ATLANTA (AP) — Aaron Philo scrambled for a go-ahead 18-yard landing run with 22 seconds remaining and Georgia Tech escaped with a 30-29 win over N.C. State on Thursday evening after dropping the lead with lower than 2 minutes remaining.
Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Convention) misplaced the lead with 1:30 remaining when Hollywood Smothers broke free for a 53-yard landing run for N.C. State (5-6, 2-5).
Philo had the reply along with his go-ahead scoring run that he mentioned was like a childhood dream.
“That was the second you dream of, ever because you had been a bit child,” Philo mentioned. “I couldn’t ask for a greater second.”
Georgia Tech coach Brent Key mentioned Philo “was sensible and noticed it and took off and ran.”
Philo’s last-minute drama nearly wasn’t sufficient. The Wolfpack moved to the Georgia Tech 41 however Collin Smith’s last-second, 58-yard subject aim try was huge left.
The Wolfpack had three scoring runs by freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, however Bailey additionally threw three interceptions.
E.J. Lightsey returned an interception 21 yards for a landing for Georgia Tech, which led 23-21 earlier than Smothers’ go-ahead scoring run. Bailey ran for a 2-point conversion as N.C. State (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Convention) turned bowl eligible.
Romello Top’s interception of a Bailey go with 6:44 remaining arrange Haynes King’s 3-yard scoring run.
Georgia Tech capped an ideal 5-0 house schedule at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Wolfpack fell quick of their bid to grow to be bowl eligible.
Bailey confirmed his athleticism on his 16-yard scoring run late within the opening quarter and a 28-yard landing scamper on the primary play of the fourth.
Georgia Tech led solely 13-7 at halftime after being held with out an offensive landing. Aidan Birr kicked subject targets of 44 and 41 yards. Birr added a 45-yarder within the third quarter for a 16-7 lead. The kick was arrange by Philo’s 49-yard go to Eric Singleton.
Even with all of the late-game drama, N.C. State coach Dave Doeren nonetheless mentioned Lightsey’s first-quarter interception was painful.
“We did a number of good issues there third and fourth quarter however the opening shovel go that ricochets into their man’s palms was a troublesome play for us,” Doeren mentioned.
The takeaway
N.C. State: Bailey, who turned the starter when Grayson McCall retired following concussion points, couldn’t lead a constant drive within the first half aside from on his creative scoring run. … DE Davin Vann was knocked out of the sport with an damage early within the second interval. Vann, who leads the nation with 5 compelled fumbles, was escorted to the locker room.
Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets struggled to ascertain their working recreation after speeding for 281 yards of their 28-23 upset of then-No. 4 Miami on Nov. 9. Jamal Haynes ran for under 36 yards on 13 carries and King ran for under 18 yards on eight carries whereas Philo dealt with a lot of the snaps at quarterback. Philo accomplished 19 of 33 passes for a career-high 265 yards.
Up subsequent
N.C. State: Closes its common season at North Carolina on Nov. 30.
Georgia Tech: Performs at No. 8 Georgia on Nov. 29.
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