ATLANTA, Ga. - Duke entered Bobby Dodd Stadium Saturday needing a strong team effort against No. 17 Georgia Tech to win its first game of the season. But after the Yellow Jackets (9-2, 7-1 in the ACC) won 49-21, the only thing still intact for the Blue Devils (0-11, 0-7) is the nation's longest losing streak, which now sits at 19 games.
On the game's first play from scrimmage, defensive back John Talley picked off a pass from Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball and returned the interception to the Yellow Jacket 22-yard line. After a pass interference penalty set up a first down from the 13, it looked as if the Blue Devils would capitalize and score first against their opponent for only the third time this season.
Nonetheless, the same mistakes that have doomed Duke all season resurfaced quickly. On the ensuing possession, receiver Raphael Chestnut dropped a sure touchdown pass on third down, and kicker Joe Surgan missed a 27-yard field goal.
"We've got to find a way to make those plays," head coach Ted Roof said. "There's no excuse."
Georgia Tech responded with a six-play touchdown drive that spanned 80 yards-all of which were accumulated by running back Tashard Choice. Choice finished the game with 118 yards on 18 carries-all in the first half, as Yellow Jacket head coach Chan Gailey elected to rest his starters after halftime with his team leading, 28-7.
"We worked on their plays during the practice week," defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase said. "It's all on us-they executed, and we didn't."
Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson did all of his damage in the first half as well, catching five passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns. After beating Talley for a 46-yard catch late in the first quarter, Johnson soared between two Blue Devil defenders to bring in his first touchdown on the initial play of the second quarter.
"[Ball] threw some great balls where only one person could catch them," Roof said. "Calvin made a couple great plays."
With 4:52 remaining in the half, Johnson caught his second touchdown of the game, a 19-yarder in the back of the end zone on a fade from Ball. The play was set up after Thaddeus Lewis fumbled on his own 26-yard line on the first play after a Yellow Jacket punt.
"The second touchdown I felt like I was in good position," said Talley, who is now second all-time on the ACC's career interceptions list with 17. "He just went up more aggressive to the ball than I did."
Duke scored its first touchdown of the game on a 13-yard catch by fullback Tielor Robinson, who dove over the right pylon in the front of the end zone with 3:15 left in the half. The Blue Devils then started with the ball in the second half with an opportunity to close the 21-point halftime gap.
Duke punted after its first drive, however, and Georgia Tech responded with a touchdown to make the score 35-7. From then on, most of the Yellow Jacket starters did not see the field for the rest of the contest.
"Georgia Tech-you have to give them credit," Roof said. "They are a good football team. They were very sound in every phase of the ball game today."
While the Yellow Jackets were able to put up 49 points against the Blue Devil defense, Duke was plagued by turnovers and missed opportunities. The Blue Devils committed four turnovers and dropped key passes that could have set up scores.
"With ball security issues and turning the football over, you don't beat good football teams," Roof said.
Next week, Duke concludes its season at home against North Carolina, which picked up its first conference win Saturday, defeating N.C. State, 23-9. After a disappointing season and a losing streak that dates back to September 2005, Roof knows that his team must give its best effort against the Tar Heels.
"We've got one opportunity left, and we've got to devote everything we have," he said. "This is it, there are no more after this. Put all your chips on the table and let's go."
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