Clemson Football: Coach’s Reaction to Georgia Tech Loss

Walk-Off Field Goal Sinks No. 11 Clemson, Playoff Hopes Dim

A stunning 55-yard field goal as time expired by georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr delivered a 24-21 defeat to No. 11 Clemson, raising serious questions about the Tigers’ national championship aspirations. The loss, occurring on Saturday, September 23rd, marks Clemson’s first defeat on the final play of regulation since 2016 and abruptly halts a nine-game winning streak against the Yellow Jackets.

did you know? – Aidan Birr’s 55-yard field goal was the longest game-winning kick in Georgia Tech history, surpassing a 53-yarder set in 1980.The kick secured the Yellow Jackets’ first win against Clemson as 2016.

Early Season struggles for ACC Favorites

Clemson entered the 2025 college football season as a consensus pick to contend for the ACC title and the College Football Playoff national championship. The team boasted the nation’s highest percentage of returning production, centered around quarterback Cade Klubnik. However, after three weeks of play, the Tigers find themselves with a 1-2 record and a drastically reduced chance of reaching the CFP – currently estimated at just 5.4% according to ESPN’s playoff predictor.

“This is Clemson. We got two tough, tough losses to two good teams,” a team spokesperson stated, referencing defeats to LSU and Georgia Tech. “Two games that have come down to the last play, and it just hasn’t gone our way. Its my job to find a way to make those couple plays.”

Pro tip: – Teams with a high percentage of returning starters frequently enough face increased pressure and scrutiny. While experience is valuable, it doesn’t guarantee success, especially against motivated opponents.

Klubnik’s Turnovers and Offensive Lulls

The Tigers’ offense struggled to maintain consistency throughout the game,experiencing a familiar first-half slump that allowed Georgia Tech to establish a 13-0 lead in the second quarter. Cade Klubnik, despite his potential, committed two costly turnovers – a fumble and an interception – extending his streak of games with a turnover to every contest this season. A critical dropped pass by wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. on third down in the fourth quarter, while Clemson held a narrow 14-13 lead, further hampered the team’s momentum.

Georgia Tech’s Fourth-Quarter Surge

Georgia Tech’s offense proved unstoppable in the final quarter. Quarterback Haynes King orchestrated a 90-yard touchdown drive to seize the lead.

Reader question: – Do you think Clemson can still turn their season around and contend for the ACC Championship, or are their playoff hopes realistically over after this loss? Share your thoughts!

Why did it end the way it did? Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 24-21 after kicker Aidan Birr made a 55-yard field goal as time expired. Clemson’s offensive struggles, particularly turnovers by quarterback Cade Klubnik, and a late surge by Georgia Tech’s offense contributed to the outcome.

Who was involved? The key players were georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr,Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King,Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik,and Clemson wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr.

What happened? No. 11 Clemson lost to Georgia Tech on a last-second field goal, suffering their second one-possession loss of the season. The loss significantly diminishes Clemson’s College Football Playoff chances.

How did the game unfold? Georgia Tech took an early lead, Clemson battled back, but ultimately, a strong fourth-quarter performance by Georgia Tech and Birr’s game-winning kick sealed the victory.