Georgia Tech goes back to work on running game

"Losses linger longer than the wins do, and that's going to be one that will be hard to kick," Johnson said. "We had a great opportunity and we didn't get it done."

Georgia Tech has four straight home games to make up for the loss, starting with Saturday night's visit from Presbyterian.

The Yellow Jackets, who were off on Tuesday, returned to practice Wednesday to start addressing breakdowns on offense exposed by Virginia Tech's tough defense.

Quarterback Tevin Washington wasn't complaining on Wednesday about the quick turnaround between games.

"I think it's good," Washington said. "I'm glad it was scheduled like this. I get a chance to get that bad taste out of my mouth and go out and redeem myself on Saturday."

Johnson gave Washington credit for giving Georgia Tech the lead late in regulation. But when the Yellow Jackets had the ball first in overtime, it was Washington's interception that was remembered as the turning point of the game.

Pressured by the Hokies' pass rush, Washington tried to throw the ball away. His heave was intercepted by Virginia Tech cornerback Kyle Fuller, setting the stage for the Hokies' game-winning field goal.

"It's not that difficult to move past," Washington said after Wednesday's practice. "It was hard to swallow knowing we lost and knowing we had the game pretty much in our hands.

"It's hard because you're a competitor. You hate to lose but as far as the interception, it was bad timing on my part. I should have made a better decision. If I could do it again I would just take the sack and not risk trying to throw the ball out of bounds."

Johnson wouldn't blame the loss on the one play.

"Somebody asked me what did I say to him after the game," Johnson said. "I didn't say anything to him. The guy was trying to make a play. Was it ill-advised? Probably. At the same time, if he'd thrown it up like that and one of our guys had caught it, everybody would be screaming what a great play it was. He certainly made some plays down in the fourth quarter to get us the lead."