By Kevin Thomas
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia Tech made the key plays down the stretch to pull out a crucial victory over divisional rival Virginia Tech.

1. As Paul Johnson said postgame, Justin Thomas is simply a gamer. For the second week in a row, Thomas engineered the game-winning drive for the Yellow Jackets. While the numbers might not always be pretty (7/18, 125yds), the sophomore quarterback makes plays when the Jackets need them. Saturday afternoon, Thomas converted a fourth-and-long to extend the eventual game-tying drive. Thomas appears to be the best fit Paul Johnson has had at Georgia Tech for his offense. Thomas simply can make plays that previous signal callers Tevin Washington and Vad Lee could not.

2. Georgia Tech’s defense will definitely not be confused with a dominant defense, but much like their quarterback, this unit just seems to make plays at opportune times. The Yellow Jackets forced three Hokie interceptions, including one in the 4th quarter to set up the game-winning drive. It was the second week in a row the Yellow Jacket defense forced a key turnover late in the 4th quarter. They have forced seven turnovers in the last three games. If they can continue to be opportunistic, they can make up for some of their shortcomings.

3. The Hokies are still looking for consistency at the quarterback spot. Michael Brewer had a career day throwing the ball (28/39, 297), but three inexcusable interceptions derailed the Virginia Tech offense. Much like Logan Thomas before him, for every two steps forward, you take a step backwards as well. He has thrown seven interceptions in his last three games. Decision-making will need to improve for Brewer with games against Miami, Pitt, and Duke still left on the schedule.

4. What has happened to Beamer Ball? The Hokies simply made no big plays on special teams, which have long been a staple of the Frank Beamer era. On Saturday, the Hokies had a FG blocked in the 3rd quarter which would have given them a two-possession lead. If the Hokies are going to help out their beleaguered offense, Beamer Ball needs to find its resurgence.

5. Is Georgia Tech in the middle of proving some of its critics wrong this season? For the second week in a row, the Yellow Jackets have come from behind to win. They have won throwing the football in the fourth quarter. Paul Johnsons’ squad even converted a 4th-and-15 to extend a game-winning drive. All those areas were said to be detriments to the Yellow Jackets winning big games. After Saturday’s win, the Yellow Jackets are as much of a contender as anyone right now in the ACC Coastal and have placed some buffer between them and nemesis Virginia Tech.