Georgia Tech vs. Wake Forest: Three Biggest Takeaways

What are the main takeaways from Georgia Tech vs. Wake Forest?

It was not the prettiest win for Brent Key and Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets went on the road and found a way to win. The defense had a phenomenal performance and it was much needed. The offense was not bad, but it seemed out of sync for much of the game and was unable to put the ball in the end zone in favorable field position situations. 

Now, the Yellow Jackets are 2-2 heading into their home game against Bowling Green. This team continues to improve week-to-week, but there is still plenty to work on. 

So what are the biggest takeaways from this week's win over Wake Forest?

1. The defense needed a big performance and they delivered

Georgia Tech's defense ranked near the bottom of the country in run defense, sacks, and tackles for loss. The Yellow Jackets had to have a big game in the worst way tonight and every time they were needed, they were able to answer. 

Georgia Tech tallied eight sacks against the Demon Deacons and they forced five turnovers. Kyle Kennard led the way with four sacks and Jaylon King had two interceptions. Kenan Johnson had the game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter and overall, it was just a very good night for the Yellow Jackets on that side of the ball. 

The question now is going to be if this was just one game or something to build off of. Wake is not a bad team by any stretch, but they are not as good as some teams that Georgia Tech will have to face. There are plenty of questions still to answer, but Saturday was a step in the right direction. 

2. The offense needs to be better in the red zone

Georgia Tech is now 2-0 after beating Wake Forest on Saturday / Nathaniel Caudell

Georgia Tech has had one of the best offenses in the ACC this season, but they hit a bit of a roadblock on Saturday. 

That is not to say they were terrible, but the red zone offense left too many points on the board. Wake Forest gifted Georgia Tech good field position after a muffed punt and one bad punt, but they were unable to do anything with it. 

Because of how well the defense played and Aidan Birr going 3-3 on field goals, the offense had some margin for error. On some nights though, they have to find a way to put the ball in the end zone and not give the other team any hope. 

3. A bowl game is still very much in play

While it was only the fourth game of the season, Georgia Tech came into this game against Wake Forest with it being a bit of a must-win game. If they lost, the Yellow Jackets would have fallen to 1-3 and with games against Miami, North Carolina, Georgia, and Clemson left, it would have made a bowl game very unlikely. 

Now, that is not to say that this win guarantees a bowl game, but there is a very clear path on how the Yellow Jackets get there. They should be 3-2 after a win over Bowling Green next week and still have games against Boston College, Virginia, and Syracuse. Those are all three winnable games and two of them are at home. A bowl game would be huge for Brent Key and his team in his first season and with a win over the Demon Deacons, they are trending in that direction. 

Follow us on social media for the latest news on Georgia Tech Athletics!

Follow us on social media for the latest news on Georgia Tech Athletics!

Facebook: All Yellow Jackets

Twitter: @AllYellowJacket

Follow us on social media for the latest news on Georgia Tech Athletics!

Facebook: AllYellow Jackets

Twitter: @AllYellowJacket

Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell

Follow Madison on Twitter: @Madison_Meyers7

Follow Matthew on Twitter: @kistner__

See all of the latest Tech News at AllYellowJackets.com

Check out the Georgia Tech Homepage

Check out all Georgia Tech Photos

Listen to the All Yellow Jackets Podcast for the best Georgia Tech coverage!

More Georgia Tech Related Content:

Watch: Press Conference with Zeek Biggers, Kenan Johnson, and Myles Sims after win over Wake Forest

Watch: Haynes King Post-Game interview after win over Wake Forest

Watch: Press Conference with Brent Key after victory over Wake Forest

Defense leads the way for Georgia Tech in 30-16 win over Wake Forest

Georgia Tech vs. Wake Forest: ESPN's FPI favors the Demon Deacons in matchup

Georgia Tech vs. Wake Forest: Three Things to watch

Report: Wake Forest will be without a key defender vs Georgia Tech

Get up, it's gameday Georgia Tech! Yellow Jackets face crucial test vs Wake Forest

Georgia Tech reveals captains for game vs. Wake Forest

Georgia Tech vs. Wake Forest: Official Matchup Breakdown and Prediction