While Johnson’s paraphrase wasn’t quite accurate, he evidently found incredulous the notion that Smart considered it part of Tech’s package of plays. Not only had Tech not run the throwback play this season, but Thomas said that the Jackets haven’t run it since he joined the team in 2012.

Georgia did indeed defend the gadget element of the play well. Two Bulldogs defenders followed Thomas as he looped out of the backfield, inadvertently helping create the gap that Searcy penetrated after pulling the ball down.

At least until next November, the Jackets are enjoying the last laugh.