ATLANTA, Ga. – In its last road non-conference game of 2024, VMI Football had a tough outing against Power-Five Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon at Bobby Dodd Stadium.  

The Keydets fell to a talented Yellow Jackets squad, that was ranked #23 in the AP Poll a week ago, 59-7. VMI falls to 0-3 to begin the year while Georgia Tech moves to 3-1, 1-1 ACC.

Key Stats
- Georgia Tech rumbled for eight touchdowns and 572 yards compared to VMI's one touchdown and 104 yards.
- Yellow Jackets split between four rushing and four throwing touchdowns.
- Chandler Wilson led the passing game for the Keydets with 51 yards.
- In the backfield, JoJo Crump stepped up, rushing for a team-high 16 yards
- Brady Hammonds came off the bench in the second half and threw for 41 yards with a touchdown.
- Owen Sweeney caught the longest pass of the day for 34 yards.
- Ethen Horne tallied a receiving touchdown.
- On the defensive end, Shamus Jones and Camden Clinton each recorded six tackles.
- Kouri Crump had four tackles with one forced fumble.
- Isaiah Grevious, Dorien Starnes, and Noel Innocent had one tackle for a loss apiece, totaling in negative 12 yards for Georgia Tech.

Post-Game Thoughts with Coach Rocco
Comments on the game: "When the game started, it looked like we had pretty good energy and defended them pretty well early," says VMI Head Coach Danny Rocco. "As the game went on, they started to exploit us a little bit offensively with some down-the-field shots and throws and they showed their ability to be explosive."
 
New Faces: "We got to play a lot of guys," continues Rocco. "We got some guys some looks. We had a couple of our young receivers come up and make some plays. I felt like we had a handful of guys that can walk off the field today feeling good about how they played, feeling good about getting those kinds of reps, and having that kind of a role in a game against this kind of opponent. A lot of guys showed that they are capable and more ready to step up in these kinds of moments as we get into our game next week and into conference play."

Scoring Summary
In the first half, VMI was able to get an early stop on defense, forcing a three-and-out on Georgia Tech. Despite the early momentum, the Keydets witnessed the Yellow Jackets fly to the endzone four times including a field goal to go up 31-0 at halftime.
 
After the break, Georgia Tech put up a pair of touchdowns, one by air and the other by ground to go up 52-0 to start the fourth quarter. However, the Keydets did not quit, as Hammonds connected with Horne on a two-yard passing touchdown to get VMI on the board, 52-7. The Yellow Jackets pushed the score, 59-7, to claim the victory on their home field.
 
Next Up
The Keydets will welcome Norfolk State to Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium next Saturday, September 21. Next week's matchup with be the third all-time between the Spartans and Keydets. The VMI-NSU game will also be Youth/RARO Day. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m.
 
For more information, visit VMIKeydets.com or follow us on social media at VMI Athletics.