Plenty going on around the Flats on Thursday, September 17. The football team is looking for its first win of the year, several olympic sport programs are back in action this weekend, and the message boards are as busy as ever. Let’s dig in.
Football: Mercer Week
From The Rumble Seat’s Things I Think I Know – Mercer takes an honest look at where this team stands after the 45-24 loss to Tennessee. The headline concerns: an offensive line that has already allowed seven sacks of quarterback Alberto Mendoza through two games (the group gave up just nine all of last season) and a run game sitting at 186 yards on the year after 543 through two games in 2025. The run defense, ranked 134th nationally at 241 yards allowed per game, gets a real test from a Mercer offense averaging 438 total and 219 rushing yards per game behind quarterback Jaylen King and SoCon Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Brayden Smith.
There were bright spots, though. Justice Haynes rushed for 81 yards and added 36 receiving with two touchdowns, tight end Kevin Roche posted six catches for 66 yards, and safety Tae Harris graded out as the top safety in the country for the week. Special teams and discipline both improved as well, with a blocked punt returned for a score, all field goals made, and penalties down from nine against Colorado to five against Tennessee. And in the news that matters most, Jaylen Mbakwe was released from Grady Hospital the day after his scary collision with Jordan Walker, with no major injuries reported.
At 0-2 for the first time since 1989, this is the week to rebuild some confidence before conference play. Mercer is 2-1 and not to be overlooked.
Golf Returns at Olympia Fields
The Jackets are back on the course this weekend. Golf Returns to Action at Olympia Fields previews the three-day tournament running September 18-20 at Olympia Fields Country Club, one of the more storied venues in college and championship golf.
Cross Country Heads to the Southern Showcase
Per Tech Set for Southern Showcase, the women’s cross country team is set to race at a top regional course as the fall season builds toward the ACC meet.
Softball Sets Its Fall Slate
Softball has released its fall schedule in Softball Unveils 2026 Fall Ball Schedule. Fall ball is the best early look you will get at the newcomers before the spring, so it is worth circling a date or two.
Around the Boards
The GTSwarm forums had a busy day. A sampling of what fans are talking about:
- UNC Under Investigation by College Sports Commission
- 2026 ACC News Thread
- CFB Roster Budgets
- Moving Forward – Looking Ahead to 2027
- Recruits
- GT Hoops General Topics
- 1st GT Under Armour items spotted
- 26-27 Tech Ticket Exchange
- Great game Yellow Jackets, from a Vol – a little cross-fanbase sportsmanship after Saturday
- Braves 2026 Season Thread – because it is still Atlanta
Go Jackets
It has been a rough start, but there is a whole lot of football left and a full slate of fall sports hitting their stride. What are you watching for against Mercer? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s hear it.
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