Last-Second 55-Yard FG Shocks No. 12 Clemson: Georgia Tech’s Thrilling 24-21 Victory!

ATLANTA (AP) — Aidan Birr made a stunning 55-yard field goal as time expired, leading the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to a surprising 24-21 victory over the No. 12 ranked Clemson Tigers. The kick tied the record for the longest field goal in Georgia Tech history, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

With no timeouts left and the clock ticking down, the special teams sprinted onto the field. On fourth-and-3, Birr did his job, securing the win. “We practiced this situation a lot during camp,” he said. “I didn’t want to let my teammates down.”

Quarterback Haynes King, back from injury, played a key role. He completed 19 of 27 passes for 216 yards and ran for another 103 yards, including a touchdown that gave Georgia Tech a crucial lead.

Georgia Tech’s head coach, Brent Key, celebrated the support of the student body. “It’s amazing to see how they rally behind this team,” he said.

On the other side, Clemson’s quarterback Cade Klubnik struggled with consistency. He threw an interception and lost a fumble, which contributed to his team’s ongoing issues. Despite a strong 73-yard touchdown pass to Bryant Wesco, the Tigers still found themselves behind as they entered the second half.

Historically, Clemson has faced challenges in starting strong. They’ve missed opportunities early in several games this season, which is becoming a trend that raises concern amongst fans and analysts alike. In fact, recent data shows that Clemson has dropped in the rankings since beginning the season at No. 4.

In a tense final drive, Georgia Tech took over at their own 25-yard line with just over three minutes left. Led by King, they moved the ball down the field, setting up Birr’s pivotal kick. Reflecting on the moment, King mentioned, “I told the coach to trust me with the ball, and we’d win.”

The win gives Georgia Tech a chance to break into the AP Top 25 for the first time since September 2024, a significant milestone for the program. Meanwhile, Clemson’s struggles mean they’ll need to regroup quickly against their upcoming opponent, Syracuse. As the season progresses, fans are eagerly watching to see how both teams adapt.

For more insights on college football and team performances, check the latest updates at [AP College Football](https://apnews.com/hub/college-football).

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