Brent Key remains confident in defensive coaching staff despite Bowling Green loss

Bowling Green totaled nearly 450 yards in their win over Georgia Tech

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Oct 1, 2023 10:09 AM EDT

In this story:

Georgia Tech suffered one of its worst losses in program history yesterday when Bowling Green came to Atlanta as a three-touchdown underdog and outplayed Georgia Tech. It was not a fluky upset either, the Falcons looked like the better team on the field and that is not a good thing to say about Brent Key's team.

While not the only reason for the loss, Georgia Tech's defense had yet another poor showing yesterday. Bowling Green ran for 175 yards yesterday, and Falcons quarterback Connor Bazelak was 21-32 for 263 yards and one touchdown. Bowling Green was one of the worst teams in the country in terms of turning the ball over, but the Yellow Jackets could not do that yesterday as they did against Wake Forest.

Georgia Tech ranks 128th in the country in run defense, allowing 236 yards per game, and has trouble getting pressure on the quarterback and creating havoc. Defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker has been with the program since 2019 and was retained by Key after a somewhat strong finish to the 2022 season. The defense has struggled in every game and at every level this season.

After the game yesterday, Key spoke to the media and despite the poor performances on defense, he remains confident in his staff going forward:

"I have the same confidence in them that I do the rest of the staff. We will watch the tape, evaluate the tape, and meet with everyone tomorrow. There is no lack of confidence in the staff or people."

Georgia Tech's defense is going to face a major challenge this week against Miami. The Hurricanes have one of the best offensive lines in the ACC and one of the best running attacks. If this defense can't find answers, the rest of the season could quickly go downhill for Key and his program.

Georgia Tech vs. Miami will be at 8:00 p.m. next Saturday night on the ACC Network.

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