Georgia Tech lost a heartbreaking season opener to Tennessee, falling 42-41 in double-overtime. But the Yellow Jackets’ rushing attack made a bit of FBS history in the process.
535 yards rushing for Georgia Tech – that's the most ever in FBS history in a LOSS #TENNvsGT
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 5, 2017
Quarterback TaQuon Marshall led the way, rushing for 249 yards on 44 carries with five touchdowns. He added five completions for 120 yards through the air. Running back KirVonte Benson also topped 100 yards, rushing for 124 yards on 26 carries with a touchdown of his own. The effort was aided by (among others), Nathan Cottrell (six carries for 79 yards), as well as a 36-yard run from J.J. Green.
Still, it was not quite enough to win. The Volunteers secured a 42-41 win when they stopped what would have been a game-winning two-point conversion from Georgia Tech.
Even in defeat, the Yellow Jackets certainly know that they can depend on a solid running game, a staple of head coach Paul Johnson. Conversely, Tennessee’s run defense has a lot of work to do before it’s ready for the SEC slate.