RALEIGH, N.C. — In an electrifying game on Saturday night, N.C. State stunned No. 8 Georgia Tech, winning 48-36. Fans leaped over barriers to celebrate on the field, soaking in a much-deserved victory.
Redshirt freshman Duke Scott played a key role, rushing for a career-high 196 yards. This win was particularly sweet as it handed Georgia Tech its first loss. Coach Dave Doeren praised his team’s resilience, saying it’s part of N.C. State’s identity. “The harder it gets, sometimes I think the better we are,” he noted.
Besides Scott’s standout performance, quarterback CJ Bailey threw for 340 yards and accounted for three touchdowns, helping the Wolfpack (5-4, 2-3 ACC) secure their first victory against a top-10 team in over four years. This game marked a significant turnaround for the program, as they had previously struggled against high-ranking opponents.
Georgia Tech came into this game with an impressive 8-0 record, their best start since 1966. Despite racking up 559 yards, they fell short, plagued by missed opportunities and mistakes. Coach Brent Key admitted his team was outperformed, saying, “They physically kicked our (butt).”
One critical moment for Georgia Tech was their inability to capitalize on red-zone opportunities. They repeatedly settled for field goals instead of touchdowns, which proved costly. Key pointed out these “self-defeating mistakes” as significant hurdles that hindered their performance.
This game also bore historical significance. Nearly 23 years ago, a similar situation occurred when N.C. State, then unbeaten and ranked No. 10, lost to Georgia Tech. That defeat initiated a troubling three-game losing streak for the Wolfpack. This recent win showed how far the program has come since then.
Scott’s impressive performance included a 69-yard run that set up a touchdown and a final 30-yard rush that sealed the game. He credited his offensive line for creating the gaps he needed. “The holes were there, and I just had to hit them,” Scott explained.
Looking ahead, N.C. State still has three games left this season. Every challenge they face now is crucial as they aim to keep momentum after such a thrilling win. On the flip side, Georgia Tech has a week off to regroup before facing Boston College on November 15.
This match highlights an important trend in college football: the unpredictability of game outcomes. With upsets becoming more common, every game feels vital, and fans are eager to see how the season unfolds. The excitement fuels social media chatter, with many fans rallying behind their teams, celebrating wins, and analyzing defeats.
For those wanting to dive deeper into college football statistics, the AP Top 25 provides updates and insights throughout the season. You can find the latest rankings and analysis at [AP Sports](https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll).
Source link
nc state,NC State sports,CJ Bailey,Dave Doeren,Georgia Tech University sports,upset,college football
