The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Pittsburgh Panthers have a long-standing rivalry in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Both teams have had their fair share of victories and losses over the years, but the Yellow Jackets have managed to come out on top in several instances. Here are five ways Georgia Tech beats Pitt:
The two teams first met on the gridiron in 1918, and since then, they have played each other a total of 13 times. Georgia Tech leads the series 8-5, with one of their most notable victories coming in 2014. In that game, the Yellow Jackets defeated the Panthers 56-28, with quarterback Justin Thomas throwing for 282 yards and two touchdowns.
One of the main reasons Georgia Tech has been able to beat Pitt is their strong running game. The Yellow Jackets have a long history of producing talented running backs, and they have consistently been able to pound out yards on the ground against the Panthers. In their 2014 victory, for example, Georgia Tech rushed for 371 yards, with Thomas leading the way with 95 yards on the ground.
Another factor that has contributed to Georgia Tech's success against Pitt is their stingy defense. The Yellow Jackets have a reputation for being one of the toughest defenses in the ACC, and they have consistently been able to shut down the Panthers' offense. In their 2014 victory, for example, Georgia Tech held Pitt to just 305 total yards, including only 123 yards on the ground.
In addition to their strong running game and defense, Georgia Tech has also been able to beat Pitt with their special teams. The Yellow Jackets have a long history of producing talented kickers and punters, and they have consistently been able to flip field position against the Panthers. In their 2014 victory, for example, Georgia Tech's kicker, Harrison Butker, booted a 50-yard field goal to give the Yellow Jackets a 21-14 lead in the second quarter.
Finally, Georgia Tech has also been able to beat Pitt with their coaching. The Yellow Jackets have had some of the best coaches in the ACC over the years, including current head coach Geoff Collins. Collins has a reputation for being one of the most innovative coaches in the conference, and he has consistently been able to outmaneuver the Panthers on the sidelines.
Strong Running Game
Georgia Tech's strong running game has been a key factor in their success against Pitt. The Yellow Jackets have consistently been able to pound out yards on the ground against the Panthers, and they have produced some of the best running backs in the ACC over the years.
One of the most notable running backs in Georgia Tech history is Tony Hollings. Hollings played for the Yellow Jackets from 2000 to 2002, and he is still the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,518 yards. Hollings was a dominant force on the field, and he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to several victories over Pitt during his time at the school.
Another talented running back who played for Georgia Tech is Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer played for the Yellow Jackets from 2007 to 2009, and he is still the school's second-leading rusher with 3,226 yards. Dwyer was a powerful runner who could break tackles and make big plays on the field.
In recent years, Georgia Tech has continued to produce talented running backs. One of the most notable is KirVonte Benson, who played for the Yellow Jackets from 2016 to 2018. Benson was a versatile runner who could pound out yards on the ground and make big plays in the passing game.
Georgia Tech's Running Backs Against Pitt
Georgia Tech's running backs have consistently been able to make big plays against Pitt over the years. Here are some of their most notable performances:
- Tony Hollings: 124 yards rushing, 1 touchdown (2001)
- Jonathan Dwyer: 122 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns (2008)
- KirVonte Benson: 134 yards rushing, 1 touchdown (2017)
Stingy Defense
Georgia Tech's defense has been another key factor in their success against Pitt. The Yellow Jackets have consistently been able to shut down the Panthers' offense, and they have produced some of the best defensive players in the ACC over the years.
One of the most notable defensive players in Georgia Tech history is Joe Hamilton. Hamilton played for the Yellow Jackets from 1996 to 1999, and he is still the school's all-time leading tackler with 433 tackles. Hamilton was a dominant force on the field, and he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to several victories over Pitt during his time at the school.
Another talented defensive player who played for Georgia Tech is Pat Swilling. Swilling played for the Yellow Jackets from 1982 to 1985, and he is still the school's all-time leader in sacks with 23. Swilling was a powerful pass rusher who could get to the quarterback and make big plays on the field.
In recent years, Georgia Tech has continued to produce talented defensive players. One of the most notable is Michael Johnson, who played for the Yellow Jackets from 2005 to 2008. Johnson was a dominant force on the field, and he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to several victories over Pitt.
Georgia Tech's Defensive Players Against Pitt
Georgia Tech's defensive players have consistently been able to make big plays against Pitt over the years. Here are some of their most notable performances:
- Joe Hamilton: 14 tackles, 1 sack (1998)
- Pat Swilling: 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles (1984)
- Michael Johnson: 6 tackles, 2 sacks (2007)
Special Teams
Georgia Tech's special teams have also played a key role in their success against Pitt. The Yellow Jackets have consistently been able to flip field position against the Panthers, and they have produced some of the best kickers and punters in the ACC over the years.
One of the most notable kickers in Georgia Tech history is Harrison Butker. Butker played for the Yellow Jackets from 2013 to 2016, and he is still the school's all-time leading scorer with 315 points. Butker was a dominant force on the field, and he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to several victories over Pitt during his time at the school.
Another talented punter who played for Georgia Tech is Pressley Harvin. Harvin played for the Yellow Jackets from 2015 to 2018, and he is still the school's all-time leader in punting average with 44.8 yards per punt. Harvin was a versatile player who could pin the Panthers deep in their own territory.
Georgia Tech's Special Teams Against Pitt
Georgia Tech's special teams have consistently been able to make big plays against Pitt over the years. Here are some of their most notable performances:
- Harrison Butker: 50-yard field goal (2014)
- Pressley Harvin: 55-yard punt, 4 tackles (2017)
Coaching
Georgia Tech's coaching has also played a key role in their success against Pitt. The Yellow Jackets have had some of the best coaches in the ACC over the years, and they have consistently been able to outmaneuver the Panthers on the sidelines.
One of the most notable coaches in Georgia Tech history is Bobby Dodd. Dodd coached the Yellow Jackets from 1945 to 1966, and he is still the school's all-time winningest coach with 165 victories. Dodd was a dominant force on the sidelines, and he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to several victories over Pitt during his time at the school.
Another talented coach who coached Georgia Tech was Chan Gailey. Gailey coached the Yellow Jackets from 2002 to 2007, and he led the team to several victories over Pitt during his time at the school. Gailey was a versatile coach who could adapt to different situations on the field.
In recent years, Georgia Tech has continued to have talented coaches. One of the most notable is Geoff Collins, who coached the Yellow Jackets from 2019 to present. Collins is a highly respected coach who has consistently been able to outmaneuver the Panthers on the sidelines.
Georgia Tech's Coaches Against Pitt
Georgia Tech's coaches have consistently been able to make big plays against Pitt over the years. Here are some of their most notable performances:
- Bobby Dodd: 24-10 victory (1957)
- Chan Gailey: 41-24 victory (2002)
- Geoff Collins: 52-17 victory (2020)
Gallery of Georgia Tech vs. Pitt
Who is the all-time leading rusher in Georgia Tech history?
+Tony Hollings is the all-time leading rusher in Georgia Tech history with 3,518 yards.
Who is the all-time leading scorer in Georgia Tech history?
+Harrison Butker is the all-time leading scorer in Georgia Tech history with 315 points.
Who is the current head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets?
+Geoff Collins is the current head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how Georgia Tech beats Pitt. The Yellow Jackets have consistently been able to outmaneuver the Panthers on the field, and they have produced some of the best players and coaches in the ACC over the years. Whether it's their strong running game, stingy defense, or talented special teams, Georgia Tech has always found a way to come out on top against Pitt.