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Georgia Tech endured another forgettable night at Bobby Dodd Stadium, as Louisville dominated from start to finish in a 44-17 victory. The game was never competitive, with the Cardinals jumping out to a 27-10 halftime lead—a margin that was only that close because of a late Georgia Tech touchdown.
Louisville was not flawless in the second half, but the Yellow Jackets never posed a serious threat. With the loss, Georgia Tech falls to 2-7 and is officially eliminated from bowl contention.
Winner: Georgia Tech's second-half effort
Finding positives for Georgia Tech in this game required a deep search, but the team deserves some credit for continuing to battle after a dismal first half. Although Louisville outscored the Yellow Jackets 17-7 in the second half, Georgia Tech actually outgained the Cardinals and began to find some success on the ground. The final margin was still 27 points, but the second-half fight was a matter of pride.
Loser: Georgia Tech's quarterback situation
Georgia Tech did not announce a starting quarterback before the game, choosing between Alberto Mendoza and Grady Adamson. Mendoza had struggled coming into the game, while Adamson had come off the bench to lead a scoring drive against Pittsburgh the previous week. Head coach Brent Key declined to name a starter before kickoff, and once the game began, the Yellow Jackets played both quarterbacks.
Neither quarterback performed well, and the inability to establish a rhythm may have been a factor. Mendoza finished 13-for-25 for 148 yards and one touchdown, while Adamson went 12-for-19 for 93 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Adamson was unable to provide much of a spark with his legs, unlike the previous week against Pittsburgh. Key declined to discuss the quarterback situation after the game, leaving uncertainty about whether the two-quarterback system will continue over the final three weeks, starting next week against Clemson.
Loser: Georgia Tech's bowl hopes
While a bowl game was already a long shot, Georgia Tech is now officially eliminated from postseason contention for the first time under Brent Key. The floor for the program under Key had been reaching a bowl game, but that standard has now been lowered. With Clemson, Wake Forest, and Georgia still on the schedule, a 2-10 season is a real possibility.
Loser: Georgia Tech's offense
It is no secret that Georgia Tech's offense has struggled this season, but facing one of the ACC's worst defenses—including the nation's No. 131 passing defense—there was hope the Yellow Jackets could find a groove and compete in a shootout. That did not happen. Georgia Tech managed 350 total yards and 17 points, averaging 4.5 yards per play, 3.4 yards per rush, and 9.6 yards per completion. Louisville sacked Georgia Tech quarterbacks four times and recorded seven tackles for loss. It was a poor day at the office for the offense, even against a vulnerable Louisville defense. Not surprising, but noteworthy.