Georgia Tech vs Boston College: First-Half Thoughts

It is now halftime here in Atlanta and Georgia Tech and Boston College are playing a tight game. The Eagles currently hold the lead over the Yellow Jackets 17-10 and there are a few reasons why. The pick six in the first quarter highlighted the struggles that Georgia Tech is having through the air right now and the Eagles have been the more explosive team on offense. Boston College has outgained Georgia Tech 218-197 and the Eagles will get the ball coming out of the half.

Here are my takeaways from this first half here in Atlanta.

1. The passing game can't get anything going

Currently, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King is 6-15 for 70 yards and a costly interception in the first quarter. I thought that King would have a chance to have a big day against the Boston College secondary that has been below average this season, especially against competent passing attacks. Georgia Tech only has a 3% explosive play rate right now and that is not going to get it done, especially since Boston College has found success hitting explosive plays. The Yellow Jackets offense has run the ball well in the first half, but they are likely going to need some more success through the air if they want to come back and win this game.

2. The defense has not done a good enough job of containing BC quarterback Thomas Castellanos

Through the first few drives, the Georgia Tech defense largely did its job and kept a good Boston College ground game under control, but over the last few drives of the first half, Castellanos was able to create plays with his legs and make the Yellow Jackets pay. He is up to 139 yards passing to go along with 41 yards on the ground. In the second half, Georgia Tech has to be able to prevent the explosive plays through the air and keep Castellanos in the pocket.

3. The running game has found life

Georgia Tech has not been able to run the ball effectively the past few games, but they had a good first half against the Eagle's defense. With the passing game struggling, Georgia Tech turned to its ground game and rushed for 127 yards in the first half and averaged over five yards per carry. Jamal Haynes led the way for Georgia Tech with 51 yards on nine carries and Haynes King had 46 yards, with Trey Cooley chipping in 30. It is a good start to the ground game and Georgia Tech should stick with it in the second half.

1. The passing game can't get anything going

2. The defense has not done a good enough job of containing BC quarterback Thomas Castellanos

3. The running game has found life

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