Georgia Tech’s performance Saturday night against Western Carolina had its merits.
Running back Dontae Smith ran for 102 yards with three touchdowns. Linebacker Charlie Thomas’ frenetic second half of play (after sitting out the first half because of a targeting penalty in the season opener against Clemson) earned him recognition from the Senior Bowl as its “Stock Up” player of the week. The defense’s pass-rush pressure generated four sacks, raising its season total to seven. That leads the ACC after the Yellow Jackets were tied for 12th in that category last season.
But, most likely, a repeat performance will not position the Jackets to give No. 20 Ole Miss a worthy challenge Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium (3:30 p.m., ABC). Tech’s performances in the first two weeks of the season have had encouraging elements but also have been littered with mistakes.
