In a thrilling start to the college football season, Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning upset against No. 10 Florida State with a 24-21 victory in Dublin. The game came down to the wire, with Aidan Birr sealing the win for the Yellow Jackets with a 44-yard field goal as time expired.
Despite a revamped roster, Florida State put up a strong fight, tying the game at 21 in the fourth quarter with a touchdown drive led by DJ Uiagalelei. However, Georgia Tech's Jamal Haynes and Haynes King proved to be instrumental in securing the win, with Haynes rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns, and King throwing for 146 yards and running for 54.
The Yellow Jackets dominated the line of scrimmage, amassing 190 rushing yards at an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. On the other side, Uiagalelei showcased his talent in his Florida State debut, completing 19 of 27 passes for 193 yards.
Ryan Fitzgerald also made a significant impact for the Seminoles, nailing a 59-yard field goal just before halftime to tie the game at 14. The closely contested match saw both teams with only seven drives each, with Georgia Tech's final two drives proving to be decisive in securing the victory.
Florida State's defensive line, touted as one of the ACC's best, struggled to contain Georgia Tech's rushing attack, failing to record a sack and allowing the Yellow Jackets to run freely.
Looking ahead, Florida State is set to face Boston College on September 2, while Georgia Tech will host Georgia State on August 31. The game marked the third consecutive Week 0 opener in Dublin, with fans packing Aviva Stadium for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
Georgia Tech's strong start to the season bodes well for their future performances, building on their impressive rushing game from the previous season. The victory against a top-10 opponent like Florida State will undoubtedly boost the Yellow Jackets' confidence as they look to make a statement in the ACC.
