Clemson had clawed its way back. Cade Klubnik and Adam Randall had dragged the Tigers from a 13-point hole to tie the game late, and momentum seemed to finally be tilting orange. But with the clock reading all zeros, Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr delivered the dagger — a booming 55-yard field goal that lifted the Yellow Jackets to a stunning 24-21 victory at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
A Back-and-Forth Thriller
Georgia Tech jumped out early behind Jamal Haynes’ five-yard touchdown run and a pair of Birr field goals to lead 13-0. Clemson answered before halftime when Klubnik muscled in a one-yard score, trimming the deficit to 13-7 at the break.
The Tigers seized momentum in the third quarter when Klubnik connected with Bryant Wesco Jr. on a jaw-dropping 73-yard touchdown strike — Clemson’s first lead of the day at 14-13. But the Jackets punched back, orchestrating a bruising 90-yard drive capped by quarterback Haynes King’s one-yard plunge and a gutsy two-point conversion to make it 21-14.
Randall’s two-yard touchdown with just 3:26 left knotted the game at 21 apiece. For a moment, it felt like Clemson had weathered the storm.
The Kick Heard Around Midtown
That’s when Birr etched his name into Georgia Tech lore. With time expiring, the senior calmly drilled a career-long 55-yarder — splitting the uprights as Tech fans poured over the walls in jubilation.
“I knew as soon as it left my foot,” Birr said postgame. “This was the biggest kick of my life.”
Numbers Tell the Story
Clemson actually outgained Georgia Tech 381 to 358 and averaged 6.2 yards per play to the Jackets’ 5.1. Klubnik finished 15-of-26 for 207 yards with a touchdown and interception, while also adding 62 rushing yards and a score. Wesco was his go-to target, hauling in seven catches for 126 yards and the long touchdown. Randall anchored the ground game with 80 rushing yards and his late tying score.
But the difference? Turnovers and special teams. Clemson lost a fumble and threw an interception, while Birr went 3-for-3 on field goals, including the walk-off winner.
What It Means
For Clemson, this one stings. A road ACC opener that slipped away in the final seconds raises questions about finishing games and protecting the football. For Georgia Tech, it’s validation — Brent Key’s team is 2-0 and suddenly looks like a serious player in the ACC race.
The Tigers return home next week searching for answers. The Jackets? They’re already celebrating a season-defining moment in September.