Sept. 9, 2006
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NOTING GEORGIA TECH – (Georgia Tech vs. Samford, Sept. 9, 2006)
DJay Jones’ interception on Samford’s first possession was the first career interception for Jones. Tech’s last interception return for a touchdown was last season vs. Duke, by Darrell Robertson, 28 yards.
Jamal Lewis’ 97-yard interception return for a touchdown is the fourth-longest interception return in school history and the longest by a Yellow Jacket since Jeff Ford set the school record with a 102-yard return vs. Notre Dame in 1969.
The last time Georgia Tech returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game was 1966 vs. Tulane. Bill Eastman had a 100-yard return and Giles Smith added a 40-yard return for a score.
Calvin Johnson’s second-quarter touchdown catches were the 15th and 16th of his career, moving him into sole possession of third place on Tech’s career list. Only Kelly Campbell (24) and Kerry Watkins (22) have caught more TD passes in a Tech uniform.
Georgia Tech held Samford to 11 yards rushing on 15 attempts, marking the 26th time in 52 games under defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta that the Yellow Jackets have held their opponent to under 100 yards rushing. The 11 yards is the 4th best performance since Tenuta came to Tech in 2002.
Tech’s defense allowed just 11 yards rushing, the 10th best performance in school history.
Tech’s defense held Samford to 163 yards of total offense, the third best performance under Jon Tenuta. Tech held Maryland to 82 yards in 2004 and held Tulsa to 144 yards in the 2004 Humanitarian Bowl.
Tech held Samford to 22 yards on 18 plays in the second half and did not allow a first down. Tech accomplished the same feat last year against Connecticut when it held the Huskies without a first down in the second half.
Tech’s 38 points were the most since a 51-14 win over Syracuse in the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl.
Tech held Samford to six points, the fewest in 32 games when the Jackets defeated Maryland 7-3 on Oct. 23, 2003. The Jackets did not allow a TD for the 6th time under Tenuta.
Tailbacks Jamaal Evans and Tyler Evans and wide receivers Miles King and Jonathan Malone became the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth true freshmen to see action after four others played in the opener.
