ATLANTA — Marqez Hodge made the most of his first career start on Saturday. Syracuse (3-4, 1-2 Atlantic Coast) started in a 3-4 defense against Georgia Tech (4-3, 3-2) instead of its usual 4-3, which paved the way for Hodge to see more snaps.

 

Hodge, a linebacker, replaced defensive end Robert Welsh as a starter and finished with a career-best 12 tackles in SU’s 56-0 loss to the Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

 

“He did good,” starting linebacker Marquis Spruill said. “He was where he was supposed to be most of the time.”

 

Hodge’s first tackle came on the Orange’s second defensive play of the game, when he wrapped up David Sims after a 10-yard gain.

 

He added three more tackles in the first quarter, two of them on Sims, who torched Syracuse in the first half. On the Yellow Jackets’ first drive of the second quarter, Hodge recorded five tackles alone.

 

By halftime, he upped his total to 10, which was the top on either team.

 

The Yellow Jackets’ option befuddled Syracuse immensely, which led to frequent sizable gains. But Hodge was often there to prevent big gains from turning into touchdowns.

 

“(He) made some nice plays out there,” Spruill said. “He’s going to be getting better.”

Published on October 20, 2013 at 2:11 pm

Contact Trevor: tbhass@syr.edu | @TrevorHass