Georgia Tech's position decline: what's ahead for The Yellow Jackets

Christian Standal

•
Georgia Tech’s ranking drop: what's next for the Yellow Jackets image

TL;DR

  • Georgia Tech lost to Pittsburgh 42-28, ending their ACC Championship hopes and dropping them seven spots nationally.
  • Quarterback Haynes King's two crucial interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six, significantly impacted the game's outcome.
  • Despite a strong season record, the ACC's competitiveness and Georgia Tech's single conference loss proved detrimental.
  • Georgia Tech now focuses on their rivalry game against Georgia, "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate," with quarterback future uncertain.

Georgia Tech held a favorable standing in the ACC prior to their matchup with Pittsburgh, having accumulated only a single conference defeat. The Yellow Jackets seemed well-positioned for a potential ACC Championship bid, carrying a commendable 5-1 conference record and considerable momentum. Nevertheless, the situation shifted dramatically when Pittsburgh secured a significant upset, besting Georgia Tech by a score of 42–28. This defeat not only dashed Georgia Tech's aspirations for an ACC Championship game appearance but also resulted in a seven-place drop in the national rankings for the team.

Quarterback Haynes King had a difficult outing, tossing two damaging interceptions at crucial junctures. One of these turnovers was returned 100 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, precisely when Georgia Tech was building momentum and narrowing the deficit. This decisive play dramatically shifted the game's momentum towards Pittsburgh. Pitt swiftly followed up with another score, making the game insurmountable and effectively ending Georgia Tech's championship aspirations.

Despite a 6–2 conference standing typically indicating a successful season, the ACC has proven unusually challenging this year. Each opponent Georgia Tech faced also possessed only a single conference defeat, allowing minimal room for mistakes. In this closely contested league, even one loss can be detrimental, and regrettably for Georgia Tech, their playoff hopes diminished as the standings tightened.

The Rivalry That Still Matters: “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”

Following the disappointment, Georgia Tech is now directing its attention toward one of college football's most intense rivalries: the yearly contest against Georgia, commonly referred to as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” Author Bill Cromartie originated this rivalry moniker, aiming to encapsulate the deep-rooted history and strong feelings between the two teams. Even though the game occasionally has corporate sponsorships, such as the “Invesco QQQ Atlanta Gridiron Classic,” which varies with the sponsor, supporters continue to favor the established name.

“Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” represents decades of competition, regional pride, and deep-rooted animosity between the Yellow Jackets and Bulldogs. Even though Georgia Tech’s ACC title hopes have faded, this rivalry game remains a highlight of the season, where both teams bring out their best effort, fueled by pride and history.

What’s Next for Georgia Tech’s Quarterback Position?

This season, Haynes King has been instrumental to Georgia Tech's offense, demonstrating notable athleticism and leadership. Nevertheless, considering his potential entry into the NFL Draft next year, uncertainties surround the future of the quarterback role at Georgia Tech. King's difficulties against Pittsburgh, particularly the interceptions, underscored persistent worries regarding his judgment and reliability.

King is a probable draft pick, though likely in the later stages or as an undrafted free agent. His draft position hinges on his ability to enhance ball security and decrease turnovers. Evaluators appreciate his exceptional speed, deep-pass precision, and resilience. During the 2024 season, King became one of a select few quarterbacks to achieve over 2,700 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns.

A drawback is that King threw 16 interceptions last season, leading the ACC, and his accuracy on short passes has varied. Concerns also exist regarding his physical resilience, particularly in the tougher NFL setting, which might affect his draft standing.

Brent Key’s Commitment to Georgia Tech

Despite these challenges, Georgia Tech’s head coach Brent Key has shown unwavering dedication to the program. He recently signed a new five-year contract with a significant pay raise, firmly committing to building the team and competing for championships. Key has publicly dismissed rumors of leaving, famously stating, “Slice me open and see what colors I bleed,” emphasizing his loyalty to his alma mater.

While coaches frequently explore other career paths, Key's recent remarks and contract indicate his commitment to enhancing Georgia Tech football.

Looking Ahead

Georgia Tech’s fall in the rankings was disappointing but not surprising given the tough competition in the ACC and their loss to Pittsburgh. With the “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry game against Georgia on the horizon and uncertainty surrounding their quarterback’s future, the Yellow Jackets face a critical period. Still, with a committed head coach and a history of resilience, Georgia Tech’s season and future remain full of potential.

More college football news: 

Senior Editor