bgorman@heraldsun.com; 419-6668
ATLANTA -- After North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates threw his second interception in the final minutes of Saturday's 24-7 loss to Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium, he walked back to the Tar Heels' sideline and threw his helmet at the bench.
Even though the game already was virtually decided, Yates let loose his obvious frustration after Georgia Tech shut down UNC's offense to hand the Tar Heels their first loss of the season. Yates finished the game 11-of-26 for 137 with one touchdown.
"It's embarrassing," said Yates, who is from Marietta, Ga. "That's all it is, embarrassing."
It's the ninth consecutive loss in its ACC opener for UNC, which also has not won in Atlanta since 1997. UNC (3-1, 0-1) never got in an offensive rhythm and had just 154 yards compared to Georgia Tech's 406. The Yellow Jackets effectively ran their triple-option offense to the tune of 317 rushing yards, with running back Jonathan Dwyer leading the way with 158 yards.
"We're definitely sad just because it's a loss," UNC senior offensive lineman Kyle Jolly said. "It's a tough loss just because they beat [us] so well."
The Yellow Jackets (3-1, 2-1) controlled the game from the start and took a 7-0 lead on their first possession. Roddy Jones' 13-yard touchdown run capped the 88-yard drive in which Georgia Tech used only running plays. The Tar Heels gave up more rushing yards on the opening drive than they had given up in each of the previous three games.
"I think we just came out a little flat in that first quarter," UNC linebacker Bruce Carter said. "As the game went on, we picked up a little bit. ... I just think we didn't really come out and match their intensity; I think that was the main thing."
The Tar Heels didn't record a first down until 9:58 to go second quarter, then they turned the ball over two plays later. While Yates was looking to his left, the ball was snapped and Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan recovered the fumble at UNC's 32.
The Tar Heels' defense held, however, and the Yellow Jackets settled for a field goal and a 10-0 lead.
UNC had a chance to get some points on the board on the ensuing possession after putting together its longest drive up to that point, but kicker Casey Barth missed a 32-yard field.
"You can't miss those," UNC coach Butch Davis said.
Even though the Yellow Jackets dominated offensively, missed field goals in the second and third quarters kept the score 10-0 and UNC in the game. But the Tar Heels' offense continued to struggle in the second half and their two possessions in the third quarter ended with a punt and an interception. Georgia Tech dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for 42:06 while the Tar Heels had the ball for just 17:54.
"It was a sound defeat," Davis said. "We didn't play well, and you have to give Georgia Tech a tremendous amount of credit. Time of possession was totally lopsided."
At the end of the third quarter, the Yellow Jackets converted Yates' first interception into a touchdown when quarterback Josh Nesbitt punched in 1-yard score for a 17-0 lead. Nesbitt finished the game 7-of-11 for 89 yards and ran for 97 yards.
UNC finally found the end zone on its next possession when Yates connected with Erik Highsmith for a 40-yard touchdown pass on third-and-1.
But Tar Heels' defense couldn't get a stop on the Yellow Jackets' final possession and Georgia Tech ate up the clock with a 76-yard drive that took 8:15. Nesbitt scored his second touchdown on a 10-yard run to ice the game for the Yellow Jackets and avenge a loss in Chapel Hill a year ago.
"Looking back at film from last year, they were just trying to embarrass us, so we just wanted to return the favor," Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan said.
The Tar Heels were held to 17 yards rushing by Georgia Tech and have been held to 55 yards on the ground in their two road games this season. It was also the most yardage the defense has given up this season and the most points.
"They executed their game plan," Jolly said. "They definitely outplayed us today."
NOTES -- Highsmith had his second straight 100-yard receiving game. ... Attendance was announced at 50,114.
