What started as a slow slugfest with Georgia Tech eating up most of the 1st quarter on a superbly executed drive, only to have it come up empty with a 4th down stand, ended up with major fireworks at the end.
Georgia Tech absolutely put on a clinic through the 1st quarter, but ultimately came up short with a big 4th down stop by the Notre Dame defense. Unfortunately for the Irish, the offense gave the ball right back at the start of the 2nd quarter and HB Jamal Haynes made quick work of the short field, putting the Yellow Jackets ahead 7-0.
Looking to make up for the offensive mistake, QB Riley Leonard threw a strike to WR Jordan Faison, who scampered 54 yards to tie it up for the Irish. But for the 2nd time on the day, HB Jamal Haynes got loose and ripped off another touchdown, this time for 36 yards, to put Georgia Tech back in front, 14-7.
Notre Dame was driving, but stalled out at the 2 minute warning and had to dial up "Money" Mitch Jeter for the bomb from 53 yds out, to cut the lead to 10-14. But GT K Aidan Birr answered from 32 as time expired in the 1st half, to give GT a 17-10 halftime advantage.
The early 3rd looked to be swinging back to Notre Dame's direction HB Jeremiyah Love capped a 1yd run to tie it up. But 2 quick possessions for GT ended with another 34yd Haynes TD and A. Birr capping the 3rd quarter with another FG, putting Georgia Tech in the driver's seat, 27-17 heading into the 4th.
With the season on the line, QB Riley Leonard looked to his favorite target, TE Mitchell Evans for a 20 yard TD with 4:44 to go! The Irish faithful kept cheering and shadow of the Golden Dome loomed large, as Georgia Tech looked to make a final drive that would seal the Irish fate. But on a huge 4th and short just across midfield, it was if the ghosts of the horsemen brought extra pressure and Haynes King's pass sailed wide of his intended targeted, giving the Irish 1 last opportunity to finish it.
The Notre Dame offense looked to Love to bring them home as his hit on a few runs and ultimately found pay dirt with just :48 seconds on the clock to give the Irish a 31-27 lead. But was it too fast?
QB Haynes King immediately orchestrated an efficient 2min drill offense getting the Yellow Jackets deep into Notre Dame territory. But on a critical 4th down, it was the Notre Dame defense that came up big once again, securing the victory for the Irish!
Coach Reign: "Helluva game Coach UF. You had that team ready to play and executed a sensational game plan with very few mistakes, in a super tough environment. Very impressive performance! Good luck the rest of the way!"
In a closely contested college football game, Georgia Tech faced off against Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish edging out the Yellow Jackets with a final score of 31-27.
Offensively, Georgia Tech amassed a total of 382 yards, evenly split between 123 rushing yards and 259 passing yards. The Yellow Jackets secured 17 first downs and managed to avoid any turnovers, with their offense demonstrating efficiency in both running and passing.
Notre Dame's offense was slightly more productive in total yards, gaining 473 yards—130 on the ground and 246 through the air. The Fighting Irish also achieved 20 first downs and turned the ball over twice, once via a fumble and once through an interception.
Defensively, both teams displayed resilience. Georgia Tech's defense held Notre Dame to 382 total yards, with no sacks recorded, and forced two turnovers. Notre Dame's defense was similarly stout, allowing 376 yards and also forcing two turnovers, one fumble and one interception.
Special teams played a role in the game as well. Georgia Tech did not record any punt or kick returns, while Notre Dame's kick returns contributed 93 yards.
In terms of red zone efficiency, Georgia Tech was able to convert one of their red zone trips into a touchdown, while Notre Dame scored three times from the red zone, with no field goals attempted.
Overall, Notre Dame’s ability to capitalize on red zone opportunities and maintain a slight edge in total yards helped them secure the win over Georgia Tech in this competitive matchup.
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