Bottom 10: Georgia Tech’s Win Lands It Here

**Georgia Tech Wins in Chaotic Fashion, Lands on ESPN’s “Bottom 10” List**

In a testament to the unpredictable nature of college football, Georgia Tech found itself featured on ESPN staff writer Bill Connelly’s “Bottom 10” list for Week 10, not for losing, but for an astonishingly bizarre victory over Miami. The Yellow Jackets’ improbable win on Monday, November 6th, earned them a peculiar distinction, highlighting the thin line between triumph and absurdity.

The game, a Monday night thriller that quickly became known as “The Miracle on Techwood Drive,” saw Georgia Tech trailing Miami 20-17 with just 29 seconds remaining, facing a 4th-and-1 from their own 24-yard line. Instead of opting for a punt or a Hail Mary pass, Tech’s offensive coordinator, Buster Faulkner, called a run play up the middle. The ensuing fumble by Georgia Tech was recovered by Miami, seemingly sealing a Hurricanes victory.

However, in a move that baffled analysts and fans alike, Miami, instead of kneeling the ball to run out the clock, inexplicably attempted another run play. The result was another fumble, this time recovered by Georgia Tech. Capitalizing on the stunning turnover, the Yellow Jackets then successfully recovered an onside kick, setting up a game-winning field goal as time expired. The chaotic sequence resulted in a 23-20 Georgia Tech victory, pushing their record to 5-4, but the sheer statistical improbability and questionable decision-making from both sides landed them a feature spot on Connelly’s list of teams that “played like one of the worst teams in the country that week, regardless of outcome.”

The Yellow Jackets now prepare to face Clemson in Week 11, with their unique win serving as a backdrop to their quest for bowl eligibility.

Connelly’s “Bottom 10” list, which often delves beyond simple win-loss records to evaluate teams based on their performance quality, unfortunate circumstances, or baffling strategic choices, also featured a range of other programs:

* **1. Northwestern:** The Wildcats secured the top spot despite a 33-27 victory over Maryland. Connelly noted their inclusion stemmed from stumbling towards bowl eligibility (currently 5-4) after a tumultuous period marked by scandal and a dismal 1-11 record in 2022.
* **2. Stanford:** Still reeling from their earlier season collapse against Colorado where they blew a 29-0 lead, the Cardinal added to their woes with a 27-24 loss to the Buffaloes again, solidifying their spot under first-year coach Troy Taylor. Their record stands at 2-7.
* **3. Virginia:** With a 2-7 record, the Cavaliers fell to Miami in an overtime loss, 29-26, highlighting their struggles this season.
* **4. Sam Houston State:** Winless in Conference USA and sporting a 1-8 overall record, their only victory came against FCS opponent Jacksonville State. They recently lost 23-20 to Louisiana Tech.
* **5. UConn:** Also at 1-8, the Huskies continued their difficult season with a 21-14 loss to Boston College.
* **6. East Carolina:** Mirroring UConn’s 1-8 record, East Carolina’s sole win came against Gardner-Webb. They suffered a 30-18 defeat to Tulane in Week 10.
* **7. New Mexico State:** A true head-scratcher on the list, the Aggies actually *beat* UTEP 28-7, improving their record to a respectable 6-3. However, their inclusion is attributed to a prior 66-17 thrashing by UMass and a loss to FIU, indicating a wildly inconsistent performance level.
* **8. Tulsa:** With a 3-6 record, Tulsa was handed a decisive 45-21 loss by SMU.
* **9. Arkansas:** The Razorbacks, sitting at 2-7, suffered a 41-14 loss to Florida.
* **10. Mississippi State:** Making their second appearance on the list, the Bulldogs (4-5) rounded out the Bottom 10 after a 39-24 loss to Auburn.

Connelly’s weekly list provides a unique lens through which to view the highs and lows of college football, often spotlighting the most perplexing and memorable moments that define a season.