Full Breakdown
NC State Upsets Georgia Tech, Shakes Up ACC Championship Race
11/2/2025, 11:42:43 AM
Georgia Tech's First Loss of the Season
In a significant upset, North Carolina State University (NC State) defeated No. 8 Georgia Tech 48-36 on November 1, 2025, at Carter-Finley Stadium, marking the Yellow Jackets' first loss of the season. Georgia Tech, which entered the game with an 8-0 record, struggled defensively, allowing 583 total yards and failing to contain NC State's offense, led by quarterback CJ Bailey and running back Duke Scott. Bailey threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for a score, and Scott rushed for a career-high 196 yards, filling in for the injured Hollywood Smothers.
Impact on ACC Standings and Playoff Prospects
The loss has significant implications for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings and Georgia Tech's chances of making the College Football Playoff (CFP). With this defeat, Georgia Tech dropped to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the ACC, falling behind Virginia, which is now the only unbeaten team in conference play at 8-1 and 5-0. The Yellow Jackets' odds of making the CFP dropped from 54% to 31%, as they now face a challenging path to secure a playoff spot.
NC State's Resilient Performance
NC State's victory was characterized by a strong offensive showing, scoring on eight of ten drives, including six touchdowns. The Wolfpack's defense, while allowing several explosive plays, managed to make crucial stops, including an interception by Caden Fordham on Georgia Tech's final drive. Head coach Dave Doeren praised his team's resilience, stating, "The harder it gets, sometimes I think the better we are."
Georgia Tech's Struggles and Coach's Response
Georgia Tech's head coach Brent Key acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "They lined up and physically kicked our ass in a lot of ways. It is what it is. That’s on me." He emphasized the need for improvement in all phases of the game, particularly in red-zone efficiency, where the Yellow Jackets settled for field goals instead of touchdowns. Key noted that the team still has three games left in the season, stating, "Everything that we have wanted to do is still in front of us."
What's Next for Both Teams
Following this loss, Georgia Tech will have a bye week before facing Boston College on November 15, 2025. Meanwhile, NC State will also have a week off before hosting No. 10 Miami on the same date. The outcome of these upcoming games will further shape the ACC landscape and the playoff picture as the season progresses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They lined up and physically kicked our ass in a lot of ways.” — Brent Key, Head Coach, Georgia Tech
- “The kids played so good tonight — so proud of them,” — Dave Doeren, Head Coach, NC State
- “Resiliency is what this place is about.” — Dave Doeren, Head Coach, NC State
Conclusion
The upset by NC State not only ended Georgia Tech's unbeaten run but also intensified the competition within the ACC as teams vie for a spot in the conference championship and the College Football Playoff. With Virginia now leading the standings, the race for the ACC title has become more complex, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the season.
