Georgia Tech makes an early statement with a dominating first half against Virginia Tech

Going into their game at 13th-ranked Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon, the Virginia Tech football team needed to limit mistakes and take advantage of the chances they were given. Through the first 30 minutes, it went about as bad as it could have.

The Hokies trail the Yellow Jackets 21-7 at halftime. It's actually surprising the game is as close as it is, considering how the first quarter started. After receiving the opening kickoff, Georgia Tech marched down the field and capped off the opening drive with a Haynes King touchdown run. They went for a two-point conversion to make it 8-0 on a drive that included a personal foul penalty on the Hokies' defense.

On their next possession, the Yellow Jackets added a second touchdown on a pass to Malik Rutherford for a 15-0 lead. A Georgia Tech field goal made it 18-0 before Virginia Tech's offense finally got on the board late in the second quarter.

Virginia Tech started in plus territory late in the second quarter and needed only two yards before Kyron Drones found the end zone on a 32-yard run. John Love's extra point made it 18-7, but there was still 3:13 left for King and the Yellow Jackets' offense. They were able to drive down the field and had to settle for a field goal from 30 yards out by Aidan Birr.

Philip Montgomery was looking for disciplined football after last week's performance against Wake Forest, but in the first quarter alone, they racked up 42 yards in penalties. That, along with an offense that struggled early against Georgia Tech's defense, created a hole that is going to be very difficult to dive out of.