Tenth-ranked Florida State lost its season opener in Ireland on Saturday to an unranked Georgia Tech team to kick off the 2024 college football season – a season after going undefeated but still being left out of the playoff.
The two teams squared off in Dublin with the Seminoles out to prove themselves with transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei under center. Florida State scored with ease on its opening drive and successfully executed a two-point conversion.
Favored by two possessions, it appeared coach Mike Norvell had his team primed for a route. Instead, the Yellow Jackets answered back and made it a game just minutes later.
With five ticks on the clock at the end of the fourth quarter and with both teams tied at 21 points, Tech kicker Aidan Birr hit a clutch, 44-yard field goal as time expired to break some hearts in Tallahassee.
Fans melted down on web boards and social media.
Tech quarterback Haynes King completed 11/16 passes for 146 yards and tacked on another 15 yards on the ground. Uiagalelei completed 19/27 passes for 193 yards and rushed for seven yards in a disappointing debut while neither quarterback passed for a touchdown.
Florida State will host Boston College on Sept. 2 and with the expanded, 12-team playoff is still poised to knock on the postseason door, barring any more losses. The team will face a major test on Oct. 5 when it hosts Clemson – where Uiagalelei started his career.
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