Georgia Tech falls flat as Duke takes early ACC Coastal lead

Georgia Tech’s promising season has now fallen flat on its face.

After losing to Notre Dame last week, the Yellow Jackets had an opportunity to start ACC play off on the right foot.

But an inspired Duke defense shut down Georgia Tech’s potent offense and defeated the Yellow Jackets 34-20.

The loss might not keep Georgia Tech from winning the ACC, but it certainly knocks the Yellow Jackets out of contention for the College Football Playoff.

Duke jumped out to a 19-3 first quarter lead and never looked back despite some sloppy play by both teams. The teams combined for five total turnovers and two of them came in the final eight minutes of the game.

After Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas scored a 12-yard touchdown to cut the Duke lead to 26-20, Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk threw an interception. Georgia Tech took over on Duke’s 35-yard line, but ultimately turned the ball over on downs. On Georgia Tech’s next possession, Thomas fumbled on the Georgia Tech 39 and Duke scored the final touchdown to seal the game.

Duke was discounted coming into this contest because of its loss to Northwestern last week. But Duke never trailed against the Yellow Jackets and despite mistakes, it was able to limit the Georgia Tech running game to just 173 yards and the passing game to just 143 yards.

The win gives Georgia Tech the early lead in the ACC Coastal standings, which already has prompted a bit of smack talk.