The 2024 college football season kicked off with a bang as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets pulled off a stunning upset against the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles in the season opener in Ireland. The Yellow Jackets, who were 10.5-point underdogs, emerged victorious with a 24-21 win, sealed by a 44-yard field goal by Aidan Birr as time expired.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Georgia Tech leading for the majority of the game. Quarterback Haynes King played a crucial role in the victory, finishing 11-for-16 for 146 passing yards and adding 54 rushing yards. Running back Jamal Haynes also had a standout performance, rushing 11 times for 75 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
In his debut for Florida State, quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei put up a solid performance, going 19-for-27 with 193 passing yards. He made two clutch fourth-down completions on the drive that tied the game midway through the fourth quarter. However, it was Haynes King and the Yellow Jackets who had the last laugh, as they bled the final 6:33 off the clock on their game-winning drive.
The victory was a statement win for Georgia Tech, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. The Yellow Jackets showed resilience and determination, proving that they are a team to be reckoned with in the competitive world of college football.
As the first game of the season provided a thrilling upset, college football fans can look forward to more exciting matchups throughout the day. The schedule includes four games involving six FBS teams, with each game promising its own share of drama and excitement.
In another game, SMU staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Nevada 29-24, avoiding a massive upset as a 27.5-point favorite. The Mustangs took the lead late in the game with a touchdown pass from Preston Stone to RJ Maryland, securing the victory and showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, Montana State pulled off a stunning comeback of their own, rallying from 17 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat New Mexico 35-31. The Bobcats‘ victory marked the first FCS over FBS upset of the season, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football.
Overall, the first day of the 2024 college football season provided plenty of excitement and surprises, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable season ahead. Fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes as the season unfolds.