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The No. 25-ranked Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 42-41 on Monday night in a double OT thriller at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson decided to go for two at the end of the second overtime, but Tennessee defensive end Darrell Taylor stuffed Georgia Tech quarterback TaQuon Marshall to preserve a Tennessee win.
Marshall, making his first career start at quarterback for the Jackets, was outstanding for Georgia Tech. He rushed for 249 yards and five touchdowns, while also passing for 120 yards.
Quinten Dormady, also making his first career start under center, had his moments for Tennessee. The final numbers weren’t spectacular, but Dormady kept getting better as the game wore on, moving UT’s offense up and down the field. He had some big-time throws and also proved to be more mobile than advertised. Tennessee should be in good hands with Dormady this fall.
Overall, Dormady wen 20-37 for 221 yards and two scores.
John Kelly was outstanding for the Vols, rushing for 128 yards and four touchdowns.
Ultimately, two Georgia Tech fumbles proved costly as the Vols scored touchdowns off each of those turnovers. The second fumble, which came deep into the fourth quarter, was in the red zone and proved to be the dagger.
Tennessee returns home for a meeting with Indiana State next week before an all-important Week 3 tilt at rival Florida.
Tennessee coach Butch Jones had some head-scratching in-game decisions, but we’ve learned that is the norm. The biggest question for Jones: What’s up with the trash can?
When Tennessee is on defense, there is a trash can being held up on the sideline.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 5, 2017
Do with that what you will. pic.twitter.com/6nhPJ1rIKo