Georgia Tech took its final lead on Gavin Stewart’s 37-yard field goal to begin overtime and held on to defeat visiting Duke 23-20 on Saturday in Atlanta.
Jeff Sims threw two touchdown passes and Georgia Tech survived after Duke scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes of regulation to extend the game.
After an offensive pass interference penalty put Duke in a bind in overtime, the Blue Devils attempted to push the game to a second overtime. Charlie Ham’s 52-yard attempt was wide, ending the game.
Stewart kicked three field goals for Georgia Tech (3-3, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which improved to 2-0 under interim coach Brent Key.
Sims was 23-for-34 for 227 passing yards and added 95 rushing yards on 17 carries.
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard was 20-for-42 for 136 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Leonard’s 2-yard pass to tight end Nick Dalmolin with eight seconds left marked the only offensive touchdown for Duke (4-2, 1-1).
The Yellow Jackets had control for most of the game, but Duke hung around.
Sims connected with Nate McCollum for an 18-yard score for the game’s first touchdown. He hooked up with Leo Blackburn for a 37-yard scoring play early in the third quarter.
When Stewart kicked a 23-yarder with 10:42 remaining, Georgia Tech held a 20-6 edge. The Yellow Jackets regained possession, but were forced to punt and Sahmir Hagans’ 53-yard punt return gave the Blue Devils their first touchdown with 5:55 remaining.
Two minutes later, Duke began a possession at the Georgia Tech 49-yard-line after a Hagans’ punt return of 40 yards. The Blue Devils were halted on fourth-and-5.
Duke was continually stymied on offense. Trailing 17-3 in the third quarter, the Blue Devils advanced inside the Georgia Tech 10-yard line, but K.J. Wallace intercepted Leonard. It was only Leonard’s second interception this season.
Stewart’s 22-yard field goal gave Georgia Tech an early 3-0 lead.
Ham had field goals of 45 and 28 yards.
Duke rushing leader Jaylen Coleman was out because of a lower-body injury.
–Field Level Media
