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Georgia Tech coach Brent Key declined to name injured players or give individual game statuses before Mercer, saying details would come before conference play next week. He acknowledged players are banged up and emphasized replacement readiness; the absence of an injury list is not evidence that the roster is healthy.
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Key identified poor hand use and failure to disengage from blocks as Georgia Tech's central run-defense problems. He also cited missed edge-setting and support responsibilities that turned modest gains into explosives. Those remain correction priorities, and he expects Mercer could test schemes that worked for Colorado and Tennessee.
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Key credited Georgia Tech DT Vincent Carroll-Jackson with absorbing frequent double teams that help Tawfiq Thomas produce. That supplies useful context beyond the stat sheet: the staff values Carroll-Jackson's interior work, although Key still wants consistent execution from all 11 defenders.
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Key's priorities for young Georgia Tech QB Alberto Mendoza are ball security, taking available throws, setting the correct play and maintaining composure at the line. He wants Mendoza to trust teammates instead of forcing plays; no quarterback replacement or new offensive system was announced.
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For the noon Mercer kickoff, Key emphasized immediate readiness after Georgia Tech's 0-2 start rather than easing into the game. He is judging progress by sustained efficiency, explosive-play prevention and creation, red-zone touchdowns and execution around halftime; these are stated goals, not proof of a turnaround.