In a thrilling Week 0 matchup in Dublin, Ireland, Georgia Tech stunned the college football world with a last-second 24-21 upset over the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles. The victory, secured by kicker Aidan Birr’s 44-yard field goal as time expired, marked Georgia Tech’s first win over a top-10 opponent since their 22-16 triumph over the Seminoles in October 2015.
The Yellow Jackets (1-0, 1-0 ACC) dominated the line of scrimmage, racking up 190 rushing yards with an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. Running back Jamal Haynes was a standout performer, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Haynes King added 146 passing yards and 54 rushing yards, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. This balanced offensive attack allowed Georgia Tech to control the game and set the tone against a heavily favored Florida State team.
Florida State (0-1, 0-1 ACC) entered the game with high expectations following an undefeated regular season and a retooled roster. The Seminoles fought back in the second half, tying the game at 21-21 with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. DJ Uiagalelei, making his Florida State debut, led a crucial 15-play touchdown drive that included two clutch fourth-down conversions. Uiagalelei finished the game completing 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards, though much of his success came on shorter throws until the late-game heroics.
Despite Florida State’s efforts, they were unable to get the ball back after tying the game. Georgia Tech orchestrated a masterful 12-play, 49-yard drive to set up Birr’s game-winning field goal, which just squeezed inside the left upright with five seconds remaining on the clock.
The Seminoles’ offense, which had four scoring drives, struggled in the second half. Florida State’s ground game was particularly stifled, managing just 98 yards on 31 carries as Georgia Tech’s defense held firm. While Lawrance Toafili and Roydell Williams contributed rushing touchdowns, the Seminoles couldn’t establish consistent momentum on the ground.
On the other side, Georgia Tech’s offense shined in key moments, especially during their final two drives. An 11-play, 89-yard touchdown drive earlier in the fourth quarter and the final game-winning drive highlighted their ability to execute under pressure.
Ryan Fitzgerald was a bright spot for Florida State, nailing a career-long 59-yard field goal just before halftime to tie the game at 14. Fitzgerald also made a 52-yard field goal earlier in the game, showcasing his range and giving the Seminoles a fighting chance.
For Georgia Tech, the win is a significant statement in ACC play. Coming off a 7-6 season, the Yellow Jackets have shown a knack for upsetting ranked opponents in recent years, with notable victories over Miami, North Carolina, UNC, and Pittsburgh in the past two seasons. This latest win over a top-10 team signals that Georgia Tech could be a force to reckon with in the ACC this season.
As the first major college football game of the season, this matchup in Dublin set the stage for what promises to be an exciting year. Georgia Tech’s upset victory over Florida State is sure to send ripples through the college football landscape as teams across the country take notice.
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