Atlanta, Ga. — Georgia Tech flexed its offensive firepower on Saturday afternoon, cruising to a 59–12 win over Gardner-Webb at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets exploded for nearly 700 yards of total offense, shaking off another slow start and showcasing the poise of freshman quarterback Aaron Philo in his first career start.
With the win, Georgia Tech improves to 2–0 on the season and turns its attention to next weekend’s highly anticipated matchup against preseason ACC favorite Clemson. The Tigers haven’t lost to the Yellow Jackets since 2014, setting the stage for a pivotal early-season showdown in Atlanta.
Philo Shines in Debut
Despite some early miscues, freshman quarterback Aaron Philo quickly settled in and took control. He finished the day with over 250 passing yards and multiple touchdown passes, spreading the ball efficiently across Georgia Tech’s deep receiving corps.
Running back Malachi Hosley added a burst of energy to the offense, ripping off a 55-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that opened the floodgates. He added a second score later in the game, helping Georgia Tech pile on 31 unanswered points after falling behind early.
Head coach Brent Key praised his team’s composure and execution.
“We started a little slow, but the guys responded. We kept the tempo up, executed well, and made the big plays when we needed them,” Key said.
Gardner-Webb Opens Strong, But Can’t Keep Pace
Gardner-Webb (1–1) actually struck first in the game, capitalizing on a forced fumble by redshirt junior Darius Johnson Jr.. Quarterback Nate Hampton and running back Quasean Holmes orchestrated a short-field scoring drive, capped by a 1-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Lowe. However, a missed PAT left the score at 6–0.
That would be the high point for the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
Georgia Tech quickly answered with a 4-play, 53-yard drive finished by a touchdown pass from Philo to Isiah Cannon, and never looked back.
Backup QB Cole Pennington saw extended action for Gardner-Webb, completing 14 of 21 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Lowe led the Bulldogs in receiving with eight catches for 88 yards and a score, while Holmes chipped in 48 yards on the ground.
Despite flashes of offensive potential, Gardner-Webb was hampered by turnovers, stalled drives, and a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown by Georgia Tech — a backbreaking moment that pushed the Jackets’ lead to 42–6 late in the third quarter.
Pennington did connect with Caleb Borders for a 14-yard touchdown early in the fourth, trimming the deficit briefly, but Georgia Tech closed the game on a 17-0 run.
Game Stats at a Glance
Georgia Tech Total Offense: 698 yards
Gardner-Webb Total Offense: 326 yards
Aaron Philo (GT): Over 250 yards passing, 4 TDs
Malachi Hosley (GT): 2 rushing TDs, including a 55-yard score
Anthony Lowe (GWU): 8 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
Cole Pennington (GWU): 14/21, 164 yards, 1 TD
What’s Next:
Georgia Tech (2–0) prepares for a massive early-season test as Clemson comes to town on Saturday, Sept. 13. The Yellow Jackets will look to snap a decade-long losing streak against the Tigers.
Gardner-Webb (1–1) returns home to face The Citadel next Saturday in their 2025 home opener at Spangler Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
