Nov. 14, 2016
THE FLATS – Junior defensive back Lawrence Austin and freshman offensive lineman Parker Braun were recognized for their efforts in Georgia Tech’s 30-20 win over No. 18 Virginia Tech by being named the ACC Defensive Back and Offensive Lineman of the Week, respectively, the ACC announced on Monday.
Austin, Georgia Tech’s starting nickel back, earned the honor on the strength of being directly responsible for three of the Yellow Jackets’ four takeaways in the triumph at Virginia Tech. He intercepted VT quarterback Jerod Evans twice (matching the number of interceptions that Evans had thrown all season entering the contest) and forced a fumble that was recovered by his twin brother, GT cornerback Lance Austin. Two of the three takeaways that Lawrence had a hand in led to Georgia Tech touchdowns.
Austin became the first Yellow Jacket with two interceptions in a game since Oct. 29, 2011, when Jemea Thomas accomplished the feat at Clemson. He led a defensive effort that saw Jackets limit the 18th-ranked Hokies to 14.9 points below their season average going in to the game. 182 of VT’s 437 yards and 13 of its 20 points came on its final two possessions, after Georgia Tech had jumped out to a 30-7 lead.
Braun, one of three true freshmen to start on Georgia Tech’s offensive line on Saturday, led the Yellow Jackets with 10 knockdowns in the victory. Behind the Braun-led line, Georgia Tech rushed for 309 yards and surrendered only one sack against a Virginia Tech defense that was allowing 125.8 rushing yards per game and averaging nearly two sacks per contest going into Saturday’s matchup.
Braun is the first Georgia Tech freshman to ever be named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week. The honors are the first of both Austin’s and Braun’s careers.
Austin, Braun and the Yellow Jackets (6-4, 3-4 ACC) return home on Saturday for their regular-season home finale versus Virginia (2-8, 1-5 ACC). Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. and the game will be televised live on the ACC Network.
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