Virginia Tech defeats Georgia Tech 23-21, ends GT’s 18-season bowl streak
It was just a few months ago that the ACC media picked Georgia Tech to be the Coastal Division champion.
On Thursday, the Yellow Jackets secured a losing season.
Virginia Tech defeated Georgia Tech 23-21 to earn its fifth victory and give the Yellow Jackets their seventh loss.
It marked the first losing season for Georgia Tech since 2010 and the first bowl-less season since 1996.
It’s a stunning turn of a events for a team that many considered a favorite to the ACC and a potential dark horse to contend for one of the four coveted spots in the College Football Playoff.
The season started well enough for the Yellow Jackets with relatively easy wins against Alcorn State and Tulane, but then a loss to Notre Dame sent the team into a tailspin as Georgia Tech proceeded to lose five consecutive games.
A late win against Florida State seemed to have the potential to change the Yellow Jackets’ season and keep their bowl streak intact, but a loss to Virginia on Halloween painted a bleak picture where the Yellow Jackets would have to win out to at least go 6-6.
On Thursday, Georgia Tech seemed fired up to do just that.
It scored on its first possession and jumped out to a 14-0 in the first quarter, but Virginia Tech responded with two touchdown before halftime.
At the beginning of the third quarter, Georgia Tech once against showed fight after Brant Mitchel picked off Michael Brewer during Virginia Tech’s opening possession of the half and ran it back 32 yards for the go-ahead score.
Virginia Tech cut the lead on its next possession with an 29-yard field goal and took the lead on a run by Travon McMillian, who had 24 carries for 135 yards and two touchdowns on the night, with less than seven minutes remaining. However, Joey Slye missed the extra point, opening the door for a Georgia Tech win with a field goal.
But Georgia Tech couldn’t get anything going on offense as the Virginia Tech defense clamped down and held the option offense in check.
For Virginia Tech, the Hokies are one win away from sending coach Frank Beamer off with a postseason berth with games against North Carolina and Virginia remaining.
Georgia Tech will face Miami and Georgia to finish out its season.
For more Georgia Tech news, visit JacketsOnline.com.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday
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