Georgia Tech’s defense entered yesterday’s game against Florida State with many question marks, but performed excellently. After finishing as one of the worst defenses in the country last year, Georgia Tech was able to hold Florida State to under 300 total yards and their running attack to just 3.2 yards per carry. The Seminoles entered the game with one of the biggest and most experienced offensive lines in the country, but were unable to pull off the win against Georgia Tech as many had predicted.

The adjustments the defensive staff made after the first drive of the game cannot be underestimated. Florida State had an easy drive early in the game and was able to score quickly with its running game, but new defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci adjusted and Florida State couldn’t do much for the rest of the game. The Yellow Jackets sent all kinds of blitzes to embarrass Seminoles quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, and Georgia Tech’s tackling got better after the first drive. It was a great sight to see if you’re a Georgia Tech fan, and if the defense can continue to improve, you’ll want to be on the lookout.

How did Georgia Tech’s defensive players grade on PFF (Pro Football Focus)? Here are the grades for each defensive player with the number of snaps in parentheses.

1. LB EJ Lightsey – 72.9 (5)

2. DE Sylvain Yondjouen – 67.4 (28)

3. DE Josh Robinson – 67.3 (26)

4. DT Jordan van den Bert – 66.9 (21)

5. DT Makius Scott – 66.7 (37)

6. CB Ahmari Harvey – 65.6 (56)

7. DB Rodney Shelley – 64.7 (46)

8. CB Warren Burrell – 64.1 (40)

9. Linebacker Kyle Efford – 63.6 (56)

10. DT Jason Moore – 63.4 (7)

11. DB Clayton Powell-Lee-62.4 (60)

12. DT Thomas Gore – 61. 6 (14)

13. DB Omar Daniels – 61.0 (38)

14. DE Romello Size – 59.7 (39)

15. DE Kevin Harris – 57.7 (29)

16. LB Trenilyas Tatum – 56.4 (54)

17. DB Zachary Tobe – 55.6 (9)

18. DT Zeek Biggers – 55.2 (39)

19. DB Taye Seymore – 52.4 (21)

20. DB LaMiles Brooks – 52.3 (39)

21. LB Tah’j Butler – 52.1 (7)