Resetting the Machine: Georgia Tech Makes Statement with Big Win

(The man returneth)

It was a thumping kind of afternoon Saturday in Atlanta, so Georgia Tech did just that.

Desperately in need of a resounding win, the kind that makes a statement about a team's character and ability when both have been called into question, the Yellow Jackets delivered duly, dominating North Carolina with a 24-7 win.

The victory, while putting the Jackets back in the Top 25, also served notice to those who suggested their season was careening off track.

The scoreline might not look the most convincing, but Tech was two relatively pedestrian missed field goals away from 30-7, which looks awfully better. And a short trip down the box score tells an even more resounding story.

Many apologies for the delay in posting this, it's been a topsy-turvy weekend, and I've barely been home. Now, back to the matter at hand.

First and foremost, a defense that got absolutely torched two Thursdays prior against Miami allowed a markedly less talented squad tally a mere 154 total yards, just 17 of those coming in the ground game.

Tyler Yates was an ineffective 11-for-26 for 137 yards and two interceptions, though he also accounted for UNC's only score of the day. The Tar Heels tallied only eight first downs, and went 1-of-11 on third downs.

Paul Johnson's option offense was back to its old tricks as well, racking up 406 yards and—most importantly—committing no turnovers. Josh Nesbitt was even a respectable 7-of-11 for 89 yards in the passing game, and the junior quarterback accounted for 97 yards and two scores on the ground.

Few Georgia Tech victories would be complete without a big day from Jonathan Dwyer, who finally crossed the 100-yard mark with 158 yards on just 19 carries, as UNC watched it's run defense crumble from seventh in the country a week ago to 49th at the close of business Saturday.

So what does this mean?

Well, Georgia Tech is still very much in the ACC hunt. Again, the scoreline might not impress, but the above-mentioned stats, as well as the 42-plus minutes of possession tell a dominant story.

It also means the Yellow Jackets' defense can resemble something other than a sieve, and it ought to make clear to the rest of the league that the Jackets are still very much in the championship hunt, especially with Miami's rather embarrassing loss to Virginia Tech on the books, as well.

The division standings once again look backward and crazy. So it's just another year in the ACC.