Georgia Tech Upsets Clemson with Last-Second Field Goal

Atlanta, GA, September 15, 2025

News Summary

Georgia Tech secured a thrilling 24-21 victory over No. 12 Clemson with a 55-yard field goal by Aidan Birr as time expired. This win marks Georgia Tech’s first against Clemson since 2014 and improves their record to 3-0, the best start since 2016. Quarterback Haynes King played a crucial role, completing 19 of 27 passes and adding a rushing touchdown. The Yellow Jackets’ strong defense was pivotal in overcoming offensive struggles, highlighting a potential turning point for the program under Coach Brent Key.

Atlanta, GA – Georgia Tech achieved a remarkable victory over the No. 12 Clemson Tigers with a score of 24-21, marking their first win against Clemson since 2014. This last-second triumph came courtesy of a 55-yard field goal kicked by Aidan Birr as time expired, tying for the longest successful field goal in Georgia Tech’s history.

The victory propelled the Yellow Jackets back into the AP Top 25 for the first time since September 2024. With this win, Georgia Tech improved to 3-0, their best start since 2016, placing them as a notable contender for the ACC Championship and the College Football Playoff.

Quarterback Haynes King, who had been sidelined with a lower-body injury, returned to lead his team, completing 19 of 27 passes for 216 yards and rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown on 25 attempts. His performance was pivotal in navigating the Yellow Jackets through a tight game. Georgia Tech’s offensive drive in the closing moments consisted of a ten-play, 38-yard effort that set up Birr’s game-winning kick.

However, the game was a struggle for regulation, with Georgia Tech initially setting a strong tone but allowing Clemson to tie the game at 21 points with just 3:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite their offensive troubles, with only 10 points scored on three attempts in the red zone and problematic rushing in the first half, Georgia Tech’s defense stepped up significantly, making several crucial plays throughout the matchup.

Clemson’s quarterback, Cade Klubnik, faced challenges himself, throwing for 207 yards with one touchdown, one interception, and a fumble. This loss marks Clemson’s second consecutive setback after starting the season ranked No. 4. Following this game, Clemson dropped in rankings, while Georgia Tech experienced a boost, symbolizing a notable shift in the dynamics of college football this season.

Looking ahead, Georgia Tech will play against non-conference opponent Temple next week, while Clemson is set to host Syracuse. The significant victory for Georgia Tech is viewed as an important milestone for the program under Coach Brent Key, indicating a promising future for the team.

Key Stats and Performances

• Game Winner: Aidan Birr’s 55-yard field goal.
• Back-To-Back Wins: Georgia Tech wins against Clemson for the first time since 2014.
• Strong Start: Georgia Tech at 3-0 for first time since 2016.
• Quarterback Performance: Haynes King – 216 passing yards, 103 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD.
• Clemson’s Performance: Cade Klubnik – 207 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 interception.

Background Context

The win over Clemson is a significant moment for Georgia Tech football, showcasing resilience and strategic capability under Coach Brent Key. The Yellow Jackets have faced their share of offensive struggles, particularly with their red-zone performance and rushing game this season, yet they continue to demonstrate defensive prowess that keeps them competitive. The current season signals a potential turnaround for Georgia Tech after several years of inconsistent performance.

Upcoming Games

In their next match, Georgia Tech will clash with non-conference adversary Temple, while Clemson looks to recover against Syracuse as both teams aim to regain momentum for the season.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
• Sports Illustrated
• Google Search: Georgia Tech Clemson football highlights
• WSB TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Clemson University
• Sports Illustrated
• Google News: Georgia Tech football
• WSB TV
• 11 Alive

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