Clemson Drops Road Game in Atlanta

Sept. 29, 2007

Postgame Notes | GALLERY (courtesy of Zach Hanby and Vern Verna)

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Tech stifled the dynamic running duo of James “Thunder” Davis and C.J. “Lightning” Spiller en route to upsetting the 13th-ranked Tigers 13-3 Saturday.

The Yellow Jackets (3-2, 1-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) snapped a two-game losing streak and avoided their first 0-3 start in league play since 1994.

The Tigers (4-1, 2-1) missed four field goals, had a punt blocked to set up the only touchdown and fumbled on a kickoff return, setting up a field goal that gave Georgia Tech a 10-point lead with 11 1/2 minutes remaining.

For good measure, Clemson had a touchdown called back because of a silly personal foul penalty, and gave Georgia Tech a do-over at the end zone with a pass interference penalty.

Tashard Choice, who had been bothered by a sore hamstring in both Georgia Tech losses, got back on track with 145 yards rushing. He scored from the 2 in the first quarter, which turned out to be all the points the Yellow Jackets would need.

It was a stunning turnaround from last year’s game between the I-85 rivals, won by Clemson in a 31-7 rout. Davis rushed a career-best 216 yards and scored two touchdowns. Spiller ran for 116 yards, including a 50-yard TD, and also caught a 50-yard scoring pass.