Georgia Tech pulled off a stunning upset against No. 10 Florida State in a college football game played in Ireland. The game, which took place on September 1, 2021, marked the first time a college football game was played in Ireland since 2012.
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, considered underdogs going into the game, managed to defeat the heavily favored Florida State Seminoles with a final score of 16-13. The victory came as a surprise to many, as Florida State had been ranked in the top 10 and was expected to win the game easily.
The game started off with a strong defensive performance from both teams, as they traded possessions without scoring any points in the first quarter. However, Georgia Tech’s defense stood out, managing to hold Florida State’s offense in check throughout the game.
In the second quarter, Georgia Tech’s offense began to find its rhythm, as quarterback Jeff Sims led the team on a 14-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Malachi Carter. The touchdown gave Georgia Tech a 7-0 lead, which they held onto until halftime.
In the third quarter, Florida State managed to get on the scoreboard with a field goal, cutting Georgia Tech’s lead to 7-3. However, Georgia Tech responded with a field goal of their own to extend their lead to 10-3.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trading field goals, with Georgia Tech maintaining a slim lead. However, with just over four minutes left in the game, Florida State tied the score at 13-13 with a touchdown pass.
With the game seemingly headed for overtime, Georgia Tech’s special teams unit came up with a game-changing play. On the ensuing kickoff, Georgia Tech’s Juanyeh Thomas returned the ball 75 yards, setting up the Yellow Jackets in field goal range.
With just seconds left on the clock, Georgia Tech’s Jude Kelley kicked a 32-yard field goal to give his team a 16-13 lead. Florida State had one last chance to tie or win the game, but their last-minute drive fell short as time expired.
The victory for Georgia Tech was a significant accomplishment for the team and its head coach, Geoff Collins. It marked the first win against a top 10 opponent for the Yellow Jackets since 2014 and gave them a strong start to the 2021 season.
The stunning upset also raised questions about Florida State’s performance and their ranking as a top 10 team. Despite having a talented roster, the Seminoles were unable to capitalize on their opportunities and fell short against a determined Georgia Tech team.
The game in Ireland not only showcased the global appeal of college football but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. Upsets like this remind us that anything can happen on any given day in college football, and underdogs can rise to the occasion and defeat highly ranked teams.
Overall, Georgia Tech’s victory against Florida State serves as a reminder that in college football, rankings and predictions don’t always determine the outcome of a game. It was a thrilling contest that showcased the competitiveness and excitement that makes college football so popular.
