ATLANTA — Under the lights at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia Tech delivered its boldest statement yet under head coach Brent Key, upsetting #12 Clemson 24–21 in a thriller capped by Aidan Birr’s 55-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. More than just an upset, the victory represented the culmination of a three-year rebuild built on loyalty, maturity, and belief.
A Veteran Core Staying the Course
In a college football landscape defined by the transfer portal and NIL deals, Georgia Tech’s core of 25 seniors represents a rarity. They chose to stay through the rebuild, forging the kind of chemistry and pride that fueled Saturday’s win. “We knew it was going to be a dog fight … that’s a dang good football team,” Key said post-game. “But our guys are prepared for these moments.”
Quarterback Haynes King and defensive back Omar Daniels each pointed to the senior leadership as the team’s heartbeat. King described the group as “a team with pride, maturity, elite-level motivation to win for their school.” That senior-led identity gave Georgia Tech the poise to manage a game filled with swings of momentum, culminating in the closing seconds when Birr’s kick sailed through the uprights.
Early Control, Halftime Shift
The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 13–0 lead on an Aidan Birr 40-yard field goal, a Jamal Haynes five-yard touchdown run, and another Birr field goal. Clemson finally broke through just before halftime with Cade Klubnik’s one-yard touchdown plunge, but Georgia Tech still led 13–7 at the break.
In the first half, King spread the ball across the field, completing passes to Eric Rivers (three catches for 72 yards), Isiah Canion (five for 56), Jamal Hines (four for 36), and Malik Rutherford (four for 22). But at halftime, King approached Key with a direct request: “Put it in my hands.”
That trust paid off. King carried the ball 25 times for 103 yards and a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, complementing his 20-of-28 passing for 211 yards. “We know how we’re built,” King said. “We’re going to establish the run.”
Clemson Fights Back, But Tech Finishes Strong
Clemson struck back in the third quarter with a 73-yard touchdown bomb from Klubnik to Bryant Wesco Jr., who finished with seven catches for 126 yards. Adam Randall tied the game at 21 with a two-yard run late in the fourth quarter. But Georgia Tech’s final drive showcased its maturity: crisp execution, clock management, and a career-long kick from Birr to seal the win.
Players described the moment as surreal. “We knew what was about to happen … then you see it go through. You’re like, oh, we made it. Looking for somebody to hug — such a fun experience. Something you’ll always remember,” one player said.
Defense Shows Grit, But Room for Growth
While Clemson amassed 207 passing yards from Klubnik and 80 rushing yards from Randall, Georgia Tech’s defense held the Tigers to just 21 points and forced a key interception. King credited the defensive unit for “doing a hell of a job” against one of the ACC’s most talented offenses.
Still, the pass rush remains a point of emphasis. Clemson’s offensive line provided Klubnik with time on several deep plays, including the 73-yard touchdown. More consistent pressure on the quarterback could elevate this unit from solid to elite.
An Open Road Ahead
With its toughest stretch behind it, Georgia Tech now turns to a favorable upcoming slate — Temple, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, and Duke — all of whom have struggled early in the season. Temple lost 42–3 to Oklahoma, Wake Forest barely survived Kennesaw State 10–9, Virginia Tech has losses to Old Dominion and #20 Vanderbilt, and Duke recently fell to Tulane.
By the time Syracuse visits on October 25, the Jackets could be ranked comfortably in the Top 12, already sitting at #18 following the Clemson win.
More Than Just a Win
Georgia Tech’s upset wasn’t a fluke — it was the product of a veteran roster, a coaching staff willing to adjust on the fly, and a quarterback who put the game on his shoulders. As Key summed up, “Confidence doesn’t come from anything other than an expected belief … from a lot of preparation and adversity we’ve overcome.”
With Bobby Dodd Stadium buzzing and a clear path ahead, the Yellow Jackets look poised to make a serious run in 2025.
