“Yellow Jackets Roll Over Gardner-Webb as Freshmen Shine”

For the first time since 1961, the Ramblin’ Reck did not lead the Georgia Tech football team onto the field at Grant Field.

According to Ken Sugiura of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a lightning delay pushed back kickoff, causing the usual on-field pregame festivities to be scrapped and keeping the Reck from its traditional appearance.

Also sidelined was quarterback Haynes King, who was a game-time decision due to a lower-body injury, as reported by Kelly Quinlan. In his place, Aaron Philo made his first career start, throwing for 373 yards and a touchdown to Isiah Canion in the first quarter, putting Tech up 7-6. The Yellow Jackets again began the game with multiple drives ending in turnovers, just as they had the previous week.

After that shaky start, however, Tech took control. The team went on to score seven more touchdowns, outgaining Gardner-Webb 680 yards to 326.

Running backs Malachi Hosley and Jamal Haynes were standout performers on the ground, with Hosley rushing exactly 100 yards and Haynes adding 92. Both scored twice and broke off runs exceeding 45 yards. Malik Rutherford returned to action after missing most of the Colorado game, leading Tech in receptions with five for 62 yards.

Late in the third quarter, trailing 35-6, Gardner-Webb lined up for a 45-yard field goal but missed. After an offsides penalty on Ahmari Harvey, the ensuing 40-yard attempt was blocked by JJ Dan den Berg. Harvey scooped it up and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown.

Freshman quarterback Graham Knowles saw action in the final minutes, needing only one pass to make an impact—connecting with Dean Patterson for an 84-yard touchdown, bringing the final score to 59-12.

All in all, the game went as well as could be hoped, aside from 12 penalties. Several freshmen gained valuable playing time, demonstrating the depth of the roster, while the starters—King aside—got solid reps.

Every opportunity on the field counts, especially as next week’s matchup against #8 Clemson at Bobby Dodd Stadium could determine Tech’s ACC Championship hopes. If you haven’t secured tickets yet, make sure that stadium has no orange in sight.