Georgia Tech Stuns No. 10 Florida State with Last-Second Field Goal in Ireland

The college football season kicked off with a bang in Week 0 as Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset over No. 10 Florida State in the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, Ireland. For a school known for producing engineers and astronauts with precision, this victory was a testament to meticulous preparation and unwavering determination.

Georgia Tech’s triumph was not just another win; it was a statement. The Yellow Jackets, under the guidance of head coach Brent Key, secured their first victory over a Top 10 team since 2015, signaling a new chapter in the program’s history. The game reached its climax with a 44-yard walk-off field goal by Aidan Birr, sealing the victory and setting the tone for what could be a transformative season for Georgia Tech.

For Brent Key, a proud alumnus and former offensive lineman, this victory was more than just a game—it was a validation of his coaching philosophy and the brand of football he’s instilled at Georgia Tech. “More than anything, to see or to know that so many people now see Georgia Tech and the brand of football that we play, and it’s not a gimmicky brand of football,” Key said in a postgame interview. “It’s real. It’s hard-nosed. We’re going to build at the line of scrimmage. That’s where games are won.”

This win, in Key’s second year as the full-time head coach, was a throwback to the hard-hitting, smash-mouth football that has defined Georgia Tech’s best teams. The Yellow Jackets’ performance was reminiscent of the grit that characterized the program during the days of former coaches George O’Leary and Bobby Ross. It was a game plan executed to perfection, built on the foundation of a dominant run game and relentless defense.

Georgia Tech’s offense was a well-oiled machine, churning out 190 rushing yards and controlling the clock with a deliberate pace. The Yellow Jackets’ ability to grind down the clock and shorten the game was a masterclass in ball control. Quarterback Haynes King was the linchpin of this strategy, running the ball 15 times and throwing it just 16 times, embodying the dual-threat capability that has made him one of the most dangerous players in the ACC.

King’s determination was matched by the explosive performance of running back Jamal Haynes, who rushed for 75 yards and scored two touchdowns. Haynes was the embodiment of the physical, hard-nosed football that Key preaches, finishing the game with a uniform covered in grass stains and end zone paint. His performance was a key factor in Georgia Tech’s ability to control the tempo and keep Florida State’s defense on its heels.

On the defensive side of the ball, Georgia Tech’s new-look unit, featuring seven new starters and a new coordinator in Tyler Santucci, was relentless. The Yellow Jackets’ defense was designed to confuse and frustrate Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, and it did just that. Florida State was held to just 291 total yards and a paltry 3.2 yards per carry, a stark contrast to the explosive offenses that have defined the Seminoles in recent years.

The Yellow Jackets’ defensive front, led by leading tackler Kyle Efford, was particularly impressive. Efford finished the game with 10 tackles and half a tackle for loss, consistently filling gaps and pushing back Florida State’s offensive line. The Seminoles, who boasted two All-ACC linemen, were unable to generate any significant pressure on King, failing to record a sack or tackle for loss throughout the game.

Georgia Tech’s ability to neutralize Florida State’s defensive talent was a testament to the preparation and execution of offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Faulkner’s playcalling was a masterclass in misdirection and creativity, utilizing a variety of pre-snap and post-snap shifts and motions to keep Florida State’s defense off balance. The Yellow Jackets’ offensive line, often overlooked, played a crucial role in this victory, manhandling Florida State’s highly-touted defensive front.

For Brent Key, this victory was a culmination of everything he’s been building toward since taking over the program. “It means a whole lot,” Key said after the game. “I love this place, and I give everything I have into this program to try to make sure these kids have everything they need to be successful on and off the field. To see them have the success that they did tonight, it’s great.”

The significance of this win cannot be overstated. Georgia Tech’s victory over a Top 10 opponent on the international stage is a major milestone for a program that has struggled with consistency in recent years. Last season, the Yellow Jackets showed flashes of potential, with notable performances against North Carolina and Georgia, but they were unable to string together consistent performances. This victory, however, could be the turning point that sets the tone for a successful season.

As the Yellow Jackets celebrated on the field in Dublin, it was clear that this was not just a win—it was a statement. Georgia Tech is a team on the rise, and under Brent Key’s leadership, they are poised to reclaim their place among the ACC’s elite. The journey is far from over, but this victory is a significant step in the right direction.

For Florida State, the loss is a wake-up call. The Seminoles will need to regroup and address the issues that were exposed in this game, particularly their lack of explosiveness on offense. While it’s too early to make any definitive judgments, the Seminoles will need to find answers quickly if they hope to compete for a conference title.

As Georgia Tech moves forward, the challenge will be to build on this victory and maintain the consistency that has eluded them in recent years. But for now, the Yellow Jackets can savor this moment—a hard-fought victory that sets the stage for what could be a special season.