Today’s matchup between Florida State and Georgia Tech was billed as the Week Zero slate’s highlight, marking the 2024 college football season kickoff. Initially, when I saw this game on the schedule, I didn’t give it much thought. I didn’t see it as a potential upset, expecting Florida State to come in, handle business, and leave with a convincing win by at least two to three touchdowns. After all, they were facing a conference opponent from the ACC, jumping straight into conference play rather than easing in against a non-conference team.
But, as the saying goes, this is why you play the games. In sports, particularly in college football, there’s always a chance for the unexpected, even if that chance seems slim. And today, that slim chance materialized as Georgia Tech pulled off a shocking 24-21 victory over the Seminoles.
Florida State entered the game ranked 10th in the nation, a position that now seems likely to change in the upcoming rankings. Meanwhile, an unranked underdog, Georgia Tech seized the opportunity to make a statement.
Haynes King, the former Texas A&M quarterback, didn’t light up the stat sheet but was effective enough to lead his team to victory. He completed 11 of 16 passes for 146 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. The game plan was simple but effective: keep mistakes to a minimum and capitalize on opportunities. On the other hand, Florida State’s quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei, who transferred from Oregon State, had an underwhelming performance. Uiagalelei completed 19 of his 27 attempts for 193 yards but needed help finding his rhythm.
He faced constant pressure, and a surprisingly physical Georgia Tech defense neutralized his athleticism. Uiagalelei’s inability to escape the pocket and make plays on the run was a telling sign of how well-prepared Georgia Tech was for this matchup. One of the most shocking aspects of the game was how Georgia Tech dominated on the ground. Running back Jamal Haynes was a key figure, with 11 carries for 75 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the Yellow Jackets’ ability to control the clock and the game’s tempo.
In stark contrast, Florida State’s ground game was practically non-existent, with Roydell Williams managing only 38 yards on 12 carries. This lack of a running game put even more pressure on Uiagalelei, making it easier for Georgia Tech to focus on disrupting the passing game.
The receiving corps also had a quiet day. Georgia Tech’s top receiver, Malik Rutherford, had just four receptions for 66 yards, while Florida State’s Jaykhi Douglas managed four catches for 55 yards. The lack of explosive plays in the passing game indicated a larger issue with Florida State’s offensive execution.
In previous years, a loss like this in the season opener could have been catastrophic for Florida State’s playoff hopes, especially under the old four-team playoff format. One loss could easily derail a team’s season, particularly if they ended up being compared to other one-loss teams from different conferences, some of which might have a stronger case based on the strength of their schedule or conference championships. A loss to an unranked team like Georgia Tech could have been a deal-breaker. However, with the new 12-team playoff format, Florida State still has a pathway to the postseason. But make no mistake, their margin for error has shrunk considerably.
Florida State’s schedule doesn’t offer much respite. After Georgia Tech, they have Boston College and Memphis coming to Tallahassee.
The Memphis game, in particular, could be intriguing, given that many see Memphis as a potential Group of Five representative in the playoffs. Then, they face Cal, a team transitioning from the Pac-12 to the ACC, followed by SMU, a program known for its high-powered offense and aggressive recruitment strategies. Clemson and Duke will also pose significant challenges, especially since both teams can compete for the ACC title. The schedule culminates with high-stakes games against longtime rival Miami and a clash with Notre Dame, a team consistently in the playoff conversation.
For Florida State to have a realistic shot at making the playoffs, winning the ACC will likely be a necessity. Even with 12 spots available, it’s easy to see a scenario where the Seminoles could be left out if they don’t claim the conference crown. They could sneak in as an at-large team, but that would require much help from other teams across the country faltering, and Georgia Tech would need a solid season to make this loss look less damaging.
This loss also raises questions about the quarterback situation. Uiagalelei’s performance was disappointing, especially considering his solid year at Oregon State last season. Head Coach Mike Norvell has a reputation for developing quarterbacks, something he demonstrated during his time at Memphis and with Jordan Travis at Florida State. However, if Uiagalelei continues to struggle, Norvell might have to consider his options under center.
Defensively, Florida State’s performance was also below expectations. Reports out of Tallahassee during the offseason suggested that the Seminoles had an NFL-caliber defensive line, a sentiment echoed by NFL scouts. Yet, today, that line was pushed around by Georgia Tech’s offensive front, allowing the Yellow Jackets to rush for 190 yards. If Florida State hopes to turn its season around, the defensive line must live up to its billing.
Despite this setback, it’s not the end of the road for Florida State. The Seminoles still have a strong brand, a dedicated fan base, and the talent to compete at a high level. The key will be learning from this loss, making necessary adjustments, and taking each game as a must-win from here on out.
The 12-team playoff offers a safety net, but only to a point. Florida State could lose one or two more games and still make the playoffs, but three losses would likely be the tipping point. In the end, today’s game was a stark reminder of why college football is so captivating: the unpredictability, the drama, and the fact that on any given day, any team can rise to the occasion. For Florida State, the path forward is clear—win out and control your destiny, or risk being left on the outside looking in.
