The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Florida State Seminoles have a long and storied history in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Their matchups are always highly anticipated and closely watched, with many thrilling moments etched in the memories of fans. Here, we'll relive five key moments from their rivalry, showcasing the excitement and drama that often accompanies these clashes.
1. The Miracle on Techwood Drive (2015)
One of the most memorable moments in the Georgia Tech-Florida State series came on October 24, 2015, in a game that will forever be known as the "Miracle on Techwood Drive." Down 16-13 with 23 seconds left, Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas led a desperate drive from his own 21-yard line. After converting a fourth-and-long, Thomas connected with Ricky Jeune for a 78-yard touchdown pass with 23 seconds remaining. However, a penalty pushed the extra point attempt back to the 35-yard line, which Harrison Butker nailed for the 22-16 Yellow Jackets victory.
2. The Comeback in Tallahassee (2008)
On November 15, 2008, the Yellow Jackets faced a 24-3 deficit midway through the third quarter against the Seminoles in Tallahassee. However, Georgia Tech staged a dramatic comeback, scoring 25 unanswered points to take a 28-24 lead with just over a minute left. Florida State's Graham Gano booted a 55-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime, where the Yellow Jackets prevailed 31-28.
3. The Seminoles' Dominant Performance (2013)
On October 19, 2013, Florida State traveled to Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, where they delivered a resounding 41-28 victory over Georgia Tech. The Seminoles' Jameis Winston threw for 383 yards and two touchdowns, while the Yellow Jackets' Vad Lee was intercepted twice. This dominant performance marked a high point in the Seminoles' season, which ultimately ended in a BCS National Championship.
4. The Justin Thomas Show (2014)
In a game marked by impressive individual performances, Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas stole the show on October 18, 2014. Thomas accounted for 171 rushing yards, 156 passing yards, and three total touchdowns, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 31-28 upset victory over the then-No. 9 Seminoles.
5. The ACC Championship Clash (2014)
The two teams met again in the 2014 ACC Championship Game, with the Seminoles prevailing 37-35 in a thriller. Georgia Tech's Justin Thomas connected with Darren Waller for a 25-yard touchdown pass with 1:48 remaining, but Florida State's Roberto Aguayo nailed a 46-yard field goal as time expired to secure the victory.
Gallery of Georgia Tech-Florida State Matchups
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most recent meeting between Georgia Tech and Florida State?
+The two teams last met on October 24, 2020, with Georgia Tech falling 31-13 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee.
Who is the all-time leading rusher in the Georgia Tech-Florida State series?
+Georgia Tech's Tony Hollings holds the record with 540 rushing yards in three games against the Seminoles.
What is the highest attendance figure for a Georgia Tech-Florida State game?
+The 2014 ACC Championship Game between the two teams drew a crowd of 72,072 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Feel free to share your favorite moments from the Georgia Tech-Florida State series in the comments below!