In a high-stakes matchup filled with intensity and suspense, Georgia Tech emerged victorious against Syracuse in a do-or-die game that determined eligibility for a coveted bowl spot. The Yellow Jackets displayed grit and toughness, setting the tone for their upcoming finale against the unbeaten Georgia, slated to take place under the dazzling lights of their home turf.
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Despite Syracuse’s one conference win and a seemingly favorable matchup against a struggling Wake Forest in their final game, their lackluster performance against Tech raised doubts about their ability to secure a victory in the finale. On the other hand, the Yellow Jackets showcased a balanced and complimentary game on both ends of the field, with a potent offense and a robust defense.
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Syracuse, entering the game with an impressive rushing record of 400+ yards against Pitt, faced challenges establishing a rhythm against the Yellow Jackets. Their leading running back, Lequint Allen Jr., struggled to make an impact as Tech’s defense quickly adjusted to thwart Syracuse’s single-wing football strategy.
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Penalties plagued the Orange throughout the game, hindering their momentum with early holding and unnecessary roughness infractions. Despite controlling the clock, Syracuse struggled to progress in the red zone, limiting them to a mere 3 points at halftime. In contrast, Georgia Tech maintained a disciplined and powerful performance, dominating both sides of the ball.
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The electric crowd, passionately chanting “Go Jackets” throughout the night, created an exhilarating atmosphere. The student section roared after every powerful run, successful play, and touchdown, contributing to the excitement of the chilly Saturday night showdown.
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In the second half, Syracuse attempted to regain momentum with a fumble recovery, finally finding the scoreboard. However, persistent penalties continued to plague their performance. Georgia Tech faced a setback when Nose tackle #55 Horace Lockett was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, spitting on a Syracuse player after a touchdown run. This unexpected incident marred the discipline of both teams and drew disapproval from the crowd.
Despite the unsportsmanlike conduct, the game pressed on, with Syracuse showing resilience in the face of their struggles. Both teams intensified their efforts as the fourth quarter unfolded, but Syracuse’s scoring attempts fell short. With a failed extra point and a subsequent unsuccessful 2-point conversion, they trailed Georgia Tech by a mere 2 points midway through the quarter.
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Undeterred, Georgia Tech maintained their pressure, securing a thrilling victory that clinched their eligibility for a bowl game. The focus now shifts to their upcoming clash against Georgia, which promises to be their fiercest competition yet. The Yellow Jackets exit the game with a triumphant note, poised for the challenges ahead.
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This is Dez Barnes of Pretty Girls Love Sports, a new writer on the MTMV Sports platform. I am a retired US Army veteran, professional cheerleader, dog mom, and avid sports lover. Feel free to follow my writings as I dive into the latest sports news! You can find me on all social media channels @PGLOVESPORTS.
