In a thrilling showdown at Atlanta's Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the No. 12 ranked Clemson Tigers 24-21 with a dramatic last-second field goal. Aidan Birr, the Georgia Tech placekicker, drilled a 55-yard field goal as time expired, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing a memorable victory for the Yellow Jackets.
The game was a back-and-forth affair. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, despite a 207-yard passing performance and a rushing touchdown, had a less-than-stellar game, turning the ball over twice – once on a fumble and once via interception. His 73-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Wesco early in the second half briefly gave the Tigers a lead, but it was ultimately not enough.
Georgia Tech's offense, led by the returning Haynes King, proved potent. King, playing his first game back from a lower-body injury, displayed impressive dual-threat ability, completing 19 of 27 passes for 216 yards and rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown himself. His fourth-quarter quarterback sneak and successful two-point conversion gave the Yellow Jackets a crucial 21-14 lead, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
The final drive was a masterclass in execution under pressure. With less than four minutes remaining, Georgia Tech, facing a fourth and three situation, confidently executed its game plan. The offense marched down the field, propelled by King's determined play, before Birr's heroic kick sent shockwaves throughout the college football world. Birr's game-winning field goal tied the longest in Georgia Tech history, cementing his place in the annals of Yellow Jacket football.
Georgia Tech coach Brent Key lauded the team's performance and the unwavering support of the student body. Clemson, now 1-2 on the season, will look to regroup as they face Syracuse next. Georgia Tech, riding high on this stunning victory, will play host to Temple in their upcoming non-conference matchup. The win could catapult Georgia Tech into the AP Top 25 rankings for the first time since September 9th, 2024.
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Originally published at: https://apnews.com/article/clemson-georgia-tech-football-score-227e7d7c9f6303b3e267601171d7875f
