Bleav Georgia Tech: Reaction and Takeaways From The 24-21 Win Over Clemson

What are the biggest takeaways from Georgia Tech's Win Over Clemson?

Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key on the sideline against the Clemson Tigers in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech had not beaten Clemson since 2014, and the Yellow Jackets did it in dramatic fashion. After trailing 14-13 in the second half, the Yellow Jackets put together clutch play after clutch lay, with none bigger than Aidan Birr's 55-yard field goal at the end of the game. With no timeouts, Georgia Tech ran a play to get it to the middle of the field and hurried the field goal team out onto the field.

Yellow Jackets kicker Aidan Birr was perfect on the day and the season, and he made the most important one count. Birr hurried onto the field and kicked the field goal right down the middle and giving Georgia Tech their biggest win of the Brent Key era.

On the latest episode of Bleav in Georgia Tech, I share my reactions and takeaways from Georgia Tech's big victory over the Tigers.

If you like the show, like and subscribe on YouTube and follow us wherever you get your podcasts!

Big favorites on Saturday

Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) celebrates after a touchdown with offensive lineman Henry Peagler (60) against the Clemson Tigers in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech is going to welcome Temple to Atlanta on Saturday and the Yellow Jackets are going to be 24.5 point favorites in that game according to Fanduel Sportsbook, with the over/under being set at 53.5.

For winning yesterday's game, Georgia Tech is now ranked at No. 18 in the AP Poll.

The national rankings are Georgia Tech’s first since it was ranked No. 23 by the AP after its 2-0 start a year ago, but marks the first time that the Yellow Jackets have been in the top 25 in both major polls since they were ranked No. 20 by both polls exactly 10 years ago, following Week 3 of the 2015 season.

Tech’s No. 18/19 ranking is also its highest since it came in at No. 14/16 after Week 2 in 2015.

Georgia Tech entered the national rankings following its 24-21 win over then-No. 12/11 Clemson on Saturday. The Jackets have received votes in both polls throughout the 2025 season, but leapt 10 spots in the AP poll and 15 positions in the coaches poll to go from unranked to inside the top 20.

Great ending

Sep 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Jamal Haynes (1) runs the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Georgia Tech managed the time right down to the wire and walked out of their home stadium with arguably the biggest win of the Brent Key era. The Yellow Jackets are now 3-0 for the first time since 2016 and can now say they are among the contenders for the ACC Championship and the College Football playoff.

The Yellow Jackets had not beaten Clemson since 2014 and earlier this week, head coach Brent Key talked about how to make the rivalry better, it can't be one sided and that his team had to do its part:

" A lot of great memories. Yes, this is a rivalry. This is one of the most natural rivalry, rivalries in this league with being in two separate states, you know it's the proximity, it's the types of ball games that have been played over those 40 years, but the rivalry needs to be just that, a rivalry, and that's on us to put the game back in the right balance. It's not a rivalry if it's one-sided completely, so it's on us to be able to go out and compete and make these games what they should be, and I believe Saturday will be a really good football game. We know we can't control outcomes, these things, but we can control what we put into it, and you know everything you know, the support from the fans and student body. They come in and help be a part of this and help make this a true home-field advantage."

While just one win, this shows that Georgia Tech has taken a significant step forward and shown the ability to beat the Tigers, who were a popular pick to win the national championship before the season.

The interesting thing to watch now is how Georgia Tech handles this success. They are likely going to be favored in every game for the rest of the season and may not face a ranked foe until the season finale against Georgia. This is a monumental win for the program. but the work is just beginning. There are nine weeks to go.

But this one is going to feel good for quite some time.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.