#13 Georgia Tech delivered a statement performance today at Bobby Dodd Stadium, defeating Virginia Tech 35–20 (we were close in our GT VT prediction) to improve to 6–0 overall and 3–0 in ACC play. With crisp offense, opportunistic defense, and depth showing in key moments, the Jackets extended their home win streak and locked in bowl eligibility earlier than nearly anyone anticipated.
Highlights at a Glance
Final Score: Georgia Tech 35, Virginia Tech 20 Record now: 6–0 (3–0 ACC) — first time Tech has opened 6–0 since 2011
Key stats:
Haynes King — 20/24 passing, 213 yards, 1 passing TD; also added 52 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs
Malachi Hosley — 129 rushing yards, 1 TD
Turning point: Rodney Shelley’s first-career interception in the third quarter helped swing momentum. Injury watch: Cornerback Ahmari Harvey was carried off late in the game with a lower-leg injury.
Early Punch Sets the Tone
From kickoff, Georgia Tech looked like the better team. After winning the toss, the Yellow Jackets marched 80 yards in 9 plays to open the scoring — capped by a 2-yard Haynes King run and an early two-point conversion to lead 8–0.
Later in the first quarter, King found Malik Rutherford on a 9-yard pass to extend the lead. Tech’s offense was efficient, converting drives into points. By the end of three quarters, Georgia Tech had grown its lead to 28–14, and the defense held firm when it mattered.
If you want to talk momentum shifts, the narrative is simple: Virginia Tech never fully recovered from falling behind early. While the Hokies showed flashes in the second and third quarter, GA Tech’s early edge allowed them to play with breathing room.
Offensive Balance and Big Plays Win the Day
This was one of Tech’s cleanest offensive games of the season. There were zero turnovers committed by Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech was intercepted once.
Haynes King was phenomenal. Completing 20 of 24 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown, he added two rushing scores (26 and 2 yards). That kind of dual-threat showing is exactly what the Yellow Jackets have leaned on this season. King’s efficiency (83.3 % completion rate) was among the best single-game performances of his time as a Jacket, and of nearly any Yellow Jacket Qb, with very few exceptions.
Malachi Hosley got it done on the ground, ripping off 129 yards on 11 carries (11.7 average) and punching in a rushing touchdown. That was his career high at Tech. This kid is special at the RB position and was a GreaT grab for Georgia Tech from the portal.
Other offensive notes:
TE Josh Beetham had a 31-yard catch just before halftime that set up the field goal to make it 21–7 at the break — the longest of his career. WR Eric Rivers ripped off a 42-yard punt return in the first quarter — longest by a Jacket since 2015. PK Aidan Birr hit two early field goals (25 and 30 yards) and pushed his streak to 12-for-12 before having a 51-yard attempt blocked. (Guess you can’t be perfect)
All told, balance was the name of the game. Georgia Tech wasn’t all pass or all run — it was a mix, and it kept Virginia Tech off balance.
Defense: Bend But Don’t Break
Virginia Tech attempted to mount a comeback, especially behind QB Kyron Drones, but Georgia Tech’s defense made timely stops and held the Hokies in check when necessary.
Drones threw for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and he also ran for 94 yards and a rushing score. Georgia Tech’s defense didn’t allow any third down conversions on the day. Virginia Tech did convert multiple fourth downs to stay alive, but their late attempt from Tech’s 10-yard line fell short with 2:20 remaining.
One of the turning plays was Rodney Shelley’s interception in the third quarter — the first of his career — giving Tech a a momentum shift and a morale boost.
On the flip side, the Yellow Jackets did lose a key piece late: Ahmari Harvey was carried off the field with what appeared to be a serious leg injury. That’s going to be something to monitor in the coming weeks.
Significance of the Win & Looking Ahead
This victory is loaded with implications for Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech is now 6–0 for the first time since 2011. It’s only the second time in 59 seasons that Tech has opened 6–0.
Bowl eligibility secured early
With this win, the Jackets have clinched bowl eligibility—again. Tech is now bowl eligible in three straight seasons for the first time since 2012–14.
ACC momentum
At 3–0 in conference play, Tech has a real shot at being in the mix for a conference run and the ACC Championship Game. For context, today’s win was the first time Tech opened ACC play 3–0 since 2011.
Home field fortress
Georgia Tech has now won nine straight games at Bobby Dodd/Hyundai Field.
Rivalry bragging rights
Officially, the rivalry with Virginia Tech (sometimes dubbed the “TechMo Bowl” or “Battle of the Techs”) now has a fresh chapter. Georgia Tech improves to 9–12 all-time against the Hokies with this win.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are still questions to answer:
Can Tech maintain this level of offensive balance against tougher defenses down the stretch? Will the defense hold up under pressure, especially with possible injury concerns (e.g. Harvey)? As the stakes rise, can the Jackets keep playing mistake-free — especially in close games?
With that said, Tech is heading into its next game with serious momentum.
Next Up: Road Trip to Duke
Georgia Tech now turns its attention to Duke, whose home field has proven challenging for visitors. The Jackets will need to bring the same energy, preparation, and execution. With this win over Virginia Tech in the books, expectations in Atlanta are growing. Also, let’s face it, Duke will have had two weeks to prepare for Tech. Last time this happened it was a close game against Wake Forest.
But if today is any indication, this Georgia Tech team is ready — not just to play, but to prove something.
Final Thoughts
Today’s 35–20 win over Virginia Tech wasn’t just another W — it was a message. The Yellow Jackets have the weapons, the discipline, and the confidence to make a deep run this season. Haynes King and Malachi Hosley were electric. The defense made the stops when it had to. And the coaching staff deserves credit for keeping the game under control, especially after Virginia Tech threatened in the second half.
If Tech can stay focused, manage injuries, and keep playing with this balance and swagger, there’s no reason this season can’t end among the best in recent memory.
Go Jackets. Let’s ride this wave.