Georgia Tech playoff projection: How a controversial decision in OT against Wake Forest helped the Yellow Jackets stay undefeated

Jake Mozarsky

Georgia Tech playoff projection: How a controversial decision in OT against Wake Forest helped the Yellow Jackets stay undefeated image

Georgia Tech has had some marquee wins in the 2025 college football season, and added another one on Saturday with an overtime victory over Wake Forest.

The Yellow Jackets trailed 20-3 in the game, but clawed all the way back, came out with a 30-29 win in the extra period.

Though, before Georgia Tech tied the game, there was a controversial decision that allowed the Yellow Jackets' offense to get the ball back. Here's what happened in Winston-Salem as the Yellow Jackets came back to advance to 5-0.

BENDER: Why Jeremiah Smith will break through crowded QB field in Heisman race

What was the controversial decision in the Georgia Tech-Wake Forest game?

With 1:23 remaining, Wake Forest had a 23-20 lead and a chance to end the game. On a 3rd & 5, a Georgia Tech defender blatantly jumped offsides. Quarterback Robby Ashford recognized it and threw the ball deep, thinking it was a free play.

Though, the referees did not throw a flag, and the Deamon Deacons were forced to punt on the following play. Ashford was incensed after the play.

Georgia Tech went on to tie the game on the ensuing drive, and won the game in overtime.

MORE: Will Arkansas fire Sam Pittman?

Georgia Tech college football playoff odds

Entering the week, Georgia Tech had the third-best chance to reach the ACC title game at 12.2%. But, that number will probably increase after No. 8 Florida State lost to Virginia Friday night.

The Yellow Jackets sit at 5-0 and do not play a ranked opponent in the ACC. The only ranked opponent left on Georgia Tech's schedule is No. 5 Georgia on Nov. 29.

BENDER: Will Kalen DeBoer silence critics at Georgia?

ACC Standings

Georgia Tech currently sits at 5-0 and 2-0 in the ACC.

SchoolACC Record Overall Record 
Virginia2–04–1
Georgia Tech2–05–0
Duke2–03–2
Louisville1-03–0
Syracuse1-13-2
Stanford1–11–3
NC State1–13–1
Miami0-04-0
Virginia Tech0–01-3
California0-03–1
North Carolina0–02–2
SMU0–02–2
Pittsburgh0–12–2
Florida State0–13–1
Boston College0–11–2
Wake Forest0-12-2
Clemson0–21–3

DECOURCY: Is James Franklin the guy who made Penn State great again or the one who loses big games?

Georgia Tech remaining schedule

10/11vs Virginia TechTBD
10/18at DukeTBD
10/25vs SyracuseTBD
11/1at NC StateTBD
11/15at Boston CollegeTBD
11/22vs PittTBD
11/28vs No. 5 Georgia3:30 p.m. ET

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Jake Mozarsky

Jake Mozarsky joined The Sporting News as an Editorial Intern in August 2025 after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University. He has previously written for Marquee Sports Network, Chicago This Week, Inside NU and The Daily Northwestern.