#7 Georgia Tech 41, Syracuse 16 – For the first time without Steve Angeli, the Orange started a game strong. After forcing a fumble on the Yellow Jacket’s opening drive, SU quickly went down the field and settled for a short field goal, giving the Orange their first lead since the Clemson game. But Tech quickly responded, scoring 20 unanswered points to pull away from Syracuse. The Orange have now lost 4 straight games.
A Tale of Two Halves
Quarterback Rickie Collins found limited success in the first half, going 3/5 for 24 yards. But in the second half, the Ex-Tiger played perhaps his best football of the season. In SU’s first drive after half, Collins connected with Johntay Cook for 41 yards and found Darrell Gill over the middle for his 4th touchdown of the year. In the later period, Rickie Collins relied heavily on his legs, rushing for 41 yards on 14 carries. The Sophomore quarterback finished the afternoon with a season high 265 total yards and 1 touchdown. After being benched for Luke Carney just a week ago, Collins’ performance should considerably cool any talk of a quarterback change on the hill.
No Answers on Defense
Syracuse’s defense came into Bobby Dodd Stadium with newfound momentum after a dominant performance in last week’s matchup with Pitt. The Orange surrendered a season low 255 yards and recorded a season high 7 sacks. But SU’s defense stood no chance versus a high powered Yellow Jackets offense today. In the loss, Cuse’ surrendered 41 points on a season high 541 yards. Tech quarterback Haynes King had a day to remember, totaling almost 400 yards and 5 total touchdowns. After the defeat, SU ranks bottom-3 in the ACC in yards (421) and points (30) given up per game.
Where is the Run Game?
After a couple rough performances for tailback Yasin Willis, he was due for a bounce back game against a shaky Georgia Tech rushing defense. But after grabbing 41 yards on the first play from scrimmage for the Orange, Willis rushed for just 25 yards on his other 9 carries. Despite quarterback Rickie Collins’ struggling coming into today, Jeff Nixon chose to go away from the run and rely on his quarterback. Willis has been held without a touchdown for almost 2 months.
Syracuse will look to rebound against North Carolina on Friday night.
