Yellow Jackets Upset Seminoles with Final-Second Kick in Dublin Classic
On August 24, 2024, Georgia Tech secured a dramatic 24-21 victory over Florida State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic held at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The game concluded with a thrilling 44-yard field goal by Aidan Birr as time expired, marking a significant upset in the opening game of the college football season.
The game featured notable statistics:
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | 8 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Georgia Tech | 7 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
The match, which was the third consecutive year and the ninth time overall that a college football game was played in Ireland, saw Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King leading the charge. King completed 11 of 16 passes for 146 yards and contributed 46 rushing yards from 15 carries. Jamal Haynes also made a notable impact with 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Despite a missed 51-yard field goal earlier, Birr’s successful attempt at the end secured the win for the Yellow Jackets.
Florida State’s DJ Uiagalelei, making his debut for the Seminoles, went 19 of 27 for 193 yards. Uiagalelei orchestrated a late drive that tied the game at 21 with 6:33 remaining, converting two crucial fourth-down plays. However, the Seminoles did not get another chance to respond.
The defeat snapped Florida State’s 19-game winning streak, a run that ended with a loss in the Orange Bowl last year. This marks the Seminoles’ first back-to-back losses since 2022. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech, under the leadership of Brent Key and entering his second year, improved from a 7-6 season last year.
Score Summary
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | 8 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Georgia Tech | 7 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 24 |
Game Highlights
- 3:09 p.m.: Aidan Birr’s 44-yard field goal wins the game for Georgia Tech.
- 3:08 p.m.: Eric Singleton Jr. catches a pass for 12 yards, setting up the game-winning kick.
- 3:02 p.m.: Georgia Tech’s drive stalls at the FSU 39-yard line after a mishandled snap.
- 2:45 p.m.: Roydell Williams scores a two-yard touchdown, tying the game at 21.
- 2:30 p.m.: Jamal Haynes gives Georgia Tech a brief lead with a three-yard touchdown run.
- 1:38 p.m.: Ryan Fitzgerald ties the game at 14 with a 59-yard field goal at halftime.
Game Analysis
Georgia Tech’s resilience was evident throughout the game. Despite a challenging first half and a missed long field goal attempt by Birr, the Yellow Jackets managed to stay in the game and capitalize on their opportunities. The Seminoles, on the other hand, struggled to regain their momentum after the Yellow Jackets’ late surge.
Upcoming Games
Florida State and Georgia Tech will continue their seasons with upcoming matchups as part of their 2024 football schedules.
