ATLANTA (Oct. 4) – Georgia Tech’s Joe Hamilton (Alvin, S.C.) was named Atlantic Coast Conference Offensive Back of the Week for the second time this season, and freshman defensive end Greg Gathers (LaPlace, La.) was honored as the conference’s Rookie of the Week.
Hamilton set a school record with 474 yards of total offense to lead the ninth-ranked Yellow Jackets to a 49-31 victory over previously unbeaten Maryland. He passed for 387 yards tying the career high he set against Florida State, and three touchdowns while completing 19 of 31 passes. He tossed touchdown passes of 80, 30, and 29 yards. He also rushed for 87 yards on 13 carries, including a 41-yard touchdown run.
Hamilton passed for 257 yards before the intermission, a Tech record for passing yards in a first half, and threw two touchdowns in the final 1:21 of the half.
Hamilton leads the nation in passing efficiency at 202.4 and ranks fourth in the total offense (329.5 yards per game). He has guided the Tech offense to an average of 43.5 points and 517.3 yards of offense, both of which lead the nation.
Hamilton improved his career pass efficiency rating to 144.18, the second-best mark in ACC history, trailing only former FSU quarterback Thad Busby (144.89). He now ranks fourth in ACC annals in career total offense (8,164), third in TDR (63) and 10th in passing yards (6,896).
One of two true freshmen to start for the Tech defense, Gathers had four tackles for loss against the Terrapins. The 6-1, 249-pounder was responsible for 13 yards in losses as he helped Tech hold the Terps to 89 yards rushing. He made six tackles in the game and also had one quarterback pressure.
