The 2024 football season did not start as predicted, expected, forecast or however you want to say it, it did not go down the way Florida State players, alumni and fans wanted it to go. Think about it for just a second and imagine if you will all those die-hard fans who traveled from different parts of the United States to Ireland. The dedication of these individuals to spend a couple of thousands of dollars in plane tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, dinning out and TAKING OFF WORK to go see their team beat a conference rival across seas. Imagine all the smack talking that took place as they were making their accommodations and telling their friends and family. Imagine all the partying they did and drinking and eating some good ole Ireland cooking the night before because they just knew without a shadow of a doubt the Seminoles would win this game hands down, a walk in the park, oh so they thought.
A new season, New beginnings. FSU snubbed out of the CFP (College Football Playoffs) and with the new 12 Team CFP playoff beginning this year every game matters. EVERY GAME matters. Loosing a conference game in week one, sure does not help your chances, especially when loosing to a team not only not ranked, but even receiving votes. GT was probably not even considered in the top 50 schools so to upset FSU the number 10 ranked team in the nation, who was in the top 4 in the nation before the CFP snuffed them this game had an emotional impact for both teams.
First Quarter
Seminoles scored in the first 4 minutes of the game. Not only did they score, they wanted to show not only Georgia Teach, but the world this was their season by not choosing to kick the field goal for extra point, NO they wanted to go for the 2-point conversion to make a statement. They converted and the fans were hyped. Georgia Tech responded scoring even faster at three and half minutes, 3:32 to be exact and six plays, one play less than Florida State and ended the 1st quarter Seminoles 8 and GT 7.
Second Quarter
A total of 17 plays and little over 8 minutes, FSU could only get on the scoreboard twice with two field goals. Georgia Tech held the ball right under 8 minutes for the 2nd Quarter’s only ouch down tying the game at 14 a piece going into half time.
Third Quarter
GT receives the ball and fresh out of half time GT turns to Haynes who gained 36 yards on the first carry from half time. FSU defense stepped up and forced GT to a 51 FG which Birr missed turning the ball over to FSU. Another unsuccessful offensive series with Ulagalelei 15yd pass to Douglas the only highlight of the series as Ulagalelei was only 1 of 4 passes and GT made the Seminoles rushing attack irrelevant and forced the Seminoles to punt. Then FSU forced a three and out to GT, with a strong defensive stance to use to their advantage and give the offense one more chance, but GT defense forced FSU to punt again. GT would hold the ball for the remainder of the 3rd quarter moving the ball closer and closer to FSU 2 yard line to end the 3rd quarter.
Fourth Quarter
GT opens the 4th scoring a TD in the first three seconds. FSU would receive the ball and hold the ball for more than half the quarter for more than 8 minutes and 15 plays as if they knew they couldn’t give GT the ball back. The defense which was one of the nations top, couldn’t stop an unranked GT team and conference rival. FSU scored leaving a little more than 6 minutes on the clock and that was enough to get GT within FG range and send FSU back to the US as the looser.
Ranking
The real question everyone would like to know is haw far will they drop in the Top 25 poll. Loosing to a Unranked GT, a conference rival and a pretty weak schedule, could FSU playoff hopes already have ended before the season started