By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Used to downing kicks, Harvin dropped a dime. His fake punt pass changed the dynamic of the game entering the break and helped lead Georgia Tech to an upset victory.

Saturday’s 28-21 overtime victory over Miami marked an important milestone for Georgia Tech: the first ACC win of the Geoff Collins era. It was a gritty performance for the Yellow Jackets, a test of conviction during a trying start. There were standout performances all over the field for Georgia Tech, including those by some who aren’t always on it.

With the Yellow Jackets trailing by a touchdown and looking for momentum right before halftime, Collins made one of his play calls of the season. In need of a spark, he put the football in the hands of his best players; this time, however, Pressley Harvin didn’t punt. The standout specialist was, instead, the star of a trick play, showing off a different type of accuracy and power with a 41-yard touchdown pass that hit the speedy Nathan Cotrell in stride. Used to downing kicks, Harvin dropped a dime. His fake punt pass changed the dynamic of the game entering the break and helped lead Georgia Tech to an upset victory.

PUNTERS ARE PLAYERS TOO pic.twitter.com/AX4iN41tLa

x94 Southern Pigskin (@SouthernPigskin) October 19, 2019

Harvin has been one of the ACC’s best at his position for a few years. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, ranking second in the league with an average of 44.1 yards per kick. To date, Harvin has 127 punts for the Yellow Jackets. Furthermore, he has played a key role, flipping field position and pinning opponents deep, in a number of Georgia Tech’s wins. Harvin was invaluable in that regard in the Yellow Jackets’ victory over South Florida back in early September.

In another win for Georgia Tech, it was Harvin came through once again.

It’s been quite the busy season for Harvin. He entered the weekend ranked in the top ten nationally in punting yards per game with over 260. Additionally, he has now figured into the offensive box score in back-to-back weeks. Harvin caught one pass for two yards against Duke and has now added the aforementioned 41-yard touchdown pass in the win over Miami. The latter stands as Georgia Tech’s play of the year.

This season has and continues to be one of transition for the Yellow Jackets. As Georgia Tech moves forward from Paul Johnson’s flexbone offense, and also settles into a new defensive scheme, change has been the tone and tenor of this fall. Harvin, however, remaining effective in his job as punter, has largely done more of the same. At a pivotal point in a key ACC Coastal Division road tilt, he, too, showed off something new.

A timely-called and perfectly-ran fake punt pass was a signature moment on Saturday, both for Georgia Tech and Harvin alike.