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Georgia Tech Football: Three takeaways from Jackets close win over North Carolina State

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 21: James Graham #4 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is pressured by Larrell Murchison #92 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 21: James Graham #4 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets is pressured by Larrell Murchison #92 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium on November 21, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Georgia Tech earned it’s third win of the season on Thursday night in their ACC finale against North Carolina State. Despite getting out to an early 21-3 lead, the Jackets had to hold off a rally from the Wolfpack to hold on for a 28-26 victory.

Thursday night’s victory for the Yellow Jackets was probably a bit tougher than it had to be. The Yellow Jackets after going up 21-3, nearly blew their 18-point lead but ultimately were able to hold on for a victory, their third of the season. For the Jackets, it was a nice way to finish off what has been a tough ACC schedule for them.  With that being said, here are three quick takeaways from Thursday night’s victory.

1) James Graham was outstanding from start to finish

After his game against Virginia Tech last weekend, there were questions about Graham moving forward. On Thursday, Graham put together an outstanding effort against the Wolfpack. He wasn’t tremendous in all aspects but he did far well enough to ensure the Jackets would win the game. For starters, Graham got off to a hot start in the passing game early, he would struggle as the game went on but the most important thing here is he didn’t throw any interceptions. For the evening, he finished 7-of-15 for 129-yards and three touchdowns.

On the ground, Graham should off his versatility really for the first time. The redshirt freshman would have his best day on the ground, rushing for 112-yards on 14-carries while also picking up a rushing touchdown. Four total touchdowns isn’t a bad way for him to finish off ACC play here in 2019.

2) Offense put together potentially it’s most complete game of the season

The Jackets wasn’t perfect on Thursday night but it may have been their best game by far. The Jackets totaled nearly 400-yards of total offense and were strong both through the air and on the ground. To go along with James Graham’s great night, the Jackets saw a 140-yard performance out of running back Jordan Mason.

As a whole, the Jackets were efficient on third down, converting on 6-of-13 attempts and were 2-for-2 on fourth down as well. Their 6.2 yards per rush is among their highest averages this season and they were also very discipline in the game as well, something we haven’t seen a ton of this season.

3) Jordan Domineck continues to rise

Domineck entering this season was a player going a bit under the radar. After his performances of late, however, I’m not sure that will be the case going into next season. After a strong performance last week against Virginia Tech where he had five tackles including half a sack, he was once again one of the Jackets top performers against NC State. Against the Wolfpack, he had a career high 10 tackles including five solo tackles. The freshman now is up to 25 tackles on the season including 1.5 sacks.