Bleav In Georgia Tech: Instant Reaction and Takeaways From Yellow Jackets' Loss to Pittsburgh

What are the biggest reactions and takeaways from Georgia Tech's loss to Pittsburgh?
Nov 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) reacts after a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Nov 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) reacts after a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

With a chance to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship game, Georgia Tech came out flat, fell behind 28-0, and could not catch up vs Pittsburgh. The Yellow Jackets were playing their biggest game in years and far too many times, it looked like the moment was just too big for them.

Now, making the ACC Championship game is going to be nearly impossible and with that, Georgia Tech's college football playoff hopes. Not too long ago, Georgia Tech was 8-0 and looking like a sure bet to make the ACC Championship.

On the latest episode of Bleav in Georgia Tech, Jackson and RJ break down the loss to the Panthers and look at what comes next.

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Tough Loss

Brent Key Georgia Tec
Nov 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key walks off the field after a loos to the Pittsburgh Panthers at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

It was a disappointing outcome for Georgia Tech considering what was on the line in the game and the fact that it was at home. Why did the team come out flat and fall behind 28-0? Brent Key tried to answer that after the game:

"If you had a checklist, I could probably check all the boxes. I mean, we couldn't establish, you know, we couldn't run the football. Couldn't, you know, we had drops, we had poor protection. You know, we definitely got our tails whooped at the line of scrimmage. You know, penalties carried on throughout the game. And so, really absolutely everything."

Key also talked about rallying the team when they were down 28-0:

"Yeah, I mean, that's just, and that's an expectation. We got down 28 to nothing. You know, called them together at the end of the first quarter, but end of the day, and there's no justification for it. You lose a game. Loss is a loss. So, you know, they did have a, you know, play the next play mentality, and we're able to keep playing and try to cut it close. But, I mean, that's, like I said, an insurmountable deficit we put ourselves in."

Now, Georgia Tech needs a miracle in ACC play next week to somehow get to Charlotte and still have a shot at the college football playoff. Considering how everything seemed to be lining up for this program this season, this game and how they played might be hard to stomach for a bit.

Georgia Tech ends their regular season next Friday against Georgia (3:30 p.m. ET ABC).

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Jackson Caudell
JACKSON CAUDELL

Jackson Caudell has been covering Georgia Tech Athletics For On SI since March 2022 and the Atlanta Hawks for On SI since October 2023. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell

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