NC State Ends GT’s Best Start Since ’66

**Wolfpack Crushes Yellow Jackets’ Historic Start, Delivers Second Upset**

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ fairytale start to the 2024 college football season, their best opening stretch since 1966, came to a grinding halt on Saturday as a highly motivated NC State Wolfpack squad delivered a stunning 27-24 upset victory at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The loss marks the first of the season for the previously undefeated Yellow Jackets and represents the second significant upset win for the Wolfpack this fall.

Going into the contest, No. 18 ranked Georgia Tech had been riding a wave of momentum, boasting a 5-0 record under head coach Brent Key, a feat not achieved by the program in nearly six decades. The last time the Yellow Jackets started a season with five consecutive wins was in 1966, a memorable year that saw the team finish 9-2-1. Fans were electric, anticipating a continuation of this historic run against an unranked NC State team that had shown flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency.

However, the Wolfpack, fresh off a bye week and eager to prove their mettle after a 3-2 start to their own campaign, played with an intensity that belied their record. Led by a stout defense and opportunistic offense, NC State managed to disrupt Georgia Tech’s rhythm from the outset. Wolfpack quarterback Sam Davis connected on a crucial touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, and the NC State defense held strong on the Yellow Jackets’ final drive to seal the victory.

“Our guys came in with a chip on their shoulder,” said NC State head coach Dave Doeren after the game. “We knew Georgia Tech was having a fantastic season, and we had immense respect for what Coach Key has built here. But we believed in our game plan and our ability to execute. This team has fight, and we showed it today.”

For Georgia Tech, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, particularly given the historical significance of their start. Quarterback Jack Thompson, who had been exceptional through the first five games, faced relentless pressure from the Wolfpack’s defensive line, leading to two crucial turnovers.

“It’s a tough one to take, especially at home,” commented Coach Key. “NC State played a phenomenal game, credit to them. We didn’t execute in key moments, and against a good team like that, you pay the price. We’ll learn from this, regroup, and prepare for our next challenge. Our goals are still ahead of us.”

This upset marks the second time this season that the Wolfpack has toppled a favored opponent. Earlier in September, NC State stunned then-No. 10 ranked Clemson 30-27 in an overtime thriller, showcasing their potential to play spoiler in the ACC. With Saturday’s win, the Wolfpack now improve to 4-2 on the season, injecting renewed confidence into their program.

The Yellow Jackets (5-1, 2-1 ACC) will look to bounce back next Saturday on the road against their next ACC opponent, aiming to maintain their pursuit of a conference championship. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack (4-2, 2-1 ACC) will return home with momentum, hoping to build on their latest upset performance and continue climbing the conference standings.

Information for this report was compiled from official team statements, post-game press conferences, and sports media outlets covering the Atlantic Coast Conference. Further details, including full statistics and player interviews, are typically available on the official athletics websites for Georgia Tech and NC State, as well as major sports news platforms.