Week 12 Upset: Georgia Tech Shocks No. 4 Miami
The college football world was stunned on Saturday as Georgia Tech pulled off a massive upset, defeating No. 4 ranked Miami 20-14 in a thrilling game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Yellow Jackets, coming off a heartbreaking loss to North Carolina, entered the game as heavy underdogs, but their defense stepped up big time, forcing four turnovers and limiting the Hurricanes to just 228 yards of total offense.
A Defensive Masterclass
The key to Georgia Tech's victory was their stifling defense. Miami, known for its explosive offense, struggled to find any rhythm against the Yellow Jackets' aggressive unit. The defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions of Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, and held Miami's star running back, Henry Parrish Jr., to just 49 yards on 12 carries.
"We knew we had to play well defensively to win this game," said Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key. "Our guys answered the call and played with incredible effort and intensity. It's a great win for our program."
A Game of Runs
The game was a low-scoring affair, with both teams relying heavily on the running game. Georgia Tech's Dontae Smith rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown, while Miami's Parrish Jr. added a score as well. The Yellow Jackets' offense, led by quarterback Zach Gibson, was efficient and took care of the football, turning the ball over just once.
Key Moments
The game was tightly contested throughout, with neither team taking a commanding lead until the final quarter. Here are some of the key moments that helped Georgia Tech secure the upset victory:
- The interception of Van Dyke by Georgia Tech's JaQurious Conley in the third quarter set up a Yellow Jackets field goal that gave them a 13-10 lead.
- A crucial fourth-down stop by the Georgia Tech defense deep in their own territory in the fourth quarter gave the Yellow Jackets a chance to run out the clock.
- A late touchdown run by Smith sealed the victory and sent the Georgia Tech crowd into a frenzy.
Looking Ahead
The upset win over Miami is a huge boost for Georgia Tech, who are now 4-6 on the season. The Yellow Jackets will look to build on this momentum as they head into their final two games of the regular season. Miami, meanwhile, will have to regroup after their first loss of the season and try to stay in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth.
This Week 12 upset showed the unpredictability of college football. Georgia Tech's victory over Miami is a reminder that any team can win on any given Saturday, and the Yellow Jackets are a team that should not be underestimated.