Pitt Stuns No. 15 Georgia Tech, Reshaping ACC Championship Picture :

In a dramatic upset that sent shockwaves through the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the No. 15 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 42-28 on Saturday night, November 22, 2025. This crucial road victory at Bobby Dodd Stadium not only showcased Pitt's resilience but also significantly tightened the race for the ACC Championship. The Panthers' performance was a testament to their grit, overcoming a highly-ranked opponent on their home turf.

The outcome had immediate and substantial ramifications, as Georgia Tech, with a 9-2 record (6-2 ACC), was effectively eliminated from ACC title contention. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh improved its record to 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the ACC, keeping its own championship hopes very much alive. The victory marked one of the most electric wins for Pitt under coach Pat Narduzzi, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football.

A Tale of Two Halves: Pitt's Dominant Start and Tech's Valiant Comeback :

The game unfolded with an almost unbelievable start, as Pittsburgh stormed out to a commanding 28-0 lead early in the second quarter, completely dominating both sides of the ball. True freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel led the Panthers to four straight touchdown drives, culminating in a 1-yard rushing score of his own. This early onslaught left the Georgia Tech faithful stunned and put immense pressure on the home team.

However, true to their reputation, the Yellow Jackets mounted a furious comeback, battling back from the massive deficit to make it a one-score game in the fourth quarter. Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King, a Heisman hopeful and national leader in total offense, showcased his dual-threat capabilities, willing his team back into contention. The Yellow Jackets' defense also found its footing after the initial onslaught, generating a season-high six sacks.

Key Players Shine: Turner's Rushing Prowess and Lovelace's Game-Changing Pick-Six :

Several individual performances stood out, none more impactful than Pitt's first-year running back Ja'Kyrian 'Boosie' Turner, who gashed the Georgia Tech defense for an impressive 201 rushing yards and a crucial touchdown. Turner's 56-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter effectively sealed the victory for the Panthers, thwarting Georgia Tech's comeback efforts.

Another pivotal moment belonged to Pitt junior linebacker Braylan Lovelace. With Georgia Tech threatening to cut the lead to seven points in the third quarter, Lovelace intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it a stunning 100 yards for a pick-six, swinging the momentum decisively back in Pitt's favor. This incredible defensive touchdown represented a 14-point swing and proved to be a backbreaking play for the Yellow Jackets.

For Georgia Tech, quarterback Haynes King still managed 333 yards of offense (257 passing, 76 rushing) and three touchdowns despite the loss, with wideouts Malik Rutherford and Isiah Canion being his top targets.

Coaching Strategies and Pivotal Moments :

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi lauded his team's performance, particularly their ability to secure a tough road win in the ACC. He emphasized the challenge of playing on the road in the conference, commending his players for their execution. The Panthers' strong first-quarter showing, outscoring Georgia Tech 21-0 and gaining over ten times the Yellow Jackets' yardage, demonstrated a team well-prepared for a significant conference game.

On the other side, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key acknowledged the team's slow start, stating that they failed to establish the run, had drops, and suffered from poor protection. Key also noted the team got 'whooped at the line of scrimmage' early on. Despite rallying his team from a 28-0 deficit, Key admitted that it was an insurmountable hole they dug for themselves.

ACC Championship Implications and Future Outlook :

Pittsburgh's victory significantly impacts the chaotic ACC Championship picture. The Panthers, now 8-3 (6-1 ACC), control their destiny to some extent. If Pitt defeats Miami in their regular-season finale and either Virginia or SMU loses, the Panthers will clinch a spot in the ACC title game for the first time since 2021.

For No. 15 Georgia Tech, the loss at home, which snapped a 10-game winning streak at Bobby Dodd Stadium, dashed their hopes of reaching the ACC Championship game. The Yellow Jackets, despite an impressive 9-2 season, now turn their attention to their intense rivalry game against No. 5 Georgia.

Historical Context of the Rivalry :

The football series between Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech dates back to 1918. Over the years, Pitt has generally held an advantage, leading the overall series 11-5 prior to this latest matchup.

Under Coach Pat Narduzzi, Pitt has been particularly successful against Georgia Tech, holding a 6-1 record during his tenure. The Panthers had also won the four previous matchups against the Yellow Jackets before this contest, further solidifying their recent dominance in the series.

Statistical Snapshot Leading into the Game :

Before this significant matchup, Georgia Tech boasted the nation's top offense, averaging 496.7 yards per game, with a strong rushing attack (10th in FBS) and passing game (26th in FBS). Quarterback Haynes King was a standout, leading with 2,259 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and an impressive 14 rushing touchdowns.

Pittsburgh's defense, however, was formidable, ranking 9th in FBS against the run and 32nd overall in total defense, allowing just 325.2 yards per game. Offensively, Pitt's passing game was ranked 14th in FBS. These contrasting strengths set the stage for a compelling contest, which ultimately saw Pitt's defense disrupt Georgia Tech's potent offense, forcing two turnovers against a quarterback who had only thrown two interceptions all season prior to the game.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Postseason :

With the regular season drawing to a close, both teams now face critical matchups that will define their postseason fates. Pittsburgh will host Miami in their final game, a contest that holds significant ACC Championship implications for both squads. The Panthers will be looking to carry the momentum from their upset victory into this crucial home game.

Georgia Tech, despite the setback, will prepare for their annual Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry game against No. 5 Georgia. This intense in-state battle offers the Yellow Jackets an opportunity to finish their season strong and make a statement, even though their ACC Championship aspirations have ended.