ATLANTA, GA – Aidan Birr delivered one of the most dramatic moments in Georgia Tech football history, nailing a 55-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Yellow Jackets to a stunning 24-21 upset victory over No. 12 Clemson at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Historic Kick Caps Perfect Start
With no timeouts remaining and the clock ticking under 20 seconds, Georgia Tech’s special teams unit sprinted onto the field in a perfectly choreographed sequence they had practiced countless times. Birr’s boot tied the longest field goal in Georgia Tech program history and marked just the sixth walk-off field goal in school annals.
“We worked that situation a lot throughout camp and practice,” Birr said after the victory. “Seeing the offense and the defense play so well, I didn’t want to let them down.”
The junior kicker’s heroics improved his career field goal percentage to .809 (38-for-47), making him the first player in Georgia Tech history to maintain an .800 career percentage with a minimum of 20 attempts.
King’s Triumphant Return
Quarterback Haynes King returned from a lower-body injury that sidelined him against Gardner-Webb and delivered a masterful performance when it mattered most. The senior completed 20-of-28 passes for 211 yards while adding 103 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.
King’s 1-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two-point conversion pass from Malik Rutherford to Dean Patterson, gave Georgia Tech a 21-14 lead and set the stage for the dramatic finish.
King’s Performance:
- 20-of-28 passing, 211 yards
- 25 carries, 103 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Fifth career 100-yard rushing game
“Early in that drive, Haynes came to the sideline and said put the ball in my hand and we’ll win this thing,” Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key revealed. “And we did.”
NCAA Football News:
- Maryland Dominates Towson 44-17, Extends Perfect Start to 3-0
- Army’s Cale Hellums Named to the Davey O’Brien “Great 8” List for Week Two
- Matteson’s Heroics Lead Army to Historic Victory Over Kansas State
- Army Rallies Past Kansas State 24-21 Behind Hellums’ Historic Performance
- Rutgers Dominates Miami (Ohio) 45-17 Behind Kaliakmanis’ Career Night
Defensive Playmakers Shine
Georgia Tech’s defense created crucial momentum shifts throughout the contest, forcing two Clemson turnovers at pivotal moments. Senior defensive back Omar Daniels became just the 13th Georgia Tech player since 2005 to record both a forced fumble and an interception in the same game.
Daniels’ forced fumble on Clemson’s opening drive led to Georgia Tech’s first score, a 40-yard field goal by Birr. His interception at the Georgia Tech 7-yard line in the third quarter thwarted a promising Clemson drive and preserved the Yellow Jackets’ chances.
Defensive Highlights:
- Two turnovers forced (season high)
- Omar Daniels: 1 forced fumble, 1 interception (45-yard return)
- Zachary Tobe: 1 fumble recovery
Clemson’s Struggles Continue
The Tigers (1-2, 0-1 ACC) suffered their second consecutive loss despite a strong performance from quarterback Cade Klubnik, who completed 15-of-26 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown while adding 62 rushing yards and a score.
Klubnik’s 73-yard touchdown strike to Bryant Wesco Jr. early in the third quarter temporarily gave Clemson a 14-13 lead, but costly turnovers proved decisive. His fumble on the opening drive and third-quarter interception in the red zone represented missed opportunities that ultimately cost the Tigers.
For the second straight week, Clemson overcame a slow start and halftime deficit only to fall short in the final moments, raising questions about the program’s ability to close out games against quality opponents.
Georgia Tech players participate in pre-game ceremonies at Bobby Dodd Stadium before their historic 24-21 upset victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: GA Tech Athletics Georgia Tech running back Jamal Haynes breaks a tackle and races down the sideline for a long gain during the Yellow Jackets’ 24-21 upset victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key leads his team from the sideline during the Yellow Jackets’ historic 24-21 upset victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (#10) runs a keeper option play, gaining important yards during the Yellow Jackets’ 24-21 victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics Georgia Tech defensive lineman Amontrae Bradford (#98) comes close to blocking a Clemson field goal attempt during the Yellow Jackets’ 24-21 upset victory. Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (#10) finds open space and gains crucial yards on a scramble during the Yellow Jackets’ 24-21 upset victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics Georgia Tech players celebrate a touchdown in the end zone with an offensive lineman lifting a wide receiver during their 24-21 upset victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics Georgia Tech defensive backs Omar Daniels (#9) and Clayton Powell-Lee (#5) celebrate near the Yellow Jackets sideline during their 24-21 upset victory over #12 Clemson. Credit: Georgia Tech Athletics
Perfect Execution Under Pressure
Georgia Tech’s game-winning drive showcased the poise and preparation that have defined their perfect 3-0 start. Taking possession at their own 25-yard line with 3:26 remaining and two timeouts, the Yellow Jackets methodically moved downfield behind King’s leadership.
The drive featured a perfect blend of rushing and passing, with King connecting on all five of his pass attempts for 60 yards while adding 31 rushing yards on eight carries. The sequence culminated with Birr’s career-defining kick from 55 yards out.
Historical Significance
The victory marked several significant milestones for Georgia Tech:
- First win over Clemson since 2014, snapping a nine-game losing streak
- Improved to 7-1 under Brent Key against nationally ranked ACC opponents
- Extended home winning streak to seven games (longest since 2016-17)
- Moved to 3-0 for the first time since 2016
- Improved to 51-36-2 all-time against Clemson in a rivalry dating back to 1898
The successful two-point conversion was Georgia Tech’s first in a non-overtime setting since October 28, 2023, against North Carolina, when Haynes King connected with Malik Rutherford.
Individual Milestones
Several Georgia Tech players achieved career landmarks in the victory:
Aidan Birr’s Historic Performance:
- Became the first Georgia Tech player with a .800+ career field goal percentage (minimum 20 attempts)
- Career record now stands at 38-for-47 (.809)
- 55-yard game-winner ties longest field goal in program history
- Second walk-off field goal of his career (first was 44-yarder vs. #10 Florida State in Dublin)
Jamal Haynes’ Milestone Chase:
- 5-yard touchdown run was his 19th career rushing TD
- Now just one touchdown away from becoming the 17th player in Georgia Tech history with 20 career rushing touchdowns
Turning Points
The game featured several momentum-shifting moments that ultimately decided the outcome:
- Opening Drive Fumble: Omar Daniels’ forced fumble on Clemson’s first possession set the tone and led to Georgia Tech’s opening field goal
- Third Quarter Interception: Daniels’ pick at the Georgia Tech 7-yard line thwarted Clemson’s best scoring opportunity of the second half
- Wesco’s 73-Yard Strike: Clemson’s explosive touchdown temporarily shifted momentum before Georgia Tech’s resilient response
- Fourth Quarter Two-Point Conversion: The successful conversion gave Georgia Tech crucial breathing room and demonstrated their aggressive approach
Coaching Perspective
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key’s emotional postgame comments captured the significance of the moment: “Georgia Tech is a special place. To see the student body, the way they’ve come out and supported us this year and get behind this team, that’s what it’s all about.”
Key’s decision-making throughout the game, particularly his aggressive fourth-down calls and the final drive management, showcased the confidence and preparation that have defined his tenure.
Looking Ahead
Georgia Tech’s stunning victory establishes the Yellow Jackets as a legitimate contender in ACC play while dealing a significant blow to Clemson’s conference championship aspirations. The Tigers must regroup quickly as they face mounting pressure to salvage their season after starting 1-2.
For Georgia Tech, the victory represents validation of Brent Key’s program-building efforts and provides tremendous momentum as they continue their quest for their first winning season since 2016. The 3-0 start matches their best beginning since that 2016 campaign and positions them favorably for ACC competition.
The Yellow Jackets’ perfect execution under pressure and ability to defeat a ranked opponent suggests they could be a factor in the ACC championship race, while Clemson faces questions about their ability to compete at the highest level after consecutive losses to start conference play.
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