Georgia Tech Stuns No. 4 Miami in Historic Upset, 28-23

In a thrilling game that showcased grit, determination, and a rock-solid game plan, Georgia Tech pulled off a monumental upset, defeating No. 4 Miami 28-23 on Saturday. For the Yellow Jackets, it was their first victory over a top-five team in 15 years — a feat made even more impressive given the team's challenges heading into the game.

A Game Plan Built to Limit Cam Ward

The Georgia Tech coaching staff had one simple idea heading into the matchup: Keep the ball away from Miami's explosive quarterback, Cam Ward. The strategy was clear — the less time Miami's Heisman Trophy candidate spent on the field, the fewer opportunities he'd have to work his magic. And despite a list of challenges that would have derailed most teams, Georgia Tech executed their plan to perfection.

With the Yellow Jackets' top two running backs sidelined due to injury and starting quarterback Haynes King nursing a shoulder injury of his own, Georgia Tech's offense had to lean on an unconventional approach. King, who was returning after missing two games, ended up becoming the focal point of the offense — not just as a passer but as a runner, carrying the ball 16 times for 93 yards and scoring a touchdown.

Georgia Tech's ball control was the key. The Yellow Jackets held onto the ball for nearly 10 minutes longer than the Hurricanes, running a punishing ground game that wore down Miami's defense and kept Ward off the field. By the end of the game, the Yellow Jackets had out-rushed Miami 271 yards to just 88.

King’s Dual Threat Leadership

While King's passing numbers weren’t flashy — he completed just six passes for 32 yards — his ability to make plays with his legs proved to be the difference. He not only rushed for nearly 100 yards but also accounted for another touchdown through the air, a 5-yard screen pass to Malik Rutherford that capped a monster 17-play, 75-yard drive in the second quarter. This drive ate up over 10 minutes of clock and gave Georgia Tech a 14-10 lead, which they never relinquished.

King’s performance under pressure was crucial. Even though Miami mounted a late charge, cutting the lead to 28-23 with a touchdown pass from Ward to Xavier Restrepo, Georgia Tech's defense stood tall when it mattered most. On Miami's final drive, with just under two minutes left, Georgia Tech's defense forced a critical turnover. After Ward was sacked by Romello Height, he fumbled, and Georgia Tech's Jordan van den Berg recovered the ball, sealing the win.

Miami’s Second-Half Struggles

Miami had been a second-half juggernaut all season, orchestrating three dramatic comebacks in their previous nine games, including a 53-31 victory over Duke the week before. But in this game, they couldn’t muster the same magic.

Despite Ward’s 347-yard, three-touchdown performance, Georgia Tech’s time of possession kept him on the sidelines for extended stretches, limiting his ability to get into a rhythm. The Yellow Jackets' relentless running game and defense made sure that Miami's comeback attempts were always within reach, but never quite successful.

"We just didn't play Miami football," said Hurricanes safety Mishael Powell after the game. "We didn't do a good job getting turnovers today. We just didn’t execute when we needed to."

Georgia Tech's Defensive Resilience

Though Miami's passing attack was potent, Georgia Tech's defense came up big when it mattered most. The Yellow Jackets held the Hurricanes to a season-low 23 points, more than 20 points below their usual explosive output of 47.4 points per game. The defense’s ability to limit Miami’s big-play opportunities, particularly in the second half, was instrumental in securing the win.

Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key echoed that sentiment, saying, "Good football game, if you believe in running the ball and stopping the run and time of possession. Those types of things still work." The Yellow Jackets' commitment to those principles paid off in a big way.

Historic Win and What’s Next

The victory was especially sweet for Georgia Tech, as it not only handed Miami their first loss of the season (Miami falls to 9-1, 5-1 in the ACC) but also made the Yellow Jackets bowl-eligible for the first time this season. The win snapped a two-game losing streak and lifted the program to 6-4 overall, with plenty of momentum as they look toward their final games.

For Miami, the loss marked the end of their unbeaten run and dashed their hopes of an undefeated regular season. Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal reflected on the loss, saying, "The way they ran the football, knowing that they were banged up at quarterback, they did a better job than we did."

The Aftermath: Field Storm and Historic Victory

As the final whistle blew, the fans at Bobby Dodd Stadium erupted in celebration. The field was stormed, and both goalposts were toppled as Georgia Tech’s victory was cemented in the history books. It was a moment for the Yellow Jackets to savor, a well-earned triumph over a national powerhouse.

With bowl eligibility secured and an unforgettable victory over a top-five team under their belts, Georgia Tech has certainly made a statement. The Yellow Jackets may not have had the flashiest offensive performance or the star-studded roster of Miami, but their dedication to execution, physicality, and time of possession made all the difference.

For Miami, the focus now turns to regrouping after their first defeat of the season and ensuring they remain in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff. But on this day, it was Georgia Tech that stole the spotlight with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Author

Cameron Williams

DiSportsPhotoAgency

Senior Writer