomores Jon Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt. The two combined for all but 8 yards of Georgia Tech's 235 yards of offense. Dwyer added 93 yards of kick returns to his 109 yards rushing. Dwyer scored the go ahead touchdown on a 43-yard run with less than 9 minutes remaining in the game. Georgia Tech's defense sacked first year starter Chris Crane three times in the game and forced three turnovers. Tech remained undefeated all time in Chestnut Hill with the win.

At Virginia Tech

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Yellow Jackets 3 0 6817
Hokies 0 14 0620

at Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia

  • Date: September 13
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 66,233
  • TV: ABC
Statistics GT VT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Virginia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

The Hokies needed a penalty-aided, fourth quarter drive to put away the Jackets in 20–17 loss for Georgia Tech, the first loss of the season for GT. On Virginia Tech's second to last possession, the Hokies only managed 38 yards of offense but with key defensive penalties moved the ball 76 yards to the Georgia Tech 4 yard line and kicked the go ahead field goal with 4:37 remaining on the game clock. Georgia Tech rushed for 278 yards in the game, led by quarterback Josh Nesbitt's 151 yards and slotback Lucas Cox's 63 yards. Nesbitt also added 109 yards passing with a 41-yard touchdown strike to slotback Roddy Jones followed by a two-point conversion. The Tech defense held VT to only 48 yards passing but gave up 200 yards on the ground. Safety Morgan Burnett added 13 tackles to his total for the season increasing his average to 9 tackles per game for the season. Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan combined for Tech's lone sack on Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor. ABC took a 6-day option on the time of the Mississippi State gametime and with the loss relegated Tech's home game to a 12:00 pm EST time slot the following week.

Mississippi State

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Mississippi State Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bulldogs 0 0 077
Yellow Jackets 14 7 10738

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 48,402
  • TV: Raycom
Statistics MSST GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Mississippi State Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech scored 38 straight points against the Mississippi State Bulldogs to cruise to a 38–7 victory at home. The offense was led by the rushing effort of Jon Dwyer who accumulated 141 yards, a rushing touchdown, and a school record 88 yard touchdown run in the third quarter. True freshman Jaybo Shaw substituted for injured quarterback Josh Nesbitt in the first quarter and would finish the game with 106 total yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown. The Georgia Tech defense bent but did not break allowing 407 yards of offense but giving up only 7 points, the lowest point allowance of the season. The defense picked off two Mississippi State passes, recovered two fumbles, and accumulated three quarterback sacks. Michael Johnson along with his sack blocked an 18-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. With the win, Georgia Tech has gone 6–8 against the Southeastern Conference since 2000.

Duke

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Duke Blue Devils at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Blue Devils 0 0 000
Yellow Jackets 0 3 71727

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 46,104
  • TV: ESPNU
Statistics DUKE GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Duke Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech started true freshman Jaybo Shaw at quarterback for ailing Josh Nesbitt and rolled over Duke 27–0. Shaw passed for 230 yards and a touchdown all to one receiver sophomore Demaryius Thomas. Thomas caught one pass for a career long 88 yards. Jon Dwyer and Roddy Jones added balance to the Georgia Tech offense accumulating 203 yards on 33 carries. Jones scored Tech's lone rushing touchdown. Georgia Tech's defense held Duke's offense to 0 points and 132 yards after Duke averaged 31 points and 373 yards per game coming into the contest. Tech defenders racked up two sacks and an interception. This was the twenty-sixth shutdown since 1961 for Georgia Tech. The last shutout for a Georgia Tech defense was the 2006 North Carolina game in which Tech won 7–0 and clinched the Coastal Division seat in the ACC Championship Game.

Gardner–Webb

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Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Runnin' Bulldogs 0 0 707
Yellow Jackets 0 10 0010

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
Statistics GWU GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Gardner–Webb Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Gardner–Webb's attempt at the upset fell short when the game-tying field goal with 9 seconds remaining was partially blocked by sophomore defensive end Derrick Morgan. Third string redshirt senior Calvin Booker received the starting nod from Paul Johnson before the game to rest ailing quarterbacks Josh Nesbitt and Jaybo Shaw. Tech's worst offensive showing of the season saw Tech only accumulate 79 yards on the ground and give away three turnovers. The lone offensive highlight being a 79-yard touchdown reception by Jon Dwyer in the second quarter. Tech's defense held the Runnin' Bulldogs until 8:25 in the third quarter, in which the Bulldogs marched 69 yards down the field for their lone score. The Tech defense racked up 6 sacks and an interception.

At Clemson

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Yellow Jackets 7 7 0721
Tigers 0 3 14017

at Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 81,500
  • TV: ESPN
Statistics GT CLEM
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Clemson Passing
Rushing
Receiving

On October 13, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden was fired and was replaced by receivers coach Dabo Swinney. Tech's defense controlled the ebb and flow of the game forcing six turnovers, which included four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Safety Dominique Reese returned an intercepted pass from wide receiver Tyler Grisham for Tech's first touchdown. Morgan Burnett added two additional interceptions, the final in the last second of the game. Offensively, Tech continued to produce with its ground game against the Tigers racking up 207 yards rushing. Josh Nesbitt ran untouched for 5 yards for Tech's second score and passed 24 yards to Demaryius Thomas for Tech's go ahead and eventual game winning score. Tech is 6–1 for the first time since 1999.

Virginia

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Virginia Cavaliers at No. 21 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cavaliers 3 7 7724
No. 21 Yellow Jackets 14 0 0317

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: October 25
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 47,416
  • TV: ESPNU
Statistics UVA GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Virginia Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech dropped its first homecoming decision in thirteen years ending a twelve-game win streak that dates back to 1995. The Cavaliers were aided by three Georgia Tech turnovers. The Georgia Tech defense struggled to contain the Cavaliers giving up almost 400 yards of offense and the most points allowed all season. Tech highlights, however, included two interceptions by the defense and a recovered fumble. Slotback Roddy Jones had a career day with 169 all purpose yards including 75 yards rushing on 11 carries. Tech heads into the Florida State game a half game behind Virginia and a half game ahead of Virginia Tech, Miami, and UNC in the ACC Coastal Division race.

No. 16 Florida State

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No. 16 Florida State Seminoles at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 16 Seminoles 10 10 0828
Yellow Jackets 3 21 7031

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 1
  • Game time: 3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game attendance: 53,528
  • TV: ABC
Statistics FSU GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Florida State Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech had not defeated Florida State since 1975. The twelve-game losing streak that dated back to 1992 that included three head coaching tenures ended with a 31–28 victory for Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech appeared to have the game clearly in hand until Josh Nesbitt injured his foot with 7:42 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Backup Jaybo Shaw assumed control of the offense and the offense only managed 8 yards of offense in the remaining one and a half quarters. Florida State closed the score differential to 31–28 and drove all the way to the Georgia Tech 3 yard line with 1:20 remaining in the game. On second down, the FSU running back lost control of the football after Safety Cooper Taylor hit the ball with his helmet. Tech's Rashaad Reid recovered the football in the end zone and with two proceeding quarterback kneels ended the dramatic victory. Jon Dwyer added 145 yards rushing and two touchdowns, Roddy Jones added 118 all purpose yards, and starter Josh Nesbitt added 116 additional all purpose yards to the offensive effort. The Tech defense sacked FSU quarterbacks 5 times and forced 3 turnovers. Tech took a half-game lead in the division race with the win. Some refer to the game as the "Miracle on North Avenue," as it ended Georgia Tech's 12 meeting losing run to the Seminoles, and the first time the Yellow Jackets had ever beaten legendary Coach Bobby Bowden since he came to FSU.

At. No. 19 North Carolina

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No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 19 North Carolina Tar Heels – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 22 Yellow Jackets 0 0 077
No. 19 Tar Heels 7 0 02128

at Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 59,000
  • TV: Raycom
Statistics GT UNC
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving
North Carolina Passing
Rushing
Receiving

In Georgia Tech's worst offensive showing of the season Tech gave up 3 turnovers and lost 28–7 in Chapel Hill. The defense held UNC's offense in check until the fourth quarter in which a muffed punt, a fumble, and an interception led to three consecutive Tarheel touchdowns. Tech's lone offensive highlight was an 85-yard touchdown run by Jon Dwyer, which was the longest touchdown run recorded against an UNC defense ever. Dwyer's effort for the day put him over 1,000 yards for the season. Tech's defense was led by Michael Johnson who accumulated 6 tackles and sack in the losing effort.

No. 23 Miami (FL)

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No. 23 Miami Hurricanes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 23 Hurricanes 0 3 71323
Yellow Jackets 3 21 17041

at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 20
  • Game time: 7:30 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 49,335
  • TV: ESPN
Statistics MIA GT
First downs
Total yards
Rushing yards
Passing yards
Turnovers
Time of possession
Team Category Player Statistics
Miami Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Georgia Tech Passing
Rushing
Receiving

Georgia Tech has defeated Miami four consecutive years joining Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech as the only schools to defeat Miami in four consecutive years. Georgia Tech led by as much as 24 and never relented the lead over the Canes as the Tech offense racked up 472 yards rushing. The defense picked off two Miami passes including one by defensive end Michael Johnson, which was returned for the first touchdown of the game. Tech's victory put them in first place in the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech needs Virginia, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina to lose at least one more game to end all tie breaking scenarios. Also of note, the game was dubbed a "White Out" by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association and fans were encouraged to wear white to the game.

At No. 13 Georgia

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No. 18 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 13 Georgia Bulldogs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 18 Yellow Jackets 6 6 26745
No. 13 Bulldogs 7 21 01442

at Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 12:00 p.m. EST
  • Game attendance: 92,746
  • TV: CBS
  • Box score, Recap
Game information
First quarter
  • UGA – Tripp Chandler 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 11:40. Bulldogs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:20.
  • GT – Morgan Burnett 35-yard interception return (kick failed), 2:57. Bulldogs 7–6.

Second quarter

  • UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 10-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 13:36. Bulldogs 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:21.
  • GT – Lucas Cox 2-yard run (pass failed), 9:22. Bulldogs 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:14.
  • UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 49-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 7:00. Bulldogs 21–12. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:22.
  • UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:37. Bulldogs 28–12. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 0:46.

Third quarter

  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 60-yard run (Jonathan Dwyer run), 14:48. Bulldogs 28–20. Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:12.
  • GT – Roddy Jones 8-yard run (Josh Nesbitt run), 8:11. Tied 28–28. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:16.
  • GT – Jonathan Dwyer 23-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 7:55. Yellow Jackets 35–28. Drive: 1 play, 23 yards, 0:06.
  • GT – Scott Blair 28-yard field goal, 1:14. Yellow Jackets 38–28. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 4:19.

Fourth quarter

  • UGA – Knowshon Moreno 32-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 10:23. Yellow Jackets 38–35. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 1:16.
  • GT – Roddy Jones 54-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 7:13. Yellow Jackets 45–35. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:10.
  • UGA – A. J. Green 12-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 4:04. Yellow Jackets 45–42. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:09.
Statistics GT UGA
First downs 15 22
Total yards 428 488
Rushing yards 409 81
Passing yards 19 421
Turnovers 1 2
Penalties–yards 5–35 7–64
Team Category Player Statistics
Georgia Tech Passing Josh Nesbitt 1/6, 19 yards, INT
Rushing Roddy Jones 13 rushes, 214 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Demaryius Thomas 1 reception, 19 yards
Georgia Passing Matthew Stafford 24/39, 407 yards, 5 TD, INT
Rushing Knowshon Moreno 17 rushes, 94 yards, TD
Receiving Mohamed Massaquoi 11 receptions, 180 yards, 3 TD

On the strength of a third quarter offensive explosion, Georgia Tech bested Georgia in Athens 45–42. Tech was led by the rushing efforts of Roddy Jones and Jon Dwyer who were major contributors to Tech's 410 total rushing yards. Jones alone contributed 299 all-purpose yards in the effort. The win ended a seven-year losing streak to the Bulldogs and preserved Tech coach Bobby Dodd's series record eight-game winning streak that ran from 1949–1956.

Vs. LSU (Chick-fil-A Bowl)

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LSU Tigers vs. No. 14 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Chick-fil-A Bowl) – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Tigers 7 28 3038
No. 14 Yellow Jackets 3 0 003

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter
  • LSU – Charles Scott 2-yard run (Colt David kick), 11:58. Tigers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:02.
  • GT – Scott Blair 24-yard field goal, 1:03. Tigers 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:05.

Second quarter

  • LSU – Charles Scott 4-yard run (Colt David kick), 12:08. Tigers 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 3:49.
  • LSU – Charles Scott 1-yard run (Colt David kick), 8:27. Tigers 21–3. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:53.
  • LSU – Richard Dickson 25-yard pass from Jordan Jefferson (Colt David kick), 5:21. Tigers 28–3. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 1:23.
  • LSU – Keiland Williams 17-yard run (Colt David kick), 1:27. Tigers 35–3. Drive: 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:45.

Third quarter

  • LSU – Colt David 53-yard field goal, 1:56. Tigers 38–3. Drive: 4 plays, -13 yards, 1:38.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays
Statistics LSU GT
First downs 19 15
Total yards 324 314
Rushing yards 161 164
Passing yards 163 150
Turnovers 0 3
Time of possession 30:41 29:19
Team Category Player Statistics
LSU Passing Jordan Jefferson 16/25, 142 yards, TD
Rushing Charles Scott 15 rushes, 65 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Richard Dickson 4 receptions, 50 yards, TD
Georgia Tech Passing Joshua Nesbitt 8/24, 150 yards, INT
Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 10 rushes, 67 yards
Receiving Jonathan Dwyer 3 receptions, 66 yards

A 28-point 2nd quarter by LSU was too much for the Jackets to overcome in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl rout. Tech gave up three turnovers and did not force any. Tech passed 24 times in the game and accumulated 150 yards of passing offense alongside 164 yards of rushing offense. Tech's offense was led by Jon Dwyer's 123 all purpose yards. Tech's defense was led by Morgan Burnett. Burnett had 14 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Senior Michael Johnson added two sacks to Tech's effort.

Postseason awards

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ACC Coach of the Year
Coach Paul Johnson
ACC Player of the Year
Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back
ACC Jim Tatum Award[13]
Darryl Richard, DT
AFCA Coaches' All-American[14]
Michael Johnson, DE
Rivals.com All-American (2nd Team)[15]
Morgan Burnett, Safety
All-ACC Team
First Team Second Team
  • Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back
  • Andrew Gardner, OT
  • Michael Johnson, DE
  • Vance Walker, DT
  • Morgan Burnett, S
  • Cord Howard, OG
  • Darryl Richard, DT

References

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  1. ^ "Paul Johnson Named Georgia Tech's Head Football Coach". Ramblinwreck.com. December 7, 2007. Archived from the original on December 10, 2007. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  2. ^ Hoffman, Matt (August 29, 2008). "2008 ACC Football Preview". The Technique. Archived from the original on September 21, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Cumulative Season Statistics". Georgia Institute of Technology. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved October 16, 2011.
  4. ^ Hoffman, Matt (August 29, 2008). "Jackets triumph in Johnson's first game". The Technique. Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  5. ^ Hoffman, Matt (September 5, 2008). "Football wins first game of Johnson era". The Technique. Retrieved September 23, 2008.[dead link]
  6. ^ Amaraneni, Akshay (September 5, 2008). "Georgia Tech (1–0) vs. Boston College (1–0)". The Technique. Retrieved September 23, 2008.[dead link]
  7. ^ Amaraneni, Akshay (September 12, 2008). "Tech wins ACC opener at Boston College". The Technique. Retrieved September 23, 2008.[dead link]
  8. ^ Cappetta, Stephen (September 12, 2008). "Georgia Tech (2–0) vs. Virginia Tech (1–1)". The Technique. Archived from the original on October 11, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  9. ^ Hoffman, Matt (September 19, 2008). "Jackets fall short to Hokies". The Technique. Archived from the original on September 26, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  10. ^ Amaraneni, Akshay (September 19, 2008). "Georgia Tech (2–1) vs. Mississippi State (1–2)". The Technique. Archived from the original on September 26, 2008. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  11. ^ Dinich, Heather (October 4, 2008). "Duke still has a long way to go". ESPN. Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
  12. ^ Schultz, Jeff (October 7, 2008). "Army Out, Gardner-Webb In". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
  13. ^ "Darryl Richard Honored With ACC's Jim Tatum Award". December 4, 2008. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  14. ^ "Texas Tech's Harrell Headlines 2008 AFCA Coaches' All-America Team". December 4, 2008. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2008.
  15. ^ "Morgan Burnett Named 2nd-Team All-American By Rivals.com". December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2008.