Yellow Jackets Kick Off 2024 Season with First Major Upset in Ireland
Georgia Tech Celebrates Victory Over Florida State at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Aug. 24, 2024
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A Moment to Remember for Georgia Tech
It was a great time to be a Georgia Tech football player. On Saturday, they sprinted around the field in pure joy. They embraced their teammates, celebrating a job well done. Yellow Jackets fans at Aviva Stadium cheered loudly while Florida State supporters stood in silence. The Seminoles left the field, giving up the spotlight to the underdog team.
Overcoming the Odds
Georgia Tech secured this win despite challenges and trials. After a tough offseason, their confidence in the team’s potential was confirmed. The final score from Ireland: Georgia Tech 24, No. 10 Florida State 21.
This victory marked Tech’s first walk-off win since the unforgettable “Miracle on Techwood Drive” against Florida State in 2015.
Key Moments and Key Players
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to do,” said quarterback Haynes King after kicker Aidan Birr’s game-winning field goal. “The first thing I did was find the offensive linemen. But I was just so grateful to my teammates.”
With 11 games left in the regular season, Coach Brent Key’s team has plenty of time to define itself. But after their performance against the defending ACC champions, Yellow Jackets fans have reason to dream big.
Defensive Strength and Offensive Control
Defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci’s unit delivered in his debut. After a shaky start, where the Seminoles scored on their opening drive, the Jackets’ defense tightened up. Over the final six FSU possessions, Tech allowed only 216 yards on 51 plays, showing a much-improved performance.
Georgia Tech Victory The defense also clamped down on FSU’s running game. After allowing 58 rushing yards on the first drive, Tech limited the Seminoles to just 40 yards on the next 26 rush attempts.
“We knew we had to respond after that first drive,” said linebacker Kyle Efford. “We talked on the sideline, saying, ‘It’s time to step up. It’s on us to play football.’”
In the fourth quarter, Tech’s offensive line took control, dominating an FSU line that was considered one of the best in FBS. During the game-winning drive, Tech ran the ball six consecutive times for 28 yards, keeping the clock moving and reducing risk.
Clutch Performances and Resilience
Throughout the game, Tech rose to the occasion, making key plays and showing resilience. King offered two critical moments during the game-winning drive. After a false start turned a third-and-2 into a third-and-7, King found running back Jamal Haynes for a 16-yard gain, securing a first down.
Georgia Tech Victory Later in the drive, a botched snap led to a 10-yard loss, but King stayed composed. With the score tied at 21-21, Tech faced a third-and-17 on the FSU 38-yard line. King connected with wide receiver Eric Singleton for a 12-yard gain, setting up Birr for a 44-yard field goal attempt.
The Next Step
Birr, who had missed an earlier 51-yard attempt, nailed the game-winner. “My big thing is, you never want to miss two in a row,” he said. “I was going to make that next one, no matter where it was.”
Georgia Tech secured the win, 24-21, over Florida State. While Tech has some ball-security issues to work on, there were no glaring weaknesses exposed against the talented Seminoles.
Looking Ahead
Georgia Tech’s victory raises questions about their potential for the rest of the season. If they can beat Florida State in what was essentially a road game, what other opponents over the next 10 games should they fear?
No. 7 Notre Dame will be a tough challenge, but that’s about it.
Georgia Tech Victory After breaking through in 2023 with their first bowl game appearance since 2018, Tech’s path to improving on last year seems clear.
“This seems like a team ready to take the next step,” said Coach Brent Key. “First, I had to teach them how not to lose. Then how to win. Now, the next step is learning how to win consistently.”
The Jackets will fly home from Ireland on Sunday, but it’s still a work day for them. They’re already preparing for what’s next.
