Jackets roll 38-6

In a 38-6 rout of Samford, Tech's defense outscored the Bulldog's offense by returning two interceptions for touchdowns. The team's defense accomplished the feat for the first time since Bobby Dodd led the Jackets to a 35-17 win against Tulane at Grant Field in 1966.

"They played a lot of people in the second half, and we're glad they did that. But we needed to come out and establish some things on both sides of the ball. And I'm sure they answered some things on their side by playing their younger kids," said Samford Head Coach Bill Gray.

Jamal Lewis was feeling historic after he returned the second of the team's two interceptions 97-yards for a touchdown with 2:47 to play in the first half. The return by Lewis was the fourth-longest in Tech history and the longest since Jeff Ford set the school record against Notre Dame with a 102-yard return in 1969.

"I just waited for the quarterback to throw it and intercepted it," Lewis said about the throw. "It was pretty much right at me."

With the offense starting the game with a three-and-out drive, Tech had to punt the ball into Samford territory. Two plays later, Samford receiver Josh Brennard tipped a pass from Jefferson Adcock. The tipped ball fell into the hands of Tech's Djay Jones, who returned the interception 29 yards for the touchdown.

"It happens," Coach Gailey said when asked if he was worried when the game opened with the short drive. "If you have concerns with each and every drive because it doesn't work out, you're going to end up with an ulcer."

The offense helped by adding three touchdowns before the first half was over. Reggie Ball was 10-for-16 with 83 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Calvin Johnson recorded his third career multiple touchdown game after ending the first half with four receptions for 29 yards and two touchdowns.

"Everybody was real comfortable with [the offense]," Johnson said. "Everyone is starting to like it."

On Tech's second drive of the game, Ball demonstrated his skill as a pocket passer by completing all six of his passes for 56 yards. The possession was capped off by a six-yard touchdown run by Tashard Choice.

The Samford offense never seemed to develop a rhythm. With the help of constant blitzes, the defense was able to keep constant pressure on Adcock and Dante Williams. Often starting in the shotgun position and immediately being forced to scramble, the Yellow Jackets forced the Bulldogs to make mistakes.

The Jackets will have to perform better on kickoff coverage if they hope to be successful against more difficult competition. The unit allowed kick returns for 54, 36 and 31 yards. Both of the Bulldogs' scoring drives began with the Samford offense already in Tech territory. Poor kick returns and mistakes, like Ball's interception late in the first quarter, gave Samford easy yards and great field position. Tech's defense was able to hold Samford out of the endzone, but they were unable to keep the Bulldogs off of the scoreboard.

Tech won its first game after the loss to Notre Dame. They look to win tomorrow against a Troy team that pushed No. 9 Florida State to its limits. Ball certainly felt better about the offense and the team after Tech's first win.

"It feels a lot better after this game than the last game. It's always nice to put those numbers up in the left hand column," Ball said after the game. "A win is a win."