College Football Shocker: Florida State Faces Early Setback in NCAA Football Season Opener

Major Upset in College Football

College football kicked off the 2024 season with a breathtaking upset as No. 10 Florida State faced off against their ACC rival, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, resulting in a stunning 24-21 finish at the Aer Lingus Classic held in Dublin, Ireland. With this upset, college football proved once again that anything can happen on the field.

Game-Winning Play

As the clock wound down, Aidan Barr emerged as the hero for the Yellow Jackets. He successfully converted a 44-yard field goal as time expired, clinching the win for Georgia Tech. The setup for this kick was orchestrated by quarterback Haynes King, who skillfully moved his team into position despite a setback caused by a botched snap that pushed them back to FSU's 38-yard line.

• King finished with an impressive performance, going 11-for-16 with 146 passing yards and 54 rushing yards.
• This defeat marks Florida State's second loss against unranked opponents while being a top-10 team since 1989.
• Furthermore, this win represents Georgia Tech's first victory against a Top 10 team since 2015, repeating their victory against Florida State.

Impact on Florida State's Playoff Aspirations

Florida State entered this contest feeling undervalued after finishing the previous season undefeated but failing to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. With the losses of key players to the NFL, including edge rusher Jared Verse, the Seminoles now face an uphill battle in their quest for the National Championship. The expansion of the playoffs this season could mean that teams with three losses still have a shot at the title.