Georgia Tech Edges Florida State in Dublin

Yellow Jackets Use Ball Control Offense To Win The Day At Aviva

At Dublin's beautiful Aviva Stadium, there were numerous goodies on sale for fans. Among those items was a small booklet offering "game program" type details on the matchup. One feature included a good bit of Georgia Tech's football history, focusing on the career of John Heisman. He came to Tech in 1904 to resurrect a program from the dregs. He succeeded.

Heisman turned Tech into a winner in his first year, and his 16 year tenure at The Institue was consistently successful- so much so, that he became the first paid football coach, by several reports. As his reputation grew, his philosophy for winning g football became more apparent.

A favorite Heisman saying was..." When you find your opponent's weak spot, hammer it" . We can only guess that John Heisman would have approved of the manner in which Tech took care of business with FSU in Ireland on Saturday.

When asked about Tech's game in his post- game remarks, head coach Brent Key exclaimed..."Run the ball!" Indirectly, he was espousing Heisman's edict from a century ago about how best to win. It worked. And the impressive thing about it all is that FSU players and coaches knew that Tech's run game was the linchpin of their game plan

Even so, late in the game, Tech moved the ball downfield on the ground with dispatch, gaining first downs and chewing up clock in a way that would have made Paul Johnson proud.

On their game winning drive, the Yellow Jackets covered 49 yards in 12 plays, using over six minutes in the process . There were nine runs and three passes.

They persisted through one five - yard penalty as well as a 10 yard loss on a fumbled snap, which was recovered. On the game's penultimate play, a short pass from Haynes King to Eric Singleton got back that loss, plus two more yards.

After a time-out at the 00:05 mark, Aidan Birr came on to hit a 44 yard game- winning field goal as time expired.

Tech players and coaches swarmed the field, to exult in their win– unexpected by all , it seemed, but themselves .

One man who was not surprised was Seminole Coach Mike Norvell. He saluted Tech's plan and effort.

Norvell gave specific mention to the problems that Tech QB Haynes King presents to opposing defenses with his running ability. Said Norvell," Even when he doesn't keep the ball, you have to account for him."

Stats did not overwhelm. This was a workmanlike win. Jamal Haynes ran for 75 yards and two scores. Haynes King passed for 146 yards and ran for 54 more. There were no turnovers.

If there was a time to wilt, it would be after a 4th quarter FSU scoring drive that used 15 plays and featured two 4th down conversions .

Now tied at 21, Tech took the ball on their own 25 with 6:33 left. They had already found their opponent's weakness. Now they hammered it.

Brent Key is developing a reputation for beating ranked teams on the road. Saturday night in Dublin, he did it again.

The margin was three . Not spectacular. But the manner in which Tech executed the win was nonetheless extremely impressive.

They ran the ball effectively, even when--especially when– it was needed most. They did not bow to pressure when things went momentarily sideways. And their newly renovated defense stepped up big time, after the smooth opening scoring drive by FSU had invoked memories among Tech fans of leaky defenses from years past. As an extra smack, the Seminoles added a two -point conversion. Tbey were up by eight less than four minutes into the contest.​

Not to worry, Tech LB Kyle Efford would say later. Tech's defense regrouped, adjusted to add more help in the box, and from that point forward, the Jackets yielded only 40 more yards on the ground.

After Birr hit the game winner, a happy celebration ensued among all folks Georgia Tech. The scene was reminiscent of their bowl win in Tampa last December. This was a team who had just earned a big win over a vaunted opponent on the biggest road trip. It felt good.

Georgia Tech 24, Florida State 21. The Yellow Jackets have come a long way. They have set themselves up for a quick start to 2024. Now, as Key has noted, we will see if these Jackets can attain consistency. Last year it evaded them. Next Saturday night at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Tech will be the heavy favorite and Georgia State will be the underdog with a point to prove.

We won't know til we know, but the manner in which Key and crew won this game portends well.

Patrick Conarro

RamblinSports.com