By Luke Fletcher | Atlanta, GA

From the opening kickoff, Georgia Tech looked outmatched. Missed tackles, blown assignments, and a lack of gap discipline allowed Pitt to race to a 28–0 lead before the Yellow Jackets could even catch their breath. The defense struggled to slow the Panthers’ aggressive ground game, and Pitt quickly took control of the game’s momentum.

Pitt’s game plan was straightforward but effective: run right at Georgia Tech’s defense—and it worked. Linebackers reacted slowly, edge defenders couldn’t hold their ground, and the defensive line was consistently overpowered. By the time the Jackets tried to adjust, the Panthers had already done serious damage.

Offensively, Haynes King’s trademark improvisation, which often saved the Jackets, in 2025 didn’t materialize. Pitt defenders seemed to read his every move, cutting off escape routes and intercepting passes. Missed throws, protection breakdowns, and critical errors compounded Georgia Tech’s struggles, leaving the team searching for answers.

Even in defeat, King’s impact on the program remains clear. He brought energy, identity, and excitement back to Georgia Tech football. Still, the image of him walking off the field after a tough loss will linger for fans who hoped for a storybook farewell.

Football often comes down to momentum, and Pitt seized it early. Pittsburgh’s young quarterback and running back stole the show last night in a stunning upset over Georgia Tech. The 18-year-old QB looked calm beyond his years, making plays that kept drives alive and constantly challenged Georgia Tech’s defense. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ back-up running back broke through the line at key moments, turning short gains into momentum-shifting plays. Together, they controlled the pace of the game and made the Yellow Jackets look unprepared for the big stage. While the Jackets fought until the final whistle, the deficit was too great to overcome. For Pitt fans, it was a memorable upset; for Georgia Tech supporters, a painful loss—but one that still offers hope for redemption.

Haynes King’s future games remains full of promise. With two games left, he still has the chance to topple in-state rival Georgia, lead the Yellow Jackets to a bowl victory, and finish the season with 11 wins. Yet his final home game will be remembered as a night when momentum slipped, the energy faded, and the farewell didn’t go as hoped, the coveted spot in the ACC title game may have slipped out of reach.

The Yellow Jackets’ path to the ACC Championship isn’t over yet. With their conference schedule complete, there is about a 15% chance now that the Yellow Jackets get the call to play in Charlotte and that depends on the right results during rivalry weekend. Here are the three scenarios they’ll be hoping unfold in their favor: