Georgia Tech made it five games in a row that it has allowed the opposition to score on the first possession of the game. Pittsburgh took the opening kickoff and drove 75 yards in a mere six plays to take a 7-0 lead.

The Panthers succeeded by running a string of misdirection plays at the Yellow Jackets for big gains. The last was the most punitive. Quarterback Nathan Peterman rolled to his right and then threw a backwards pass across the field to offensive tackle Brian O’Neill, who was wide open and charged into the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown run.

Pittsburgh joined Mercer, Vanderbilt, Clemson and Miami in scoring on its first series of the game.

Coming into the game, the Panthers had themselves scored opening-drive touchdowns in three of their first five games.

Tech was resolved to stop the trend going into the game. Defensive end Rod Rook-Chungong called it “embarrassing.” Defensive coordinator Ted Roof said that the defense had not done a good job adjusting to Miami and Clemson’s up-tempo pace and needed to be ready.

“We can’t be the nail,” Chungong said. “We’ve got to be the hammer on the first series.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Georgia State Panthers cornerback Jyron Gilmore (5) following the conclusion of the NCAA game between the Georgia State Panthers and the Chattanooga Mocs on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Gilmore came up with the game-saving interception to preserve the win. (Ivan Konon/Georgia State Athletics)

Credit: Ivan Konon

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC