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 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 FSU debut, D.J. Uiagalelei put up a solid performance, going 19-for-27 with 193 passing yards and making two clutch fourth-down completions on the drive that tied the game in 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 set the tone for an exciting day of college football, with four games involving six FBS teams on the schedule. One of the standout matchups was between SMU and Nevada, which ended in a thrilling 29-24 victory for SMU. The Mustangs staged an 11-point comeback to avoid a massive upset as a 27.5-point favorite.
The game featured several lead changes and big plays, including a go-ahead touchdown pass from Preston Stone to RJ Maryland and a safety by the SMU defense. The back-and-forth action kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
In another exciting matchup, Montana State rallied from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to stun New Mexico with a 35-31 victory. The Bobcats showed resilience and determination as they mounted a comeback to secure the win, marking the first FCS over FBS victory of the season.
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 season ahead. With standout performances, dramatic comebacks, and unexpected upsets, fans were treated to a day of football that showcased the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the sport.