By Carlos Pineda
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia Tech runs over Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl.

1. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-3) erased any perception of poor performances in previous bowl outings under Paul Johnson by powering their way to a 49-34 win over seventh-ranked Mississippi State (10-3) in the Orange Bowl Wednesday night. It is easily the program’s biggest bowl victory since the 1991 Citrus Bowl, in which Georgia Tech won the national title.

2. Justin Thomas had been phenomenal all season long, leading Georgia Tech to its ninth 10-win season in program history. On Wednesday night, he was unstoppable as he rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns x94 tying an Orange Bowl record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Named the game’s MVP, he had touchdown runs of 13, 32 and 15 yards. Thomas also managed to throw for 125 yards with a score. His 41-yard touchdown pass to Darren Waller gave the Jackets a 14-0 lead late in the first quarter.

3. The Yellow Jacket defense has been known to give up chunks of yards and points, but they kept the damage to a minimum against Mississippi State’s high scoring offense. Corner Chris Milton set the tone early, picking off quarterback Dak Prescott on the Bulldogs’ opening drive. That led to a Jacket touchdown on the ensuing drive. They forced Mississippi State to attempt two field goals on three second quarter red zone possessions. And despite giving up a Hail Mary touchdown on the last play of the first half, Georgia Tech shutout the Bulldogs in the third quarter, allowing the offense to pull away. Safety Jamal Golden provided the hit of the game when he forced a fumble on Prescott. His play gave the Yellow Jackets the ball that led to a score. Georgia Tech forced two turnovers and kept Prescott from taking over the game, although he did pass for 453 yards and three touchdowns.

4. Just when it seemed like the Bulldogs had gained the momentum, Georgia Tech countered with a quick-strike drive in the opening possession of the second half. The Yellow Jackets regained momentum in only two plays as Synjyn Days broke free for a 69-yard touchdown run, avoiding stepping out of bounds to give the Ramblin’ Wreck a 28-20 lead. Days had a game-high 171 rushing yards with three scores. He and Thomas became the second set of teammates in Orange Bowl history to rush for over 100 yards.

5. The Magnolia State took the college football season by storm this year. Both the Bulldogs and Rebels upset high ranking teams and climbed the polls, landing at No. 1 and No. 3 respectively. But Dec. 31 will go down as a dark day across Mississippi. Both Mississippi State and Ole Miss, who lost to TCU 42-3 in the Peach Bowl, were beaten soundly in their respect bowl game.