Tag: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

No. 16 Georgia Tech targets first ACC title game since ’14, Pitt blocking path

Posted on | by Field Level Media

No. 16 Georgia Tech’s Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season finale against Pitt on Saturday is one of the most important in program history.

For the Yellow Jackets (9-1, 6-1 ACC), the consequences for the game on Saturday in Atlanta are simple.

Should Georgia Tech defeat Pittsburgh, it is in the ACC Championship game for the first time since 2014. That would also serve as a runway for the Yellow Jackets’ first College Football Playoff appearance.

“There’s a big week in front of us now,” Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key said. “We’re here and it’s a great opportunity in front of us. Great opportunity Saturday, and very thankful that this game is at home. We’re playing a very good football team for an opportunity to play for the conference championship. This is a championship game in its own right. That’s the way we’re viewing it.”

Georgia Tech nearly suffered a catastrophic loss last week, narrowly escaping with a 36-34 win at Boston College. The Yellow Jackets, led by Heisman hopeful Haynes King’s 371 passing yards, totaled 628 yards, their second-most all-time in an ACC game.

Also on Saturday, Georgia Tech will honor its senior class in the final scheduled home game of the year. Most notably, King will receive a deafening ovation as the leader of a team that’s been one of the stories of the college football season.

“The command he has of the team on the field, he’s special, and it’s hard to put it into words,” Key said. “The legacy that he leaves here, hopefully, will be continued with other players on the team. I’m just excited for him, excited for his family, excited for all the seniors. It’ll be a special moment on Saturday night.”

Georgia Tech will have to take care of business against Pitt (7-3, 5-1), which has plenty of reason to play on Saturday. The Panthers had their five-game winning streak snapped with a disappointing 37-15 home loss to Notre Dame last week, but they still entertain thoughts of taking a trip to Charlotte for the ACC title game on Dec. 6.

That hope will evaporate if Pitt loses Saturday, which would eliminate the Panthers from contention.

“Their quarterback is special,” Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi said of Georgia Tech. “Haynes King is really good. I don’t listen to the news and I don’t know if he’s in for the Heisman, but the guy has thrown for almost 2,300 yards, rushed for 800. That guy should be talked about for the Heisman because I think he is about as tough as anybody in the country. … The No. 1 key to victory is being able to stop Haynes King.”

The Panthers are led by true freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel (1,673 passing yards, 13 total touchdowns), who’s coming off his worst performance as a starter. The 18-year-old threw for just 126 passing yards and an interception against Notre Dame.

“Obviously a couple times (Heintschel) went to the wrong spot,” Narduzzi said. “But he’s going to learn from those things. There’s not a quarterback in the country that doesn’t go out there and throw it to the wrong spot, read a coverage wrong. There’s not one in the country.”

Pittsburgh needs to beat Georgia Tech and Miami (on Nov. 29) to have a chance of qualifying for the ACC Championship game.

–Field Level Media

Nov 1, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarter back CJ Bailey (11) scores a touchdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the first quarter at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

NC State racks up 583 yards while handing No. 8 Georgia Tech its first loss

Posted on | by Field Level Media

CJ Bailey threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, adding another score on the ground as North Carolina State posted a 48-36 upset of visiting No. 8 Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Jayden Scott rushed for a career-high 196 yards and a touchdown for NC State (5-4, 2-3 in ACC), which handed Georgia Tech its first loss. The Wolfpack outgained the Yellow Jackets 583-559 in total offense to notch their first win over a ranked opponent since they beat No. 17 North Carolina in 2022.

Haynes King threw for 408 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the Yellow Jackets (8-1, 5-1), adding 103 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Georgia Tech allowed its most points since a 48-23 loss to Ole Miss in 2023.

Trailing by seven at halftime, Georgia Tech cut its deficit to four on Aidan Birr’s 23-yard field goal. The Wolfpack answered in just over a minute, as Will Wilson’s 1-yard rushing score gave NC State a 31-20 lead with seven minutes left in the third.

Birr’s 29-yard field goal pulled the Yellow Jackets within eight with 4:52 remaining in the third.

Then Bailey eluded a defender to find Teddy Hoffmann for a 55-yard touchdown strike on NC State’s next possession, before King got the score back with his 3-yard rushing score to cut the Wolfpack lead to 38-30 entering the fourth.

After Kanoah Vinesett’s 37-yard field goal put NC State ahead by 11, the Wolfpack defense forced Georgia Tech’s only punt of the game.

Scott’s 30-yard touchdown rush gave the Wolfpack an 18-point lead, but King’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Zion Taylor kept hope alive at the 2:22 mark. Georgia Tech’s failed onside kick attempt sealed NC State’s victory.

The Wolfpack opened the game with Bailey’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Cody Hardy.

King’s 50-yard pass to Jordan Allen on Georgia Tech’s ensuing drive was followed with King’s 12-yard rushing score to knot the score with 6:49 remaining in the opening quarter.

Bailey answered with an 11-yard rushing score to stamp a 78-yard drive at the 1:59 mark of the first.

After Birr’s 43-yarder cut Georgia Tech’s deficit to four, King’s 2-yard touchdown pass to J.T. Byrne gave the Yellow Jackets a 17-14 lead with 6:25 left in the first half.

NC State regained the lead on the ensuing drive, as Hardy recovered Wilson’s fumble in the end zone. Birr missed a 54-yarder before Vinesett’s 34-yard field goal as time expired to give the Wolfpack a seven-point halftime lead.

–Field Level Media

Brutus Buckeye poses on the field before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt enter top 10 in AP Top 25; Ohio State remains No. 1

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Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt jumped into the top 10 of this week’s Associated Press Top 25 Poll, while Ohio State retained the top spot on Sunday.

Ohio State’s steady season was represented by the fact that the Buckeyes (7-0) were the only team whose spot was unchanged in the latest poll. The program’s latest victory was a 34-0 rout over Wisconsin on Saturday.

Indiana (7-0) moved up a spot to No. 2, its highest spot in program history. No. 3 Texas A&M (7-0) also moved up one spot. No. 4 Alabama (6-1) moved up two spots, while No. 5 Georgia (6-1) rose four spots after a 37-20 victory over then-No. 11 Tennessee.

Oregon (6-1), Georgia Tech (7-0), Ole Miss (6-1), Miami (5-1) and Vanderbilt (6-1) round out the top 10. Ole Miss fell three spots after a 43-35 loss to Georgia, while Miami dropped seven spots after a 24-21 loss to Louisville on Friday.

Nine ranked teams lost last week, with four of those in the top 10. According to the Associated Press, it is the highest turnover in the poll since 2022. Among those teams was Texas Tech, which dropped seven spots to No. 14 after its first loss of the season, 26-22 to Arizona State.

Georgia Tech’s rise continued following a 27-18 victory at Duke on Saturday, while Vanderbilt moved to No. 10 after a 31-24 home victory over then-No. 10 LSU. Georgia Tech is in the top 10 for the first time since 2014, while Vanderbilt is among the top 10 teams for the first time since 1947.

No. 19 Louisville (5-1), No. 23 Illinois (5-2), No. 24 Arizona State (5-2) and No. 25 Michigan (5-2) all jumped into the poll this week. LSU (5-2) fell 10 spots to No. 20 after its loss, its lowest ranking of the season.

The full Top 25:

1. Ohio State (7-0)
2. Indiana (7-0)
3. Texas A&M (7-0)
4. Alabama (6-1)
5. Georgia (6-1)
6. Oregon (6-1)
7. Georgia Tech (7-0)
8. Ole Miss (6-1)
9. Miami (5-1)
10, Vanderbilt (6-1)
11. BYU (7-0)
12. Notre Dame (5-2)
13. Oklahoma (6-1)
14. Texas Tech (6-1)
15. Missouri (6-0)
16. Virginia (5-1)
17. Tennessee (5-2)
18. South Florida (6-1)
19. Louisville (5-1)
20. LSU (5-2)
21. Cincinnati (6-1)
22. Texas (5-2)
23. Illinois (5-2)
24. Arizona State (5-2)
25. Michigan (5-2)

–Field Level Media

Oct 11, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) celebrates with running back Malachi Hosley (0) after a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

No. 13 Georgia Tech, Haynes King cruise to victory over Virginia Tech

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ATLANTA — Haynes King completed 20 of 24 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, adding 60 rushing yards and two scores on the ground on Saturday, helping No. 13 Georgia Tech post a 35-20 victory over visiting Virginia Tech in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Malachi Hosley rushed 11 times for 129 yards and a touchdown for the Yellow Jackets (6-0, 3-0 ACC), who won their sixth straight game to open a season for the first time since 2011.

Kyron Drones completed 13 of 21 passes for 181 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while rushing for 83 yards and a score for the Hokies (2-5, 1-2), who were outgained 481-367.

Trailing by 14 points at halftime, Virginia Tech pieced together a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive to open the third quarter, finished with Drones’s 33-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Ricous Hairston on fourth-and-nine.

Georgia Tech answered in just over three minutes, as Hosley ran in a 15-yard score to give the Yellow Jackets a 28-14 lead. Rodney Shelley then picked off Drones for the game’s only turnover with 6:08 left in the third.

Two drives later, Georgia Tech tacked on with King’s 26-yard rushing score at the 11:54 mark of the fourth.

Drones’ 3-yard push-pass touchdown to Hairston cut the Hokies’ deficit to 35-20 with 4:58 left. The margin stood at 15 after Virginia Tech’s unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt.

Georgia Tech opened the game with a nine-play, 79-yard scoring drive stamped with King’s 2-yard touchdown rush and tacked on two points with a jet pass to Malik Rutherford to give the Yellow Jackets an 8-0 lead with 10:53 left in the first quarter.

After a Virginia Tech punt, King’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Rutherford pushed the lead to 15-0 at the 4:34 mark.

Aidan Birr’s 25-yard field goal extended the margin to 18 with 9:01 left in the first half.

Following their third consecutive punt, the Hokies finally found the end zone on their fourth possession, with Drones’ 32-yard rushing touchdown trimming Georgia Tech’s lead to 18-7 with 3:13 remaining.

Birr’s 30-yard field goal gave the Yellow Jackets a 14-point halftime-edge.

–Jack Batten, Field Level Media

Nov 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) scrambles against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech pulls off 28-23 upset win over No. 4 Miami

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Haynes King ran for a game-high 93 yards and a touchdown to help Georgia Tech to the home upset of No. 4 Miami 28-23 in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday.

King, who split time at quarterback with Aaron Philo, also threw for a touchdown, while Philo passed for 67 yards and a score. Jamal Haynes ran for 83 yards and a touchdown, as the Yellow Jackets (6-4, 4-3 ACC) snapped a two-game skid.

Miami (9-1, 5-1) lost for the first time, despite Cam Ward’s 348 passing yards and three touchdowns. Jacolby George led the Hurricanes with seven receptions for 88 yards. Ward fumbled on Miami’s final possession with under two minutes remaining.

Trailing 14-10 at halftime, Miami turned the ball over on downs on its opening drive of the second half, as Ward’s pass attempt was incomplete at Georgia Tech’s 39-yard line.

The Yellow Jackets then took a 21-10 lead on an eight-play, 61-yard drive that was stamped with Philo’s first career touchdown pass, a 15-yard score to Chase Lane with 6:46 remaining in the third quarter.

The Hurricanes scored their first touchdown since their opening drive, as Ward found Isiah Horton on an eight-yard pass, with 2:43 left in the third quarter. Ward’s two-point conversion attempt was stuffed, as Miami’s deficit was cut to 21-16 entering the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing drive, the Yellow Jackets converted a third and 18 on Miami’s 45-yard line, as Philo found Bailey Stockton for a 27-yard reception. Three plays later, King delivered a 5-yard TD run to extend Georgia Tech’s lead 28-16 with 13:09 remaining in the game.

Miami closed to within one score when Ward connected with Xavier Restrepo for a 38-yard TD pass with 6:07 left. Following a Georgia Tech punt, Ward was strip-sacked by Romello Height, and Jordan van den Berg recovered the fumble on the Hurricanes’ 17-yard line to ice the win.

Haynes ran in the game’s first score from 16 yards out, giving the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 lead at the 12:49 mark.

Miami scored on its second offensive play, as Ward found Arroyo on a 74-yard game-tying touchdown pass with 11:59 left in the opening quarter.

Miami took its only lead with Andres Borregales’ 41-yard field goal with 7:52 left in the first quarter, before Georgia Tech retook the lead with a 17-play, 75-yard drive, stamped with King’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Malik Rutherford for a 14-10 advantage.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks for a passing option against the Duke Blue Devils during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

No. 4 Miami looks to stay perfect in battle with Georgia Tech

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With every week that passes, the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes’ pursuit of their first Atlantic Coast Conference title and College Football Playoff appearance grows closer.

After Tuesday’s CFP rankings placed the Hurricanes in the four-spot, Miami knows where it stands in the committee’s mind ahead of Saturday’s game in Atlanta against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Miami (9-0, 5-0 ACC), one of the nation’s five remaining undefeated teams, was included in the CFP poll for the first time since 2020 and sits at its highest ranking since it was No. 2 in November 2017.

The Hurricanes’ 5-0 conference mark has them tied with SMU atop the ACC leaderboard. Miami has only appeared in the ACC Championship Game once, a 38-3 loss to Clemson in 2017.

Despite its perfect record, the Hurricanes haven’t gone through the season without a handful of scares. Miami rallied from a 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit in its 38-34 win over Virginia Tech and a 25-point deficit in a 39-38 win at California before overcoming a pesky Duke team last time out. The Hurricanes trailed the Blue Devils 28-17 in the third quarter at home on Saturday before pulling away for a 53-31 victory.

Behind quarterback Cam Ward’s 3,146 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, the 2024 season has brought back relevance to a Miami program that hasn’t won a postseason game in eight years.

“I think our hunger is growing,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said. “We recognize what a blessing it is to be in November and playing very significant football. I think we understand the importance of focusing on 1-0 and nothing else matters besides our current opportunity.”

The explosive Hurricanes offense leads the nation with 556.9 yards and 47.4 points per game. As consistent as the unit has been for Miami, its opponent this week finds itself on the other side of the spectrum.

Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3) has lost two straight, most recently being held without a touchdown in its 21-6 loss at Virginia Tech. A major factor in the skid has been the absence of quarterback Haynes King. The second-year starter left a 41-34 win at North Carolina on Oct. 12 with a shoulder injury and hasn’t played since.

King, who has thrown eight touchdowns to just one interception, adding 353 rushing yards and six scores on the ground, was filled in for by Zach Pyron and Aaron Philo. Pyron completed just 10 of 22 passes for 76 yards in Georgia Tech’s loss to Virginia Tech, before being benched for third-stringer Aaron Philo, who threw for 184 yards in the defeat.

According to head coach Brent Key, King’s status is still up in the air.

“We’re hopeful,” Key said. “I don’t have anything else to tell you other than he is day-to-day. He is improving, he practiced, he is out there so we will see and it will be a game-time decision.”

A win Saturday would be Georgia Tech’s sixth, making them bowl eligible for a second straight year for the first time since appearing in a bowl every season from 1997-2014.

–Field Level Media

Oct 26, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones (1) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Kyron Drones shows scoring versatility in Virginia Tech’s win over Georgia Tech

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Kyron Drones passed, rushed and caught touchdowns, leading Virginia Tech to a 21-6 win over visiting Georgia Tech in Atlantic Coast Conference play Saturday in Blacksburg, Va.

Drones completed 17 of 28 passes for 128 yards. Bhayshul Tuten ran for a team-high 72 yards, as the Hokies (5-3, 3-1 ACC) won for the third straight time. Benji Gosnell hauled in four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown in the win.

For Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3), starting quarterback Zach Pyron completed just 9-of-21 passing for 71 yards and an interception. Pyron was replaced in the third quarter by Aaron Philo, who completed 11 of 26 passes for 184 yards and an interception.

Jamal Haynes led the Yellow Jackets with 48 rushing yards, while Eric Singleton Jr. caught five passes for 90 yards, as Georgia Tech lost its second straight.

Leading 14-6, the Hokies had a chance to extend their lead to two scores, but John Love’s 54-yard field-goal attempt was blocked by Ryland Goede. Virginia Tech regained possession two plays later, however, as Keli Lawson intercepted Pyron and returned the ball to the Yellow Jackets’ 42-yard line.

Drones then found Stephen Gosnell for 27 yards on first down, leading to Drones’ 1-yard rushing touchdown with 4:50 left in the third, extending the Hokies’ lead to 21-6.

On the final play of the third quarter, newly inserted Philo found Singleton for 57 yards to the Hokies’ 26-yard line. From there, however, the Virginia Tech defense stuffed Haynes on fourth-and-1, forcing a turnover on downs.

In the first quarter, Georgia Tech cracked the scoreboard on its opening drive, as Aidan Birr knocked through a 34-yard field goal at the 7:00 mark.

Following punts from each team, the Hokie offense put together its best drive to that point, with Drones connecting with Benji Gosnell for 31 yards to the Yellow Jacket 20-yard line, before going back to Gosnell for a 20-yard passing touchdown with 13:02 left in the second quarter.

With 5:39 remaining in the opening half, Birr’s season-long 50-yard field goal cut Georgia Tech’s deficit to 7-6.

Virginia Tech answered on the following drive with Tuten’s 41-yard run on the first play, before wide receiver Keylen Adams threw a 6-yard touchdown to Drones on a reverse play with 1:45 left in the first half, giving the Hokies a 14-6 advantage.

–Field Level Media

Oct 17, 2024; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) runs the ball against Boston College Eagles cornerback Bryquice Brown (19) during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech aim to run past Georgia Tech

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Two teams vying for a key Atlantic Coast Conference victory will meet Saturday afternoon when Virginia Tech hosts Georgia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.

The Hokies (4-3, 2-1) are seeking their first three-game winning streak since 2019.

Bhayshul Tuten set a school record with 266 rushing yards to go with three rushing touchdowns and a receiving score in Virginia Tech’s 42-21 victory over Boston College last week.

For the season, Tuten’s 871 rushing yards rank sixth in the nation, and second in the ACC only to North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton (901).

Virginia Tech hopes to see its offensive momentum continue Saturday as it prepares for Georgia Tech (5-3, 3-2), which has won four in a row in Blacksburg.

“We appreciate our fans’ support; we’ll need it again this weekend,” Hokies coach Brent Pry said. “Quality opponent, in conference, an awesome opportunity for our football program against a very good football team. (Georgia Tech) has been competitive each game, and I know we’ll have a good football team coming in here.”

The last time the Yellow Jackets and Hokies met was on Nov. 5, 2022, a 28-27 win by Georgia Tech. In that game, Georgia Tech quarterback Zach Pyron led an 11-point, fourth-quarter rally.

Nearly two years later, it might be Pyron who is preparing to face the Hokies again in Lane Stadium.

After backing up starter Haynes King since the beginning of 2023, Pyron was thrown back into the starting role last Saturday in a 31-13 loss against then-No. 12 Notre Dame. King sustained a shoulder injury in an Oct. 12 win at North Carolina.

However, coach Brent Key is making it clear that the Yellow Jackets haven’t come to a QB decision yet.

“Haynes is still day-to-day,” Key said. “There was some report that someone had come out with that said he’s not playing. There’s only one person in the entire stratosphere universe that makes that call, and that’s myself. There’s been zero call made on that. Are we preparing the other guy to play? Yes. Are we ruling him out? No.”

For the season, King has thrown for 1,568 yards and eight touchdowns, with one interception. He’s added 353 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

Pyron is 25-for-43 for 333 yards, with two touchdown passes and two interceptions. He’s added 105 rushing yards and four scores.

–Field Level Media

Oct 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (11) is hoisted in the air after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech stuns North Carolina with late 68-yard TD

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Jamal Haynes ran for a game-high 170 yards, including the go-ahead 68-yard touchdown with 16 seconds left, as visiting Georgia Tech beat North Carolina 41-34 in Atlantic Coast Conference play Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The game-winner was one of two rushing scores for Haynes, who helped the Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-2) to their second straight win. Haynes King completed 11 of 22 passes for 127 yards, adding 107 rushing yards and a pair of scores on the ground for Georgia Tech.

Jacolby Criswell completed 17 of 31 passes for 209 yards with a touchdown for North Carolina (3-4, 0-3), which dropped its fourth straight game. Criswell added 73 yards and two scores on the ground. Omarion Hampton led the Tar Heels with 137 rushing yards.

The Yellow Jackets took a 27-14 lead with an eight-play, 67-yard drive that ended with King’s 7-yard touchdown run with 6:46 left in the third quarter. Noah Burnette cut into the Tar Heels’ deficit with a 50-yard field goal at the 2:53 mark.

After forcing a three-and-out, Alijah Huzzie scored on a 69-yard punt return for North Carolina, trimming Georgia Tech’s lead to 27-24 with 1:10 left in the third.

The Yellow Jackets answered with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that Haynes capped with a 4-yard touchdown run with 11:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. Criswell’s 1-yard score on fourth-and-goal pulled North Carolina within 34-31 with 3:27 to play.

The Tar Heels then forced a punt and drew even at 34-34 on Burnette’s 26-yarder with 44 seconds left. Haynes rushed for the winning score on the second play of Georgia Tech’s ensuing drive.

The visitors scored first after a six-play, 38-yard drive, stamped with Chad Alexander’s 2-yard run with 6:12 left in the first quarter.

Later in the first quarter, Criswell connected with J.J. Jones for a 53-yard pass to the Yellow Jacket 25-yard line. Criswell ran in the Tar Heels’ first score from 1 yard out two plays later.

Aidan Birr made a 26-yard field goal for Georgia Tech at the 7:36 mark of the second quarter. King rushed for a 20-yard touchdown with 1:54 left in the first half, extending the Yellow Jackets’ lead to 17-7.

Hampton broke off a 71-yard run to begin North Carolina’s next possession, which led to Criswell’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Jones with 34 seconds left. Birr’s 29-yard field goal with three seconds left put Georgia Tech ahead 20-14 at halftime.

–Field Level Media

Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough (9) throws the ball during their game against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Ky.

No. 19 Louisville puts high-output offense up against Georgia Tech

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No. 19 Louisville will play host to Georgia Tech on Saturday in a battle of ACC teams intent on having a say in who wins the conference title.

Georgia Tech (3-1, 1-1 ACC) is coming off a 59-7 blowout victory over VMI last Saturday. The Yellow Jackets were picked ninth in the ACC preseason poll but already have knocked off preseason No. 1 pick Florida State in their opener, while falling 31-28 at Syracuse on Sept. 7.

“We’ll have our hands full,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm said of Georgia Tech. “We’re going against a team that’s very efficient on offense, in the passing and running game. They’re physical at the point of attack, control the football and play solid defense.”

Louisville (2-0) had time to prepare for its conference opener, as it is coming off the first of two bye weeks. The Cardinals have shown some early offense in victories over FCS opponent Austin Peay 62-0 and Jacksonville State 49-14. Louisville was picked fifth in the ACC preseason poll.

“We have two bye weeks this year, which I don’t love, but they’re there, so we try and get our guys fresh and healthy, which we did,” Brohm said. “It’s important that they know that we have an important stretch of games coming up that we have to be ready for. We have to continue to progress to reach our ultimate goal, and you’ve got to be sharp each week.”

The Yellow Jackets are ranked 36th in total offense at 446.2 yards per game and have averaged 36.5 points per game. The defense has allowed 317.5 yards (66th) and 17.8 points per game (51st).

Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King has 962 passing yards and six touchdowns, while he has rushed for 158 yards and three more TDs. King has thrown only one interception and has completed 76.4 percent of his passes.

“They’re battle-tested, without question,” Brohm said. “They’ve proven that they can play some good football, so I give the credit where credit is due. They’ve done a really good job.”

While Louisville rolled to victories in two games against heavy underdogs, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key knows this week’s opponent can be a scoring threat.

“We have a big challenge in front of us,” Key said. “A very good Louisville team. Coach Brohm, Jeff does a great job. Not just coaching and developing his team, but, you know, as a game manager as well. … They’re a talented team.”

Louisville went 10-4 last season in the first year under Brohm, a former Cardinals quarterback. Louisville beat Georgia Tech 39-34 last season in the opening game for both teams and eventually lost to Florida State 16-6 in the ACC championship game.

Even with 41 newcomers on the roster, the Cardinals are third-best in the nation with 55.5 points per game and are fourth with 590.5 yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Shough has passed for 581 yards and six TDs. The Louisville defense is allowing just seven points and 198 yards per game, which rank 10th and eighth, respectively.

It’s the fourth all-time meeting between Louisville and Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets won the first two games, 66-31 in 2018 and 46-27 in 2020.

–Field Level Media