As freshman orientations go, Reggie Ball's was enlightening if ultimately unrewarding.

Early Thursday night, the freshman from Stephenson High quickly showed why coach Chan Gailey named him Georgia Tech's starting quarterback. But up 13-7 at halftime, Tech was eventually undone by Brigham Young's controlled passing game and its own mistakes and offensive shortcomings in a 24-13 season-opening loss.

For Ball and the Jackets, the continuing education process only gets tougher. Now comes a three-game gauntlet of SEC favorite Auburn in the home opener at Bobby Dodd Stadium, then a trip to FSU and finally Clemson.

"I think we have a lot to build on," Gailey said. "As time goes on, I think we'll get better. You've got to work out the kinks." There were many...