First Win for Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech Overcomes Slow Start to Defeat Mercer 44-11 for First Win
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Key Points
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The victory prevented Georgia Tech from starting 0-3 for the first time in 37 years.
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Mercer out-rushed Georgia Tech 188-156, but the Yellow Jackets won the total-yardage battle 405-290; Zahmari Palode-Gary led the Bears with 71 rushing yards.
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Georgia Tech’s defense forced three fumbles, with Taje McCoy, Tawfiq Thomas and Noah Carter each recording a sack and a forced fumble; freshman linebacker C.J. Gamble also made an interception on the first play of the fourth quarter.
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Mercer blocked the extra point after Haynes’ third-quarter touchdown, and Cameron Goggins returned the blocked kick for two points.
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Georgia Tech coach Brent Key had identified confidence-building as a priority after the 0-2 start, but the Yellow Jackets entered the game as 38.5-point favorites and still opened with three-and-outs on two of their first three possessions.
Georgia Tech snapped a two-game losing streak Saturday, defeating Mercer 44-11 in Atlanta to avoid starting 0-3 for the first time in 37 years. Justice Haynes rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns while quarterback Alberto Mendoza threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns in the Yellow Jackets' first win of the season Post Register.
Haynes Dominates After Halftime Adjustments
Georgia Tech scored 30 points after halftime, erasing a sluggish first half filled with penalties and stalled drives. Justice Haynes led the charge with 141 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza contributed 249 passing yards and touchdown passes to Jaiven Plummer and Debron Gatling Post Register.
Georgia Tech's Defense Forces Three Turnovers
The Yellow Jackets' defense pressured Mercer throughout the game, forcing three fumbles and recording multiple sacks. Taje McCoy, Tawfiq Thomas, and Noah Carter each recorded a sack and forced a fumble. Freshman linebacker C.J. Gamble added an interception on the opening play of the fourth quarter Post Register.
Mercer's Backup QB Can't Slow Momentum
Mercer outrushed Georgia Tech 188-156 yards but lost the overall yardage battle 405-290. Zahmari Palode-Gary led the Bears with 71 rushing yards. Backup quarterback JP Pickles entered after starter Jaylen King left with a reported concussion but couldn't spark a comeback. Kicker Simon Zeidan added three field goals for Mercer, which fell to 2-2 Post Register.
Georgia Tech Faces Stanford Next in ACC Opener
Georgia Tech entered Saturday as a 38.5-point favorite but still struggled early with two three-and-outs in their first three possessions. Coach Brent Key had prioritized confidence-building after the 0-2 start. The Yellow Jackets will face Stanford next week in ACC play with an opening line of 4.5, according to Post Register. Georgia Tech is ranked 104th in FBS offense while Stanford ranks 125th in defensive third-down percentage.
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