Jeff Sims looks to lead Georgia Tech to another upset vs No. 14 Central Fla.
Associated Press
ATLANTA — Jeff Sims hardly looked like a freshman in his first college game.
Sure, there were a couple of early interceptions he’d like to have back, but no one was complaining after Sims rallied Georgia Tech to an upset at Florida State in the season opener.
Now, Sims is set to face an even stiffer challenge when the Yellow Jackets host No. 14 Central Florida on Saturday.
He’s quickly become a big man on campus, reveling in a wave of accolades after becoming the first true freshman quarterback in Georgia Tech history to lead the team to victory in a season opener.
Sims completed 23 of 34 passes for 277 yards — the most completions by a Yellow Jackets quarterback since 2005 — in a 16-13 victory over the Seminoles.
Don’t expect him to revel in the adulation. The day after the game, he was the first player to show up for meetings, according to coach Geoff Collins, and the first player to hit the practice field.
“My mom always taught me not to let anything get in my head,” Sims said. “After the game, she always told me to celebrate that night, but the next day you have to get back to work. That’s exactly what I did. I pushed off everything that happened (last) Saturday. Now I’m preparing for UCF. I want to be a leader on this team and do whatever I can to help this team win.”
Georgia Tech (1-0) will be facing a team that knows a lot about winning.
Over the last three years, UCF has won 35 of 39 games, becoming one of the best Group of Five programs in the country.
The Knights’ opener is their only game against a Power Five opponent during the regular season, and they’re eager to shine before a national television audience.