Vanderbilt: 3
Georgia Tech: 45

In the 2002 season opener, Georgia Tech would play host to the one-time SEC rival Vanderbilt Commodores. The teams last met in the 1967 season opener when the Jackets defeated the Commodores 17-10 en route to a 4-6 season in Bud Carson’s first year as head coach. The victory gave Tech its eighth win in nine tries and a 16-15-3 lead in the all-time series. Vanderbilt’s last victory over the Jackets came as the result of a 14-7 decision in 1941.

Tech drove to Vanderbilt’s 33 yard line to open the game, but Luke Manget’s 51 yard field goal attempt came up short after the drive stalled. Much of the opening period then passed with little action before the Jackets mounted a drive deep into Vanderbilt territory, advancing to the Commodore 2 as the quarter came to a close. A.J. Suggs then found Will Glover on the first play of the second quarter to give Tech a 7-0 lead.

The Jackets regained possession shortly thereafter at the Tech 40 and embarked on a 6 play, 60 yard drive to extend the lead to 14-0. Suggs completed consecutive passes of 7 and 25 yards to open the drive before Tony Hollings gained the remaining 28 on four consecutive runs for the score.

Tech began its next drive midway through the second quarter at the Vanderbilt 47 following a punt. Hollings picked up 4 on first down, and a second down pass interference call placed the Jackets at the Commodore 37 yard line. Suggs then went deep to Kerry Watkins for a 37 yard touchdown pass at the 6:48 mark put Tech ahead 21-0.

Luke Manget extended the Yellow Jacket lead to 24-0 four and a half minutes later with a 37 yard field goal, and Suggs hit Glover for a 4 yard touchdown at the one minute mark to give the Jackets a 31-0 lead at intermission. The Suggs to Glover touchdown was setup by a Jay Cutler interception at the Vanderbilt 34 yard line.

The Ramblin’ Wreck added two third quarter touchdowns to increase the lead to 45-0. Hollings accounted for the first score with a 56 yard scamper to make it 38-0, and reserve quarterback Damarius Bilbo added a five yard touchdown for Tech’s final score of the afternoon.

Vanderbilt eventually mounted a drive into Tech territory, but stalled at the 20 and was forced to settle for a 37 yard Greg Johnson field goal to reach the 45-3 final.

The Commodores would go on to win just two games all season to finish the year at 2-10, overall.

Statistics:

First downs:
VAN – 9
GT – 21

Rushing yards:
VAN – 109
GT – 279

Passing (Comp-Att-Yds):
VAN – 13-28-116
GT – 15-24-182

Interceptions thrown:
VAN – 2
GT – 0

Fumbles (Total-Lost):
VAN – 0-0
GT – 4-0

Penalties (Total-Yds):
VAN – 5-25
GT – 11-75

References:
Game Summary: http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/083102aaa.html