Georgia Tech's offense sputters in 21-6 loss to Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech got everything it needed from its defense and special teams today, but the football offensive line let them down today in a loss to Virginia Tech.

Special teams had been a problem in every loss this season, but not today. Aidan Birr was 2-2 on field goals today and Zeek Biggers blocked a field goal. The defense kept Georgia Tech in the game, but the offense just wasn't enough. A third-quarter quarterback switch from Zach Pyron to Aaron Philo gave the offense some life, but not enough in a 21-6 loss to the Hokies, which dropped Georgia Tech to 5-4 this season entering the bye week let.

Georgia Tech was without starting quarterback Haynes King, running back Chad Alexander and linebacker Kyle Efford today. Getting these guys healthy and ready for the final three games of the season should be the Yellow Jackets' top priority. Two of the last three games for Georgia Tech come against No. 6 Miami and No. 2 Georgia.

Let's recap today's game.

Georgia Tech won the toss and postponed it. The Hokies would start with the ball today.

Georgia Tech's defense got off to a fantastic start. On the first play, Romello Height came off the edge, sacked Kyron Drones and forced a fumble. Virginia Tech recovered, but it was a loss of nine yards to the Hokies. Georgia Tech was able to force a three-pointer and get the ball to Zach Pyron and the Yellow Jackets offense.

It was a methodical drive for Georgia Tech on their first possession. Pyron found his tight ends on this drive and hit Josh Beetham and Jackson Hawes for two first downs, but the drive stalled in Virginia Tech territory. Brent Key made the decision to bring in Aidan Birr for a 34-yard field goal attempt. Special teams have been a thorn in Georgia Tech's side this year, but Birr got it done, capping a 12-play, 59-yard drive for GT and they led the game 3-0.

Virginia Tech got the ball and got two first downs, including one from Bhayshul Tuten on their second possession, but ultimately had to give it back to Georgia Tech.

After Georgia Tech got a first down, the second drive went backwards. Pyron was sacked and any momentum Georgia Tech had on offense was dead. David Shanahan had to punt the ball away and Virginia Tech got the ball back.

The game entered the second quarter and after struggling to move the ball on its first two possessions, Virginia Tech found its rhythm. Drones hit Jaylin Lane for a quick pass, Ayden Greene had a 14-yard rush and then Benji Gosnell caught for 31 yards and 20 yards, the latter being a touchdown. It was a four-play, 72-yard drive that lasted just 1:46 minutes.

Georgia Tech needed an answer from their offense and went out of bounds with a three-pointer. The good thing is that a good punt by David Shanahan, a penalty against Virginia Tech and some really good tackling forced the Hokies to score three points on their next possession and go out of bounds. Georgia Tech got the ball back quickly.

The Yellow Jakcets were able to convert their good field position into points and it was once again the special teams that prevailed. Georgia Tech gained 36 yards in nine plays, ending with Birr making a 50-yard field goal, his second field goal of the day. It was another drive that reached into the red zone and ended with a field goal. While it was nice to see Birr and the special teams score points, it wasn't good that Georgia Tech had to deal with not scoring touchdowns.

After getting the ball back from Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech extended the lead. Tuten eventually broke free and gained 41 yards on the first play of the drive. After reaching the goal line, they needed a trick to get the Hokies into the end zone. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane got the ball on a reverse and found quarterback Kyron Drones wide open in the end zone for a touchdown. It was a nine-play, 75-yard drive that lasted 3:51. There wasn't much time left in the first half, but Georgia Tech had a chance to score a touchdown before the end of the half.

The offensive ended in threes. They had a delay of game penalty to start the drive and couldn't find any yards. They had to throw the ball back to Virginia Tech.

With not much time left, the Yellow Jackets' defense was stopped and prevented the Hokies from extending the lead. Virginia Tech took a 14-6 lead.

The bad news for Georgia Tech was that running back Jamal Haynes left the first half with an injury but would be back in the second half. Since Georgia Tech was so weak at running back, this was a welcome sign.

The second half started with both teams going three out and unable to do anything offensively, and that was the theme. After hitting a three-pointer for the second straight time to start the half, Virginia Tech managed to get a first down, but then the Yellow Jackets were able to force another punt and get the ball back. However, it was almost a disaster for the Yellow Jackets. At first it appeared Rodney Shelley touched the ball and Virginia Tech got the ball back, but he was overturned and Georgia Tech got the ball.

However, they didn't do anything with it. It was another three-and-out for the offense, and Malik Rutherford dropped what looked like a first down. Virginia Tech got the ball back and had great field position.

But here too, Georgia Tech's defense and special teams prevailed. They didn't allow the Hokies to gain anything and sacked Drones on 3rd down to force a 55-yard field goal attempt. Zeek Biggers blocked it, giving Georgia Tech its best field position of the day.

After a huge momentum swing, Georgia Tech needed to make something happen on offense, but they couldn't. Pyron threw an interception after the Yellow Jackets got the ball back and Georgia Tech's offensive woes continued. It looked like it was time for a change on offense as Georgia Tech had yet to record a first down in the half and had a turnover.

The Hokies were able to press their advantage and used a flea blitz to get ahead of the field and the Da'Quan Felton put Virginia Tech on the point. The Drones kept the lead on the next play and extended their lead to 21-6.

Zach Pyron did not return on Georgia Tech's next possession. Brent Key decided to turn to true freshman Aaron Philo, who had previously only played in the stunning win over VMI. Philo gave Georgia Tech its first first down of the game when he hit Singleton on a 3rd-and-15 play, but they couldn't score more on the drive and had to punt.

However, Georgia Tech quickly got the ball back after holding Virginia Tech to a three-and-out, and Philo made one of the best throws of the day. After being pressured, he stepped into the pocket and found Eric Singleton Jr. for a 57-yard catch. This gave them excellent field position early in the fourth quarter.

The Yellow Jackets were down after the big catch in Virginia Tech territory, but quickly faced a fourth down decision. Key chose to do so and Haynes was stopped as he attempted to escape. Time was running out for Georgia Tech's offense.

They did get the ball back quickly after another three-and-out, but it was almost the same situation as the previous drive. After Malik Rutheford dropped another pass that would have resulted in a first down, Key decided to try again. Virginia Tech put pressure on Philo and he was unable to complete the pass and turned it over again on downs.

Georgia Tech's defense did its best to keep the game alive, forcing another three-pointer and a punt. With 8:46 minutes left in the game, Philo needed to be able to lead the offense and score quickly.

Georgia Tech was able to move the ball. Philo had a true freshman connection with wide receiver Isiah Canion, who made two big catches on the drive and landed them past midfield. However, the drive stalled and ended with four straight incompletions by Philo. With four minutes left, they gave the ball back to Virginia Tech and that felt like Georgia Tech's last chance.

The Yellow Jackets got the ball back after another Virginia Tech punt, but it ended in an interception that would seal the game. After that, Virginia Tech would kick out the ball and win the game. The loss moves Georgia Tech to 5-4 on the season, while the Hokies are 5-3.