Moultrie native Omar Daniels sparks Georgia Tech to seventh straight win

Field Level Media

DURHAM, N.C. — When Duke looked poised to strike first, Omar Daniels — a Moultrie native and Colquitt County High School graduate — turned the game on its head and etched his name into Georgia Tech football history.

Daniels’ 95-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first quarter proved to be the turning point of No. 12 Georgia Tech’s 27-18 victory over Duke on Saturday afternoon at Wallace Wade Stadium. The return was the longest fumble recovery in Georgia Tech history, giving the Yellow Jackets a lead they never surrendered.

Duke had driven 96 yards on its opening possession and reached the Georgia Tech 1-yard line before quarterback Darian Mensah fumbled on a botched handoff. Daniels scooped up the loose ball and sprinted nearly the full length of the field for the game’s first score, silencing the home crowd and electrifying the Tech sideline.

Georgia Tech’s defense made that play stand up all afternoon, holding Duke to just three points until the closing minutes. The Yellow Jackets (7-0, 4-0 ACC) remained unbeaten and achieved their first 7-0 start since 1966.

Quarterback Haynes King led the offense with 205 passing yards and 120 rushing yards, including a 28-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Malachi Hosley added a 10-yard touchdown run earlier in the quarter as Tech built a 20-10 advantage.

Duke (4-3, 3-1) relied on Mensah’s arm, as he completed 32 of 44 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns. The Blue Devils outgained the Jackets 238-110 in the first half but never led.

After Duke tied the game 10-10 on a 23-yard field goal early in the second half, Aidan Birr connected from 40 yards out to restore Tech’s lead. When Duke’s Todd Pelino missed a 46-yard attempt with 2:52 remaining, King’s touchdown run on the next possession put the game away.

Duke added a late score on a 19-yard pass to Sahmir Hagans, but by then the outcome was decided. the game.