Despite entering the game as considerable underdogs against the fourth-ranked Miami Hurricanes, Georgia Tech’s strong running game propelled them to a shocking 28-23 victory during their annual homecoming celebrations. Quarterbacks Haynes King and Aaron Philo combined for just 99 passing yards, but King ran for 93 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for a score. The win, which secured Georgia Tech’s first victory over a top-five team in 15 years, was celebrated by fans and students storming the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium, toppling the field goal posts in the process.
Miami, who traveled to Atlanta with an unblemished record, suffered their first loss of the season, dropping them to 9-1. Despite Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Ward throwing for 347 yards and three touchdowns, Miami was unable to overcome Georgia Tech’s strong performance. The loss not only ended Miami’s hopes of a 10-0 start but also dropped them out of a first-place tie with SMU in the ACC standings. Georgia Tech’s win also made them bowl eligible and ended a two-game losing streak, with King returning to the starting lineup after recovering from a right shoulder injury.
Miami’s unbeaten run through their first nine games included several second-half comebacks, but against Georgia Tech, they were only able to take a brief lead of 10-7. After the Yellow Jackets went up 14-10 in the second quarter, Miami trailed for the rest of the game. Ward did manage to set a school record with his 30th touchdown pass of the season, surpassing Steve Walsh’s previous record of 29 set in 1988. However, a big hit from safety Jaden Harris forced Haynes King to leave the game and he did not return, impacting Georgia Tech’s offensive performance.
The Hurricanes will likely drop in the next AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff rankings following their loss to Georgia Tech. They will return to South Florida to host Wake Forest in two weeks, looking to bounce back from their defeat. Georgia Tech will also have a bye week before facing off against North Carolina State on Thursday, November 21. The win over Miami provided a boost for Georgia Tech’s homecoming festivities and marked a significant victory for the team, as they emerged as underdogs to secure a memorable win over a top-ranked opponent.
Overall, Georgia Tech’s victory over Miami was a surprising result that showcased their resilience and determination on the field. Despite facing a formidable opponent and trailing early in the game, the Yellow Jackets rallied behind their strong running game and ultimately secured a historic win. The loss for Miami ended their hopes of an undefeated season while providing Georgia Tech with a valuable accomplishment and a boost in morale. Both teams will now regroup and prepare for their upcoming games, with Miami seeking to regain momentum and Georgia Tech aiming to build on their success.
