Game Recap: Tech vs. Maryland

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets handily defeated the University of Maryland Terrapins in a 49 to 31 rout at Grant Field last Thursday. Bobby Dodd Stadium was nearly filled to capacity, and ESPN televised the game nationally.

Star quarterback Joe Hamilton made an impressive showing and set a new team record for total offense by a single player. Hamilton, a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, racked up 474 yards of total offense, including 387 passing yards. He threw two interceptions, breaking a string of 95 complete passes without a turnover. Hamilton completed 19 of 31 passes and threw for touchdowns of 80, 30, and 29 yards. He also rushed for a 41-yard touchdown run.

After the win, Tech moved up in the rankings, partly due to several top-ten upsets. The University [sic] of Georgia still trails Tech in both the AP and ESPN polls.

"It was a good win, but we didn't play as well as we should have played. I didn't think we played consistently on offense or defense," said Head Coach George O'Leary

Offensively, the Yellow Jackets were explosive. Tech's defense, however, left much to be desired. The team gave up 399 yards to Maryland. Even though the Terps came to Tech undefeated, their previos opponents have not been serious contenders. With musical offerings such as "Mr. Roboto" and "Pretty Fly for a White Guy," the band was the most impressive part of the Maryland entourage. Maryland doesn't travel well, and it showed in the Terps' section in the stands as well as in their performance on the field.

Tech first scored on its second posession in the first quarter on a 48 yard touchdown run by Sean Gregory. The extra point followed with a kick by Luke Manget. Maryland answered back 8 minutes later with a touchdown and extra point of their own. The Jackets once again charged down the field for another touchdown and extra point, but Maryland quickly rebounded with another 7 points just two minutes later.

Maryland briefly took the lead during the second quarter after a successful 3-point field goal attempt. Any twinge of doubt that Tech would dominate was quickly erased by the next two plays as Tech scored twice in less than two minutes. Just moments from the end of the half, Hamilton passed to White for a touchdown and a 21-17 lead. Tech's defense finally got serious and shut down Maryland after only three plays. Maryland's kicker Shawn Starner shanked the punt, so Tech regained the ball on the Maryland 30.

After two plays, Hamilton connected with Watkins to give Tech a 28-17 halftime lead.

The Terps took advantage of our spotty defense at the start of the second half, scoring on their first posession and cutting Tech's lead to four points.

Hamilton and the Jackets promptly responded with an 82 yard scoring drive. Hamilton ran the option for a 41-yard touchdown to take a 35-24 lead.

Maryland threatened to score again as they plunged deep into Yellow Jacket territory, but Tech's defense finally firmed up and stopped them on their own 30.

On the very next play, Hamilton launched a fly to White, who ran the ball down to the Maryland 7. After a few successful rushes, the Jackets made it into the endzone and bought their lead to 42-24.

The Terps had not given up yet, however. Three plays and 80 yards later, Maryland moved within striking distance by bringing the score to 42-31, Tech, with only a minute left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was uneventful as Tech did not let the Terps score again. The Jackets increased their margin to 49-31, and fans left the stadium reassured that Tech will have a good season despite the loss to Florida State.

"Obviously, it was a good win," said O'Leary. "Overall, we didn't play very well. There were too many missed assignments."

Fortunately, Maryland was not able to take advantage of Tech's inconsistencies. The Terps had trouble of their own, most notably with their kicker, Shawn Starner. In reference to Starner's performance, an anonymous sportswriter for the Diamondback said,

"He's pathetic. He did it last game, too. He sucks!" The Diamondback is the independent student newspaper of the University of Maryland.