By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Georgia Tech thrives in primetime in a convincing win over North Carolina.

Georgia Tech’s defense and quarterback Jeff Sims shined in the spotlight Saturday night in a convincing 45-22 sprint past North Carolina in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

One week after holding Clemson to just 14 points, the Yellow Jackets absolutely overwhelmed nationally-ranked North Carolina. Georgia Tech compiled a remarkable eight sacks, 13 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries in breezing past the previously high-flying Tar Heels. Facing one of the top offenses in all of college football as North Carolina entered the weekend ranked sixth in the country in total production, the Yellow Jackets held the Tar Heels to 22 points and 184 yards less than their season averages; that is with much of their gains coming late in an already-decided game.

The eight sacks in a game are the most for Georgia Tech since 2007. The 13 tackles for loss are the most since 2008. North Carolina had only allowed 15 tackles for loss all season.

Linebackers Quez Jackson and Charlie Thomas led the way with ten tackles, 2 tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble and eight tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble, respectively. Edge Kyle Kennard added three tackles for loss. In all, seven different defenders recorded at least a half of a TFL for the Yellow Jackets. Coordinator Andrew Thacker and the defense attacked the line of scrimmage and won countless times.

Georgia Tech dominated North Carolina for the majority of the game as the Tar Heels did not have a drive of over 40 yards until late in the third quarter.

Quarterback Jeff Sims also starred with four total touchdowns in an incredibly-proficient performance. He completed 10-of-13 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown to Malachai Carter, also added 128 more yards and three more scores rushing. He put the exclamation point on one of the best games from the Yellow Jackets in years with a 50-yard touchdown run at the end of the fourth quarter.

With a win over Kennesaw State, a near-win at Clemson and a multi-score victory over North Carolina, Georgia Tech is playing with a new confidence and momentum.

Primetime proved to be a showcase for the Yellow Jackets. Great quarterback play and statement defensive effort were on clear display.