The takeaway
Georgia Tech: The growing talent gap between the schools was on display for the second year in a row. The Yellow Jackets lost those games by a combined margin of 83-28, which is simply unacceptable for coach Paul Johnson and athletic director Todd Stansbury. “We missed a ton of tackles,” Johnson said. “We had a hard time blocking.”
Georgia: While the Bulldogs have held the upper hand in this rivalry for decades, it’s clear coach Kirby Smart has turned the series into a particularly one-sided affair. His recruiting edge has grown to mammoth proportions, which makes it hard to see how Georgia Tech will be able to turn things around in the immediate future.
Punt-free zone
Georgia punter Jake Camarda finally got back on the field in the fourth quarter — his first appearance in two weeks.
The Bulldogs went eight straight quarters without a punt going back to the third quarter of their 27-10 victory over Auburn.
They didn’t punt at all in last week’s 66-27 rout of UMass, and their first seven possessions Saturday resulted in six touchdowns and a field goal.
Finally, Georgia went threeand-out and Camarda came on to boot a 45-yard punt.
Consolation prize
It didn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, but Marshall was feeling good about a 28-yard touchdown pass to fellow senior Brad Stewart with 39 seconds remaining.
“It was a special moment for both of us,” Marshall said. “I know how hard he works, and especially being our last game here at Sanford Stadium, just being able to put the ball in the air and see him go up and make a big play, it’s super exciting for me. We had a little moment there on the sideline.”
Up next
Georgia Tech: A bowl game, likely either the Independence or the Military. “We’re going to want to finish on the right note,” Marshall said.
Georgia: A chance for redemption against the Crimson Tide, which has been on the radar since Alabama claimed the national title with a 26-23 overtime victory last January. The Bulldogs are still kicking themselves for squandering a pair of 13-point leads, and then giving up Tua Tagovailoa’s winning 41-yard touchdown pass on second-and-26.