After missing a 51-yard lead-taking field goal in the 3rd quarter, Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr redeemed himself with the winning field goal against No. 10 Florida State.
The Florida State Seminoles finished their regular season undefeated last year, but are coming into this one with a remade roster after losing 10 players to the 2024 Draft and gaining 17 players through the transfer portal.
They started today’s game strong with a 28-yard touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion in the first quarter. In the second, they gained 6 additional points from two long field goals by Ryan Fitzgerald, including a career-long 59-yard kick. Their last scoring drive tied the game in the fourth quarter with 15 plays and two fourth-down conversions by Oregon State transfer DJ Uiagalelei.
Uiagalelei’s Florida State debut was spoiled by Georgia Tech’s returning quarterback Haynes King, who threw at 69% (11/16) for 146 yards and rushed for 54 to contribute to their overall 336 yardage. King also had the only two fumbles recorded in this game. Neither led to turnovers, in Georgia’s favor.
The Yellow Jackets ultimately controlled the line of scrimmage for 5.3 yards per carry and three rushing touchdowns, two of which were scored by runningback Jamal Haynes, who had 91 yards (75 rushing, 16 receiving) in this opening game.
The game ended with the winning kick by Birr with only five seconds left on the clock for a final score of 24-21.
Both teams have strong offensive players coming into this season, and the same can be said for Georgia Tech’s defense. As for Flordia State, their defense had a rough start. Although neither team had any turnovers or interceptions, Georgia Tech recorded one sack on Uiagalelei and Florida did not record any on Haynes King.
Georgia Tech will play at Georgia State next Saturday (August 31), and Florida State will host Boston College the following Monday (September 2nd).
Bri One Three. 
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