The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Running game leaves Cavs in the dust
Lead at half largest against conference foe since 2000.
When Georgia Tech erupts for big plays and Bobby Dodd Stadium is roaring, it can feel as if the Yellow Jackets might never stop scoring.
Virginia became the latest Tech foe to find out what that’s like Saturday. It didn’t take long: Tevin Washington passed to Zach Laskey for a 70yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to start the Jackets on the way to a 56-20 rout.
“I think it more shocked them than anything,” Tech A-back Orwin Smith said.
Laskey’s touchdown was one of three plays of 60 yards or more in the first quarter for Tech. Smith ran 77 yards for a score and Washington’s 60-yard run set up Tech’s third touchdown of the period.
The Cavaliers never recovered.
“This type of offense is an assignment-oriented offense, [and] when you don’t execute to the fullest extent, you can get hurt like that,” Virginia coach Mike London said.
The Jackets had plenty of big plays in their previous game, but that was against Presbyterian, an FCS opponent. This time they did it against an ACC opponent that beat them last season and that was picked to finish in the middle of the pack in the Coastal Division.
In Tech’s season-opening defeat at Virginia Tech, the Jackets had just three plays of 15 yards or more, with a long of 22. The Jackets had seven plays of at least 15 yards in the first half against Virginia and finished with nine.
Laskey’s touchdown was reminiscent of 2011, when Tech scored on the first play in each of its first three games.
Laskey ran out of the backfield and started to run a shallow route to the left. When Virginia linebacker Henry Coley reacted, Laskey suddenly turned upfield to haul in Washington’s pass.
Washington said the Jackets worked on the play during practice, anticipating the matchup.
“I don’t think [Col- ey] was expecting Zach to go down the sideline like that, so it was a good call,” Washington said.
Smith scored on Tech’s second play of its next drive. He took a pitch from Washington, broke free after a cut block by Robert Godhigh and fol- lowed wide receiver Jeff Greene’s sideline block to the end zone.
Washington’s 60-yard run was set up when he faked a pitch and zipped through the middle of Virginia’s defense. Washington faked out Cavaliers safety Anthony Har- ris after about 10 yards and broke free for the big gain.
The Jackets led 35-7 at halftime. It was the most points scored they scored in a half against a conference foe since they had 35 against Wake Forest in 2000. “I came in motion, and as soon as I caught the pitch I saw Robbie Godhigh with a tremendous block. I sawJeff [Greene] on the cornerback [blocking] and all I could think about was, ‘Jeff, don’t turn around.’ Because sometimes when the receivers hear the fans they slow down and look back. He said all he knew was I was behind him running. He made a great play to shield off the corner.” Tech A-back Orwin Smith on his 77-yard touchdown run (above)