Football
SportsTicker 19y

After strong debut, Georgia Tech opens ACC slate

ATLANTA - Georgia Tech already gave fits to one
inexperienced quarterback and gets its hands on another in its
Atlantic Coast Conference opener.

Crashing the rankings at No. 17, the Yellow Jackets host North
Carolina on Saturday.

Last week, the Yellow Jackets opened the season with a win over
a ranked team for the first time since 1984 with a 23-14 victory
over Auburn. Coming off a perfect season, Auburn had any hopes
of a similar campaign quickly extinguished as Georgia Tech
picked off Brandon Cox four times and forced two fumbles.

Georgia Tech scored on its first two possessions, immediately
setting a tone. It will look to do the same against North
Carolina, which is coming off a 6-6 season that ended with a
loss to Boston College in the Continental Tire Bowl.

Coach John Bunting's squad does not have a quarterback that has
started a college game. Senior Matt Baker, who has played in 12
games, is likely to start against Tech's stout defense.

Ronnie McGill scored seven touchdowns in 2003 and five last year
and will team with Louisiana State transfer Barrington Edwards
to give North Carolina a power-speed tandem in the backfield.

The defense improved from a woeful 2003 campaign but still gave
up at least 34 points on six occasions last year. Marijuana
charges cost the unit standout tackles Isaiah Thomas and Terry
Hunter. The linebackers and secondary struggled last year but
return six starters.

Tech leads the series, 20-17-3, and had won six in a row before
Carolina's 34-13 victory last season. The Tar Heels have not
won in Atlanta since a 16-13 victory in 1997.

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