Jackets streak past Hurricanes, 27-21

ATLANTA — Georgia Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall ran for 92 yards and two touchdowns, and the Yellow Jackets scored 13 points off Miami’s three lost fumbles to beat the struggling Hurricanes 27-21 Saturday night in Atlantic Coast Conference action.

Tech’s top-ranked ground game gained 231 yards against Miami’s defense, which was second in the nation in total yards allowed entering the game. Marshall attempted just four passes and completed three for 73 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown to Brad Stewart in the third quarter.

The Jackets (6-4, 4-3) have won three straight games and five of six to become bowl eligible after failing to qualify two of the past three seasons.

A once-promising season for Miami (5-5, 2-4) continued a downward spiral with its fourth straight loss. It was Mark Richt’s first loss in 10 games as a head coach at Bobby Dodd Stadium, including his time with Tech rival Georgia.

Travis Homer’s 2-yard scoring run midway through the final quarter cut Tech’s lead to six points.

Miami’s proud defense gave up Marshall’s 22-yard pass to Jalen Camp on third-and-6. Marshall converted another third down on a keeper, allowing the Jackets to work more time off the clock.

Finally, after Miami called its final timeout with 2:53 remaining, Jerry Howard ran for 11 yards on a third-and-5 play that ended the Hurricanes’ comeback hopes.

Marshall had touchdown runs of 28 and 8 yards on Tech’s first two possessions. The second scoring run followed a lost fumble on a kickoff return by DeeJay Dallas. Ajani Kerr recovered for the Jackets at the Miami 23.

Miami’s second turnover again led to points for the Jackets. N’Kosi Perry’s fumbled snap was recovered by Charlie Thomas at the Miami 39, setting up Wesley Wells’ 38-yard field goal for a 17-7 lead.

The forced turnovers were the continuation of a trend for Tech’s defense.

Entering the night, the Jackets had forced 20, tied for the eighth-highest total in the nation.