Just when an opponent thinks it figured out Paul Johnson‘s triple option scheme, Georgia Tech’s offense counters and attacks them in a different manner.
The No. 12 Yellow Jackets came out swinging against the No. 7 Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Bulldogs adjusted during the second quarter, but Georgia Tech threw a counter punch that allowed them to take a 21-20 lead into halftime of the 80th Capital One Orange Bowl.
After an early turnover, it didn’t take long for the Yellow Jackets to capitalize. Georgia Tech quickly drove the ball 36 yards with senior running back Synjyn Days opening the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run.
Georgia Tech really killing the 'you can stop the option with time to prepare' narrative on that first drive. See how it plays out
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) January 1, 2015
Before the first quarter ended, Johnson’s squad manufactured another scoring drive. This time, the Yellow Jacket stung the Bulldogs with a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Thomas to senior wide receiver Darren Waller.
You can have three decades to get ready for Paul Johnson's offense. If his players execute, it can't be stopped.
— Paul Myerberg (@PaulMyerberg) January 1, 2015
Mississippi State adjusted in the second quarter after falling behind 14-0. A pair of field goals and a five-yard touchdown run from quarterback Dak Prescott brought the Bulldogs within one point.
However, Johnson unleashed his option quarterback and allowed Thomas to start pushing the ball down the field. The sophomore was 3-for-3 on the Yellow Jackets’ final drive before the quarterback scampered 13 yards for Georgia Tech’s third touchdown.
Overall, Georgia Tech gained 259 total yards. Mississippi State would no not be outdone, though.
A Hail Mary pass as the first half clock expired allowed the Bulldogs to again pull within one point going into halftime.
Mississippi State Hail Mary TD. https://t.co/C4FPL5b5du
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) January 1, 2015
Punch. Counter punch.
Georgia Tech controlled the first half, yet Mississippi State wouldn’t go away. The Yellow Jackets will continue to adjust their offensive system on the fly. The Bulldogs will need to take advantage of their athleticism and overall talent to eventually overcome Georgia Tech’s superior scheme.
