In a thrilling start to the college football season, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles, securing a 24-21 victory with a last-second field goal at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin. The win marked Georgia Tech‘s first triumph over a top-10 opponent since 2015, sending shockwaves through the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the college football world.
A Celebration Fit for the Occasion
As the final whistle blew, the Georgia Tech players, elated by their unexpected victory, couldn’t contain their joy. Avery Boyd, Chase Lane, and Malik Rutherford took center stage, stepping in front of their teammates who were passing around the Aer Lingus College Football Classic trophy. They decided to mark the moment with an Irish jig—a dance befitting their Irish surroundings and symbolic of the perfect day they had just experienced at Aviva Stadium.
This joyous dance was not their only flawless performance of the day. Earlier, their on-field execution had been just as impeccable, culminating in Aidan Birr’s game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired. The kick, which narrowly sailed inside the left upright, sealed a dramatic victory for the Yellow Jackets and ignited celebrations among their fans.
The victory over Florida State was a momentous achievement for Georgia Tech, a program that has struggled in recent years to regain its former glory. The last time the Yellow Jackets defeated a top-10 opponent was in October 2015, when they also stunned the Seminoles with a 22-16 victory. This latest win not only broke a long drought but also served as a statement to the rest of the ACC that Georgia Tech is a team to watch in 2024.
Jamal Haynes was the star of the day for Georgia Tech, rushing for 75 yards and scoring two crucial touchdowns. Quarterback Haynes King also played a vital role, throwing for 146 yards and adding another 54 yards on the ground. The Yellow Jackets’ offense, which racked up 190 rushing yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry, was powered by an offensive line that dominated the line of scrimmage from start to finish.
“Really proud of the offensive line,” said Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key. “Shocking there, right? Really proud of those guys and how they were prepared.”
Florida State’s Comeback Falls Short
Florida State entered the game as a heavy favorite, coming off an undefeated regular season and boasting a roster filled with talent. However, the Seminoles found themselves in an unexpected dogfight against a Georgia Tech team that refused to back down. Florida State managed to tie the game late in the fourth quarter with a 15-play touchdown drive that included two crucial fourth-down conversions by quarterback DJ Uiagalelei
Uiagalelei, making his debut for the Seminoles after transferring from Clemson, completed 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the clutch moments, his efforts were not enough to secure the win. Florida State’s final drive ended with a 59-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald, a career-long and the second-longest in school history, which tied the game at 14 just before halftime. Fitzgerald had already converted a 52-yard field goal earlier in the game.
Despite their best efforts, the Seminoles were unable to stop Georgia Tech’s offense in the second half. The Yellow Jackets’ final two drives were textbook examples of ball control and efficiency, first with an 11-play, 89-yard touchdown drive and then a 12-play, 49-yard march that set up Birr’s game-winning kick.
“Very limited possessions,” said Florida State head coach Mike Norvell. “The importance of every snap in that game was monumental.”
A Defensive Masterclass by Georgia Tech
One of the keys to Georgia Tech’s success was its ability to stifle Florida State’s potent rushing attack. The Seminoles, who had been expected to dominate on the ground, were held to just 98 yards on 31 carries. Georgia Tech’s defense, led by a ferocious front seven, repeatedly stuffed Florida State’s running backs at the line of scrimmage, forcing the Seminoles to rely on Uiagalelei’s arm.
While Florida State managed to score on four drives, only one of those came in the second half, highlighting Georgia Tech’s defensive adjustments and resilience. The Yellow Jackets’ ability to limit the Seminoles’ possessions and control the clock proved to be the difference in the game.
“We’re not trying to prove anything to anyone,” Key said. “We’re not trying to go out and impress people. All we’re trying to do is play as hard as we can possibly play—as a team, as a family.”
Georgia Tech’s Upset Mindset
Georgia Tech has developed a reputation for being a giant-slayer in ACC play, particularly against ranked opponents. Last season, the Yellow Jackets knocked off two ranked ACC teams—Miami and North Carolina—and they have now added Florida State to their list of high-profile victims. This win in Dublin is a clear signal that Georgia Tech is not to be underestimated, especially when facing top-tier competition.
Poll Implications
For Florida State, the loss will likely have significant implications in the next AP Top 25 poll. The Seminoles, who entered the season with high expectations and aspirations of a College Football Playoff berth, will almost certainly tumble in the rankings. The new poll will be released after Week 1’s games conclude on September 3, and Florida State will need to regroup quickly if they hope to climb back up the standings.
Takeaways from the Game
For Florida State, the performance of the defensive line was particularly disappointing. Viewed as one of the ACC’s best units, the Seminoles’ front seven failed to record a single sack and struggled to contain Georgia Tech’s running game. This lack of pressure on the quarterback and inability to stop the run were critical factors in the Seminoles’ defeat.
On the other hand, Georgia Tech’s offense picked up right where it left off last season, when they averaged 203 rushing yards per game, ranking 13th in the FBS. The Yellow Jackets’ ability to impose their will on the ground was a key element in their upset victory.
Looking Ahead
Florida State will have a chance to bounce back when they host Boston College on September 2. The Seminoles will need to address their defensive issues and find a way to generate more explosive plays on offense if they hope to avoid a second consecutive loss.
Georgia Tech, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum when they return home to face Georgia State on August 31. With confidence running high after their victory in Dublin, the Yellow Jackets will be eager to continue their winning ways and establish themselves as a force in the ACC this season.
Georgia Tech’s stunning victory over Florida State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic was a perfect example of how anything can happen in college football. With determination, discipline, and a bit of Irish luck, the Yellow Jackets proved that they can compete with the best teams in the nation. As the season unfolds, both teams will be looking to build on the lessons learned in this unforgettable game in Dublin.
