ATLANTA — In a thrilling finish, Aaron Philo executed an impressive 18-yard touchdown run with just 22 seconds left on the clock, leading Georgia Tech to a narrow 30-29 victory over N.C. State on Thursday evening. This dramatic win was particularly sweet for the Yellow Jackets as they managed to reclaim the lead after losing it with under two minutes remaining in the game.
Georgia Tech, now standing at 7-4 overall and 5-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, found themselves trailing with only 1:30 left when N.C. State’s Hollywood Smothers dashed through the defense for a remarkable 53-yard touchdown run. However, after Philo’s decisive score, the Wolfpack’s efforts to respond fell just short. They advanced to the Georgia Tech 41-yard line, but Collin Smith’s last-minute attempt for a 58-yard field goal sailed wide to the left, sealing the victory for the Jackets.
N.C. State, which holds a record of 5-6 with a 2-5 mark in the conference, showcased the talent of freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, who recorded three rushing touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by three interceptions. One interception was particularly costly, as E.J. Lightsey returned it 21 yards for a touchdown, putting Georgia Tech ahead 23-21 before Smothers took the lead for the Wolfpack.
In another pivotal moment, Romello Height’s interception of a Bailey pass with 6:44 left in the game created an opportunity for Georgia Tech’s Haynes King, who subsequently scored on a 3-yard run. The victory marked a perfect 5-0 home record for Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium, while N.C. State fell short of bowl eligibility.
Bailey displayed his agility with a 16-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter and a 28-yard rushing touchdown on the very first play of the fourth quarter. Despite his efforts, the Wolfpack struggled offensively early on. Georgia Tech only managed a slim 13-7 lead at halftime, having been restricted to field goals by Aidan Birr, who kicked 44 and 41-yard attempts before adding another from 45 yards in the third quarter, set up by Philo’s 49-yard pass to Eric Singleton.
As the game progressed, N.C. State’s defense suffered a blow when star defensive end Davin Vann left early in the second quarter with an injury. Vann, the national leader in forced fumbles, was severely missed as the team attempted to tighten their grip on the game.
Looking ahead, N.C. State will conclude its regular season against North Carolina on November 30, while Georgia Tech is set to face the challenge of playing at No. 8 Georgia on November 29.