Georgia Tech vs UCF: Three Takeaways From Yellow Jackets win

Georgia Tech defeated UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl last night

For the first time since 2016, Georgia Tech has won a bowl game. 

The Yellow Jackets fell behind early in the Gasparilla Bowl vs UCF but made adjustments on defense and the ACC's best rushing attack completely took over the game. Running back Jamal Haynes had his best game of the season and earned the MVP of the game, while also eclipsing 1,000 yards for the season, the first time that a Yellow Jackets running back hit the 1,000-yard mark since 2017. 

It was a huge night for the program.  After four straight losing seasons, there is momentum for Georgia Tech after Brent Key's first season and you could look back at this game and season and see it as a possible turning point for the program under Key. 

So what are the big takeaways from last night's victory for Georgia Tech?

1. This program has some momentum going into the 2024 season

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King vs UCF / Nathaniel Caudell

Momentum has been building with this program for the past month or so and last night felt like an accumulation of those efforts. From making a bowl game, winning the bowl game, closing strong on signing day, and having a winning record, this program has made a lot of progress in such a short time under Key. Nearly every major contributor is coming back on offense next season and that is more reason for optimism. 

Now, Georgia Tech can't get complacent. They still have things to fix, but this is the first time in a long time that the Yellow Jackets can actually say there is optimism toward what the program is building. 

2. The Running Game Had A Dominant Second Half

Running Back Jamal Haynes vs UCF / Nathaniel Caudell

It was a slow start for the offense, but the running game found their groove in the second half and there was not really a need for the passing game to be dominant. King did find Malik Rutherford for a big touchdown, but it was the running game that did the work for the Yellow Jackets. 

Jamal Haynes ran a career-high 128 yards on just 18 carries (7.1 avg.). The 100-yard rushing game was Haynes’ fourth of the season and his career.  He finished the season with 1,059 rushing yards, good for the first 1,000-yard rushing season by a Yellow Jacket since QB Ta’Quon Marshall (1,146) and RB KirVonte Benson (1,053) both went over the 1,000-yard mark in 2017. His 1,059 rushing yards are the 15th-most in Georgia Tech single-season history.

It was not just Haynes though. Both King and senior Dontae Smith contributed well and Georgia Tech racked up close to 300 yards in the game. They had the No. 1 ranked rushing attack in the ACC this year for a reason and the good news is that they should again next year. 

3. It was good to see two seniors make huge plays in the fourth quarter

Georgia Tech is bringing almost everyone back from their team this season, but two players were making their final appearances as Yellow Jackets last night. Running back Dontae Smith and safety Jaylon King will not be back and they made sure to end their careers on a high note. 

On 4th and 1 at the start of the 4th quarter, Georgia Tech was facing a huge decision. Leading 20-17, Key opted to go for it instead of kicking the field goal and Smith took the ball into the end zone for his final touchdown in a Georgia Tech uniform. 

With Georgia Tech leading 30-17, UCF did drive down the field and got into scoring range, but King batted the ball away on fourth down and sealed the game for Georgia Tech. 

For two players that have been at Georgia Tech for so long, it was nice to see them make the winning plays to get this program a bowl win on their way out. 

Seems pretty fitting that Jaylon King breaks that pass up. Had a terrific final season at GT and is a great leader

— jackson caudell (@jacksoncaudell) December 23, 2023

Take a Look: Photos From Georgia Tech's Bowl Win vs UCF

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