Georgia Tech Clinches Thrilling 30-29 Victory Over N.C. State
ATLANTA (AP) — In a nail-biting finish, Georgia Tech edged out N.C. State 30-29 on Thursday night, thanks to an 18-yard touchdown run by quarterback Aaron Philo with just 22 seconds left on the clock. The Yellow Jackets improved to 7-4 overall and 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, while the Wolfpack dropped to 5-6 and 2-5.
The match took a dramatic turn in the final minutes when N.C. State’s Hollywood Smothers dashed for a 53-yard touchdown, giving the Wolfpack a brief 29-23 lead with 1:30 remaining. However, Philo’s heroics restored Georgia Tech’s advantage. Following his touchdown, the Wolfpack had one last chance but Collin Smith’s 58-yard field goal attempt was wide left.
N.C. State’s freshman QB CJ Bailey had a mixed performance, scoring three rushing touchdowns but also throwing three costly interceptions, one of which E.J. Lightsey returned for a touchdown. Though Bailey’s 16-yard touchdown run in the first quarter set the tone for State’s offensive efforts, his turnovers proved detrimental.
Georgia Tech struggled offensively, scoring only 13 points by halftime and relying heavily on the kicking game with Aidan Birr’s three field goals. The Yellow Jackets successfully completed a perfect 5-0 home record at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
With the loss, N.C. State missed the opportunity to become bowl eligible, while Georgia Tech now sets its sights on a challenging game against No. 8 Georgia on November 29. N.C. State will close out its regular season against North Carolina on November 30, aiming to rebound.
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Photo credit accesswdun.com
