2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team

American college football season February 2026 March 2012 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets logo.svg 125 Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal ACC 22 22 9–4 5–3 Paul Johnson 1st Dave Wommack 1st Flexbone triple option 4–3 Bobby Dodd Stadium(Capacity: 55,000) ACC Coastal Division co-champion Chick-fil-A Bowl L 3-38 vs. LSU The 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's coach is former Navy Midshipmen and Georgia Southern Eagles coach Paul Johnson. Georgia Tech plays their home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Preseason Paul Johnson is the new head coach of the Yellow Jackets after posting a 45–29 record at the United States Naval Academy since 2002.http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120707aab.html Paul Johnson Named Georgia Tech's Head Football Coach Ramblinwreck.com December 7, 2007 December 7, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071210204737/http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120707aab.html%23 December 10, 2007 dead Johnson also recorded a 7–1 record in the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy against the Air Force and Army. Johnson will be installing his option offense at Georgia Tech. In response, 2007 starting QB Taylor Bennett transferred to Louisiana Tech, opening up the 2008 QB job for sophomore Josh Nesbitt and freshman Jaybo Shaw. The Georgia Tech offense returns two of its top four receivers in Greg Smith and Demaryius Thomas, and the Tech defense returns defensive end Michael Johnson and primary interior linemen Darryl Richard and Vance Walker.Matt Hoffman http://www.nique.net/nique/article/548 2008 ACC Football Preview The Technique August 29, 2008 September 23, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080921094113/http://www.nique.net/nique/article/548 September 21, 2008 dead In June 2008, former University of Louisville RB Anthony Allen announced he will be transferring to Georgia Tech. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he will be required to sit out the 2008 football season. Rankings 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings 16 NR NR NR NR NR RV RV RV 21 RV 22 RV RV 18 15 14 22 NR NR NR NR NR RV RV RV RV RV 20 RV RV 23 16 15 22 5 RV RV RV 22 25 20 RV RV 22 16 14 8 18 NR 20 NR NR 22 15 14 Schedule 2008 AP Eastern August 28, 2008 7:30 p.m. w y Jacksonville State Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ESPN360 41–14 45,706Cumulative Season Statistics http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/teamcume.html Georgia Institute of Technology October 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120406064432/http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/teamcume.html April 6, 2012 dead mdy-allMatt Hoffman http://www.nique.net/nique/article/544 Jackets triumph in Johnson's first game The Technique August 29, 2008 September 23, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080916180919/http://www.nique.net/nique/article/544 September 16, 2008 deadMatt Hoffman http://www.nique.net/nique/article/576 Football wins first game of Johnson era The Technique September 5, 2008 September 23, 2008May 2016 medicmedic September 6 12:00 p.m. w y Boston College Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA Raycom 19–16 40,106Akshay Amaraneni http://www.nique.net/nique/article/578 Georgia Tech (1–0) vs. Boston College (1–0) The Technique September 5, 2008 September 23, 2008May 2016 medicmedicAkshay Amaraneni http://www.nique.net/nique/article/606 Tech wins ACC opener at Boston College The Technique September 12, 2008 September 23, 2008May 2016 medicmedic September 13 3:30 p.m. l y Virginia Tech Lane Stadium Blacksburg, VA ABC 17–20 66,233Stephen Cappetta http://www.nique.net/nique/article/608 Georgia Tech (2–0) vs. Virginia Tech (1–1) The Technique September 12, 2008 September 23, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081011020734/http://www.nique.net/nique/article/608 October 11, 2008 deadMatt Hoffman http://www.nique.net/nique/article/635 Jackets fall short to Hokies The Technique September 19, 2008 September 23, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080926172737/http://www.nique.net/nique/article/635 September 26, 2008 dead September 20 12:00 p.m. w y Mississippi State Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA Raycom 38–7 48,402Akshay Amaraneni http://www.nique.net/nique/article/637 Georgia Tech (2–1) vs. Mississippi State (1–2) The Technique September 19, 2008 September 23, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080926192322/http://www.nique.net/nique/article/637 September 26, 2008 dead October 4 12:00 p.m. w Duke Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ESPNU 27–0 46,104Heather Dinich http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-330/Duke-still-has-a-long-way-to-go.html Duke still has a long way to go ESPN October 4, 2008 October 6, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081005123738/http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-2-330/Duke-still-has-a-long-way-to-go.html October 5, 2008 dead mdy-all October 11 3:30 p.m. w y Gardner–Webb Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA 10–7 41,929Jeff Schultz http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/schultz/entries/2008/10/07/army_out_gardnerwebb_in.html Army Out, Gardner-Webb In The Atlanta Journal-Constitution October 7, 2008 October 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081009165910/http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/schultz/entries/2008/10/07/army_out_gardnerwebb_in.html October 9, 2008 live October 18 12:00 p.m. w y Clemson Memorial Stadium Clemson, SC ESPN 21–17 81,500 October 25 3:30 p.m. l y 21 Virginia Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ESPNU 17–24 47,416 November 1 3:30 p.m. w Florida State 16 Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ABC 31–28 53,528 November 8 12:00 p.m. l y 22 North Carolina 19 Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC Raycom 7–28 59,000 November 20, 2008 7:30 p.m. w Miami (FL) 23 Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA ESPN 41–23 49,335 November 29 12:00 p.m. w y y 18 Georgia 13 Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate Sanford Stadium Athens, GA CBS 45–42 92,746 December 31, 2008 7:30 p.m. l y y 14 LSU Chick-fil-A Bowl Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA ESPN 3–38 71,423 Personnel 2008 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets y Marcus Wright 3 RB Fr Greg Smith 5 RB Jr y Jim Henry 6 QB Fr y Doc Coppage 7 QB Fr y Demaryius Thomas 8 WR So y y Josh Nesbitt 9 QB So y Jaybo Shaw 11 QB Fr Tevin Washington 13 QB Fr Correy Earls 15 WR So y Bryce Dykes 16 QB Fr y Calvin Booker 18 QB Sr y Roddy Jones 20 RB Fr y Jonathan Dwyer 21 FB So y Quinton Sims 23 WR Fr Embry Peeples 24 WR Fr Jonathan Malone 27 WR So y Lance Walls 35 FB Jr y Lucas Cox 36 RB So y Quincy Kelly 38 FB So y Josh Wallace 39 RB Fr y Tyler Evans 43 RB Jr Jason Davis 45 RB Jr y Matt Kamp 46 FB Jr y Richard Watson 48 FB Fr Trevor Bray 49 FB So y A. J. Smith 53 OL Sr y David Brown 55 OL Sr y Brad Sellers 60 OL Jr y Phil Smith 61 OL Fr Omoregie Uzzi 62 OL Fr Chase Hudson 63 OL Fr y Andrew Gardner 64 OL Sr y Andrew Folkner 65 OL Sr y Michael St. Denis 66 OL Fr y Drew Brannon 68 OL So y Alex Paquette 69 OL Jr y Joseph Gilbert 70 OL Fr y Cord Howard 71 OL Jr y Jason Hill 72 OL Jr y Nick Claytor 75 OL Fr y Nick McRae 76 OL Fr Jeff Lentz 76 OL So y Dan Voss 77 OL So y Clyde Yandell 78 OL Fr y Zach Krish 79 OL So y Daniel McKayhan 80 WR Fr Zach Fisher 81 WR Fr y Andrew Smith 83 RB Sr y Tyler Melton 84 WR Fr y Austin Barrick 85 WR So y R. B. Clyburn 86 WR Fr y Kevin Cone 88 WR So y Paul Reese 89 WR Fr y Morgan Burnett 1 DB So y Mario Butler 2 DB Fr y Brandon Leslie 4 DB Fr Alex Walker 5 DB Fr y Willie White 6 DB Fr y Tony Clark 7 LB Sr Martin Frierson 10 DB Jr y Anthony Barnes 12 LB So y Tyler Barrett 16 DB Sr y Matt Braman 17 LB Sr DeRon Jasper 25 DB So y Dominique Reese 26 DB So y Rashaad Reid 28 DB Fr Jon Lockhart 29 DB Fr James Liipfert 30 LB Sr y Jahi Word-Daniels 32 DB Sr Steven Sylvester 34 LB Fr Michael Peterson 35 DB Fr y Jerrad Tarrant 37 DB Fr y Cooper Taylor 39 DB Fr Kamaron Riley 40 DB Fr Anthony Egbuniwe 41 DL So y Malcolm Munroe 42 LB Fr Albert Rocker 44 LB Fr y Jake Blackwood 47 DB Jr y Brad Jefferson 51 LB So Sedric Griffin 54 LB Jr Osahon Tongo 56 LB So y Shane Bowen 57 LB Jr B. J. Machen 58 LB Fr Kyle Jackson 59 LB Fr y Luke Snider 66 DL So y Steven Powers 67 LB So y Sean Bedford 79 DL So y Antonio Wilson 88 DL Fr T. J. Barnes 90 DL Fr y Derrick Morgan 91 DL So Jason Peters 92 DL Fr y Michael Johnson 93 DL Sr Elris Anyaibe 94 DL Sr y Darryl Richard 95 DL Sr y Logan Walls 96 DL Fr y Robert Hall 97 DL Jr Ben Anderson 98 DL So y Vance Walker 99 DL Sr y Scott Blair 14 K So y Chandler Anderson 24 K Fr y Mohamed Yahiaoui 31 P Sr Troy Garside 33 K Sr y Brett White 50 LS Sr y Levi Walls 52 LS Sr y Michael Ray 54 LS Jr Kevin Crosby 82 P So y Tyler Davis 86 K Sr y May 7, 2008 Paul JohnsonHead coach/Offensive coordinator Brian BohannonQuarterbacks/b-backs Jeff MonkenA-backs/special teams Al PrestonWide receivers Todd SpencerCo-offensive line Mike SewakCo-offensive line Dave WommackDefensive coordinator Giff SmithDefensive line/recruiting coordinator Brian Jean–MaryLinebackers Charles KellyCornerbacks Game summaries Jacksonville State 2008 Jacksonville State Gamecocks football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary August 28, 2008 7:30 p.m. EDT Gamecocks 0 0 7 7 Yellow Jackets 14 13 7 7 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia 45,706 Clear, 84 F C Brad Allen ESPN360 Box score, Recap First quarter GT – Jonathan Dwyer 21-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 5:45. Yellow Jackets 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 27 yards, 1:33. GT – Josh Nesbitt 2-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 2:30. Yellow Jackets 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 1:34. Second quarter GT – Josh Nesbitt 1-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 13:08. Yellow Jackets 21–0. Drive: 6 plays, 65 yards, 2:57. GT – Jonathan Dwyer 29-yard run (kick failed), 2:32. Yellow Jackets 27–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:23. Third quarter JVST – Maurice Dupree 5-yard pass from Ryan Perrilloux (Gavin Halford kick), 12:53. Yellow Jackets 27–7. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 2:04. GT – Roddy Jones 49-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 10:36. Yellow Jackets 34–7. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 2:17. Fourth quarter GT – Jaybo Shaw 2-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 11:50. Yellow Jackets 41–7. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:28. JVST – Maurice Dupree 16-yard pass from Ryan Perrilloux (Gavin Halford kick), 0:37. Yellow Jackets 41–14. Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 5:43. Statistics JVSTGT First downs 15 19 Total yards 258 484 Rushing yards 122 349 Passing yards 136 140 Turnovers 4 2 Time of possession 30:17 29:43 Team Category Player StatisticsJacksonville State Passing Ryan Perrilloux 22/37, 136 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT Rushing Ryan Perrilloux 18 rushes, 67 yards Receiving Maurice Dupree 9 receptions, 39 yards, 2 TDGeorgia Tech Passing Joshua Nesbitt 5/12, 87 yards Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 11 rushes, 112 yards, 2 TD Receiving Roddy Jones 2 receptions, 50 yards Georgia Tech ran for 349 yards in the season opener against Jacksonville State. The team was led by Jon Dwyer's 113 yards rushing and pair of touchdown runs. Josh Nesbitt scored two additional rushing touchdowns in the rout. The game featured former Louisiana State University quarterback Ryan Perrilloux who transferred to Jacksonville State after the 2007 football season. Perrilloux led the Gamecocks on their two second-half touchdown drives, but was intercepted twice by Tech safety Morgan Burnett. The Tech defense also added four sacks in the effort. Tech has not lost to an I-AA opponent since its September 17, 1983, game against the Furman Paladins. At Boston College 2008 Boston College Eagles football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Boston College Eagles – Game summary September 6 12:00 p.m. EDT Yellow Jackets 7 0 3 9 Eagles 3 6 7 0 Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 40,106 Raycom Steve Martin, Rick Walker, & Mike Hogewood Box score, Recap First quarter BC – Steve Aponavicius 36-yard field goal, 9:07. Eagles 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:09. GT – Josh Nesbitt 1-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 3:46. Yellow Jackets 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:12. Second quarter BC – Steve Aponavicius 34-yard field goal, 11:54. Yellow Jackets 7–6. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:33. BC – Steve Aponavicius 26-yard field goal, 6:18. Eagles 9–7. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 4:29. Third quarter GT – Scott Blair 27-yard field goal, 9:57. Yellow Jackets 10–9. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 5:03. BC – Ifeanyi Momah 7-yard pass from Chris Crane (Steve Aponavicius kick), 3:03. Eagles 16–10. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 3:58. Fourth quarter GT – Vance Walker safety, 10:24. Eagles 16–12. GT – Jonathan Dwyer 43-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 8:26. Yellow Jackets 19–16. Drive: 4 plays, 54 yards, 1:58. Statistics GTBC First downs 12 18 Total yards 235 262 Rushing yards 162 120 Passing yards 89 142 Turnovers 3 3 Time of possession 27:15 32:45 Team Category Player StatisticsGeorgia Tech Passing Josh Nesbitt 6/13, 73 yards Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 18 rushes, 108 yards, TD Receiving Demaryius Thomas 4 receptions, 56 yardsBoston College Passing Chris Crane 18/35, 142 yards, TD, 2 INT Rushing Josh Haden 8 rushes, 35 yards Receiving Ryan Purvis 3 receptions, 38 yards Georgia Tech overcame a fourth quarter deficit and three lost fumbles to defeat the Boston College Eagles 19–16. The Jackets were led by the running of sophomores Jon Dwyer and Josh Nesbitt. The two combined for all but 8 yards of Georgia Tech's 235 yards of offense. Dwyer added 93 yards of kick returns to his 109 yards rushing. Dwyer scored the go ahead touchdown on a 43-yard run with less than 9 minutes remaining in the game. Georgia Tech's defense sacked first year starter Chris Crane three times in the game and forced three turnovers. Tech remained undefeated all time in Chestnut Hill with the win. At Virginia Tech 2008 Virginia Tech Hokies football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Virginia Tech Hokies – Game summary September 13 3:30 p.m. EDT Yellow Jackets 3 0 6 8 Hokies 0 14 0 6 Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia 66,233 ABC/ESPN2 Dave LaMont, David Norrie, & Todd Harris Statistics GTVT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsGeorgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Virginia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving The Hokies needed a penalty-aided, fourth quarter drive to put away the Jackets in 20–17 loss for Georgia Tech, the first loss of the season for GT. On Virginia Tech's second to last possession, the Hokies only managed 38 yards of offense but with key defensive penalties moved the ball 76 yards to the Georgia Tech 4 yard line and kicked the go ahead field goal with 4:37 remaining on the game clock. Georgia Tech rushed for 278 yards in the game, led by quarterback Josh Nesbitt's 151 yards and slotback Lucas Cox's 63 yards. Nesbitt also added 109 yards passing with a 41-yard touchdown strike to slotback Roddy Jones followed by a two-point conversion. The Tech defense held VT to only 48 yards passing but gave up 200 yards on the ground. Safety Morgan Burnett added 13 tackles to his total for the season increasing his average to 9 tackles per game for the season. Michael Johnson and Derrick Morgan combined for Tech's lone sack on Virginia Tech QB Tyrod Taylor. ABC took a 6-day option on the time of the Mississippi State gametime and with the loss relegated Tech's home game to a 12:00 pm EST time slot the following week. Mississippi State 2008 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Mississippi State Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary September 20 12:00 p.m. EDT Bulldogs 0 0 0 7 Yellow Jackets 14 7 10 7 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia 48,402 Raycom Steve Martin, Rick Walker, & Mike Hogewood Statistics MSSTGT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsMississippi State Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech scored 38 straight points against the Mississippi State Bulldogs to cruise to a 38–7 victory at home. The offense was led by the rushing effort of Jon Dwyer who accumulated 141 yards, a rushing touchdown, and a school record 88 yard touchdown run in the third quarter. True freshman Jaybo Shaw substituted for injured quarterback Josh Nesbitt in the first quarter and would finish the game with 106 total yards, a passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown. The Georgia Tech defense bent but did not break allowing 407 yards of offense but giving up only 7 points, the lowest point allowance of the season. The defense picked off two Mississippi State passes, recovered two fumbles, and accumulated three quarterback sacks. Michael Johnson along with his sack blocked an 18-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. With the win, Georgia Tech has gone 6–8 against the Southeastern Conference since 2000. Duke 2008 Duke Blue Devils football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Duke Blue Devils at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary October 4 12:00 p.m. EDT Blue Devils 0 0 0 0 Yellow Jackets 0 3 7 17 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia 46,104 ESPNU Dave Armstrong & Larry Coker Statistics DUKEGT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsDuke Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech started true freshman Jaybo Shaw at quarterback for ailing Josh Nesbitt and rolled over Duke 27–0. Shaw passed for 230 yards and a touchdown all to one receiver sophomore Demaryius Thomas. Thomas caught one pass for a career long 88 yards. Jon Dwyer and Roddy Jones added balance to the Georgia Tech offense accumulating 203 yards on 33 carries. Jones scored Tech's lone rushing touchdown. Georgia Tech's defense held Duke's offense to 0 points and 132 yards after Duke averaged 31 points and 373 yards per game coming into the contest. Tech defenders racked up two sacks and an interception. This was the twenty-sixth shutdown since 1961 for Georgia Tech. The last shutout for a Georgia Tech defense was the 2006 North Carolina game in which Tech won 7–0 and clinched the Coastal Division seat in the ACC Championship Game. Gardner–Webb 2008 Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Gardner–Webb Runnin' Bulldogs at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary October 11 3:30 p.m. EDT Runnin' Bulldogs 0 0 7 0 Yellow Jackets 0 10 0 0 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia Statistics GWUGT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsGardner–Webb Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Gardner–Webb's attempt at the upset fell short when the game-tying field goal with 9 seconds remaining was partially blocked by sophomore defensive end Derrick Morgan. Third string redshirt senior Calvin Booker received the starting nod from Paul Johnson before the game to rest ailing quarterbacks Josh Nesbitt and Jaybo Shaw. Tech's worst offensive showing of the season saw Tech only accumulate 79 yards on the ground and give away three turnovers. The lone offensive highlight being a 79-yard touchdown reception by Jon Dwyer in the second quarter. Tech's defense held the Runnin' Bulldogs until 8:25 in the third quarter, in which the Bulldogs marched 69 yards down the field for their lone score. The Tech defense racked up 6 sacks and an interception. At Clemson 2008 Clemson Tigers football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Tigers – Game summary October 18 12:00 p.m. EDT Yellow Jackets 7 7 0 7 Tigers 0 3 14 0 Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina 81,500 ESPN Dave Pasch & Andre Ware Statistics GTCLEM First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsGeorgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Clemson Passing Rushing Receiving On October 13, Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden was fired and was replaced by receivers coach Dabo Swinney. Tech's defense controlled the ebb and flow of the game forcing six turnovers, which included four interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Safety Dominique Reese returned an intercepted pass from wide receiver Tyler Grisham for Tech's first touchdown. Morgan Burnett added two additional interceptions, the final in the last second of the game. Offensively, Tech continued to produce with its ground game against the Tigers racking up 207 yards rushing. Josh Nesbitt ran untouched for 5 yards for Tech's second score and passed 24 yards to Demaryius Thomas for Tech's go ahead and eventual game winning score. Tech is 6–1 for the first time since 1999. Virginia 2008 Virginia Cavaliers football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse Virginia Cavaliers at No. 21 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary October 25 3:30 p.m. EDT Cavaliers 3 7 7 7 No. 21 Yellow Jackets 14 0 0 3 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia 47,416 ESPNU Doug Bell & Charles Arbuckle Statistics UVAGT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsVirginia Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech dropped its first homecoming decision in thirteen years ending a twelve-game win streak that dates back to 1995. The Cavaliers were aided by three Georgia Tech turnovers. The Georgia Tech defense struggled to contain the Cavaliers giving up almost 400 yards of offense and the most points allowed all season. Tech highlights, however, included two interceptions by the defense and a recovered fumble. Slotback Roddy Jones had a career day with 169 all purpose yards including 75 yards rushing on 11 carries. Tech heads into the Florida State game a half game behind Virginia and a half game ahead of Virginia Tech, Miami, and UNC in the ACC Coastal Division race. No. 16 Florida State 2008 Florida State Seminoles football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse No. 16 Florida State Seminoles at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary November 1 3:30 p.m. EDT No. 16 Seminoles 10 10 0 8 Yellow Jackets 3 21 7 0 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia 53,528 ABC/ESPN2 Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire, & Stacey Dales Statistics FSUGT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsFlorida State Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech had not defeated Florida State since 1975. The twelve-game losing streak that dated back to 1992 that included three head coaching tenures ended with a 31–28 victory for Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech appeared to have the game clearly in hand until Josh Nesbitt injured his foot with 7:42 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Backup Jaybo Shaw assumed control of the offense and the offense only managed 8 yards of offense in the remaining one and a half quarters. Florida State closed the score differential to 31–28 and drove all the way to the Georgia Tech 3 yard line with 1:20 remaining in the game. On second down, the FSU running back lost control of the football after Safety Cooper Taylor hit the ball with his helmet. Tech's Rashaad Reid recovered the football in the end zone and with two proceeding quarterback kneels ended the dramatic victory. Jon Dwyer added 145 yards rushing and two touchdowns, Roddy Jones added 118 all purpose yards, and starter Josh Nesbitt added 116 additional all purpose yards to the offensive effort. The Tech defense sacked FSU quarterbacks 5 times and forced 3 turnovers. Tech took a half-game lead in the division race with the win. Some refer to the game as the "Miracle on North Avenue," as it ended Georgia Tech's 12 meeting losing run to the Seminoles, and the first time the Yellow Jackets had ever beaten legendary Coach Bobby Bowden since he came to FSU. At. No. 19 North Carolina 2008 North Carolina Tar Heels football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse No. 22 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 19 North Carolina Tar Heels – Game summary November 8 12:00 p.m. EST No. 22 Yellow Jackets 0 0 0 7 No. 19 Tar Heels 7 0 0 21 Kenan Memorial Stadium, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 59,000 Raycom Steve Martin, Rick Walker, & Mike Hogewood Statistics GTUNC First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsGeorgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving North Carolina Passing Rushing Receiving In Georgia Tech's worst offensive showing of the season Tech gave up 3 turnovers and lost 28–7 in Chapel Hill. The defense held UNC's offense in check until the fourth quarter in which a muffed punt, a fumble, and an interception led to three consecutive Tarheel touchdowns. Tech's lone offensive highlight was an 85-yard touchdown run by Jon Dwyer, which was the longest touchdown run recorded against an UNC defense ever. Dwyer's effort for the day put him over 1,000 yards for the season. Tech's defense was led by Michael Johnson who accumulated 6 tackles and sack in the losing effort. No. 23 Miami (FL) 2008 Miami Hurricanes football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse No. 23 Miami Hurricanes at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Game summary November 20, 2008 7:30 p.m. EST No. 23 Hurricanes 0 3 7 13 Yellow Jackets 3 21 17 0 Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia 49,335 ESPN Chris Fowler, Jesse Palmer, Craig James, & Erin Andrews Statistics MIAGT First downs Total yards Rushing yards Passing yards Turnovers Time of possession Team Category Player StatisticsMiami Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech Passing Rushing Receiving Georgia Tech has defeated Miami four consecutive years joining Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Notre Dame, and Virginia Tech as the only schools to defeat Miami in four consecutive years. Georgia Tech led by as much as 24 and never relented the lead over the Canes as the Tech offense racked up 472 yards rushing. The defense picked off two Miami passes including one by defensive end Michael Johnson, which was returned for the first touchdown of the game. Tech's victory put them in first place in the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech needs Virginia, Virginia Tech, and North Carolina to lose at least one more game to end all tie breaking scenarios. Also of note, the game was dubbed a "White Out" by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association and fans were encouraged to wear white to the game. At No. 13 Georgia 2008 Georgia Bulldogs football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse No. 18 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at No. 13 Georgia Bulldogs – Game summary November 29 12:00 p.m. EST No. 18 Yellow Jackets 6 6 26 7 No. 13 Bulldogs 7 21 0 14 Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia 92,746 CBS Craig Bolerjack & Trev Alberts Box score, Recap First quarter UGA – Tripp Chandler 1-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 11:40. Bulldogs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:20. GT – Morgan Burnett 35-yard interception return (kick failed), 2:57. Bulldogs 7–6. Second quarter UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 10-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 13:36. Bulldogs 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:21. GT – Lucas Cox 2-yard run (pass failed), 9:22. Bulldogs 14–12. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:14. UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 49-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 7:00. Bulldogs 21–12. Drive: 5 plays, 76 yards, 2:22. UGA – Mohamed Massaquoi 3-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 0:37. Bulldogs 28–12. Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards, 0:46. Third quarter GT – Jonathan Dwyer 60-yard run (Jonathan Dwyer run), 14:48. Bulldogs 28–20. Drive: 1 play, 60 yards, 0:12. GT – Roddy Jones 8-yard run (Josh Nesbitt run), 8:11. Tied 28–28. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:16. GT – Jonathan Dwyer 23-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 7:55. Yellow Jackets 35–28. Drive: 1 play, 23 yards, 0:06. GT – Scott Blair 28-yard field goal, 1:14. Yellow Jackets 38–28. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 4:19. Fourth quarter UGA – Knowshon Moreno 32-yard run (Blair Walsh kick), 10:23. Yellow Jackets 38–35. Drive: 4 plays, 41 yards, 1:16. GT – Roddy Jones 54-yard run (Scott Blair kick), 7:13. Yellow Jackets 45–35. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:10. UGA – A. J. Green 12-yard pass from Matthew Stafford (Blair Walsh kick), 4:04. Yellow Jackets 45–42. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:09. Statistics GTUGA First downs 15 22 Total yards 428 488 Rushing yards 409 81 Passing yards 19 421 Turnovers 1 2 Penalties–yards 5–35 7–64 Team Category Player StatisticsGeorgia Tech Passing Josh Nesbitt 1/6, 19 yards, INT Rushing Roddy Jones 13 rushes, 214 yards, 2 TD Receiving Demaryius Thomas 1 reception, 19 yardsGeorgia Passing Matthew Stafford 24/39, 407 yards, 5 TD, INT Rushing Knowshon Moreno 17 rushes, 94 yards, TD Receiving Mohamed Massaquoi 11 receptions, 180 yards, 3 TD On the strength of a third quarter offensive explosion, Georgia Tech bested Georgia in Athens 45–42. Tech was led by the rushing efforts of Roddy Jones and Jon Dwyer who were major contributors to Tech's 410 total rushing yards. Jones alone contributed 299 all-purpose yards in the effort. The win ended a seven-year losing streak to the Bulldogs and preserved Tech coach Bobby Dodd's series record eight-game winning streak that ran from 1949–1956. Vs. LSU (Chick-fil-A Bowl) 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl 2008 LSU Tigers football team Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ;text-align:center; autocollapse LSU Tigers vs. No. 14 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Chick-fil-A Bowl) – Game summary December 31, 2008 7:30 p.m. EST Tigers 7 28 3 0 No. 14 Yellow Jackets 3 0 0 0 Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia 71,423 None (played indoors) Jerry McGinn ESPN/ESPN Radio Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire, & Jack Arute/Dave Barnett, Dennis Franchione, & Dave Ryan Box score, Recap First quarter LSU – Charles Scott 2-yard run (Colt David kick), 11:58. Tigers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:02. GT – Scott Blair 24-yard field goal, 1:03. Tigers 7–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 7:05. Second quarter LSU – Charles Scott 4-yard run (Colt David kick), 12:08. Tigers 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 76 yards, 3:49. LSU – Charles Scott 1-yard run (Colt David kick), 8:27. Tigers 21–3. Drive: 6 plays, 19 yards, 2:53. LSU – Richard Dickson 25-yard pass from Jordan Jefferson (Colt David kick), 5:21. Tigers 28–3. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 1:23. LSU – Keiland Williams 17-yard run (Colt David kick), 1:27. Tigers 35–3. Drive: 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:45. Third quarter LSU – Colt David 53-yard field goal, 1:56. Tigers 38–3. Drive: 4 plays, -13 yards, 1:38. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Statistics LSUGT First downs 19 15 Total yards 324 314 Rushing yards 161 164 Passing yards 163 150 Turnovers 0 3 Time of possession 30:41 29:19 Team Category Player StatisticsLSU Passing Jordan Jefferson 16/25, 142 yards, TD Rushing Charles Scott 15 rushes, 65 yards, 3 TD Receiving Richard Dickson 4 receptions, 50 yards, TDGeorgia Tech Passing Joshua Nesbitt 8/24, 150 yards, INT Rushing Jonathan Dwyer 10 rushes, 67 yards Receiving Jonathan Dwyer 3 receptions, 66 yards A 28-point 2nd quarter by LSU was too much for the Jackets to overcome in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl rout. Tech gave up three turnovers and did not force any. Tech passed 24 times in the game and accumulated 150 yards of passing offense alongside 164 yards of rushing offense. Tech's offense was led by Jon Dwyer's 123 all purpose yards. Tech's defense was led by Morgan Burnett. Burnett had 14 total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Senior Michael Johnson added two sacks to Tech's effort. Postseason awards ACC Coach of the Year Coach Paul Johnson ACC Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back ACC Jim Tatum Awardhttp://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120408aaa.html Darryl Richard Honored With ACC's Jim Tatum Award December 4, 2008 December 4, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081206162855/http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120408aaa.html December 6, 2008 live Darryl Richard, DT AFCA Coaches' All-Americanhttp://www.afca.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9300&ATCLID=3627599 Texas Tech's Harrell Headlines 2008 AFCA Coaches' All-America Team December 4, 2008 December 4, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081205153321/http://www.afca.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9300&ATCLID=3627599 December 5, 2008 dead Michael Johnson, DE Rivals.com All-American (2nd Team)http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aab.html Morgan Burnett Named 2nd-Team All-American By Rivals.com December 10, 2008 December 10, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081218131606/http://ramblinwreck.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121008aab.html December 18, 2008 live Morgan Burnett, Safety All-ACC Team First Team Second Team Jonathan Dwyer, B-Back Andrew Gardner, OT Michael Johnson, DE Vance Walker, DT Morgan Burnett, S Cord Howard, OG Darryl Richard, DT References Georgia Tech Category:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football seasons Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football Category:2008 in Atlanta