Georgia Tech Runs Past Mississippi State in Orange Bowl

No. 12 Georgia Tech (11-3) racked up an Orange Bowl record 452 rushing yards to secure a 49-34 win over No. 7 Mississippi State (10-3) in the Capital One Orange Bowl Wednesday night. After a Hail Mary touchdown pulled the Bulldogs to within 21-20 at halftime, the Yellow Jackets responded by dominating the third quarter, rushing for 208 yards and scoring three unanswered touchdowns to put the game out of reach.

Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas was named player after the game after rushing for 121 yards and four total touchdowns (one passing). He was complemented by running back Synjyn Days, who racked up another 171 yards and three scores on the ground.

The game certainly didn't lack for excitement as the two schools combined for an Orange Bowl record 1,182 yards. Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 453 yards (another Orange Bowl record) and three touchdowns in the loss.

While the Bulldogs could do little to stop Georgia Tech's triple-option rushing attack, the loss really came down to their own mistakes and inability to capitalize on opportunities. Mississippi State turned the ball over twice, turned the ball over on downs twice in the second half and failed to recover two onside kicks.

Georgia Tech has now won two of its last three bowl games after previously losing seven straight.