On a chilly football weather night at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia Tech had the game in hand…until they didn’t.

   The Yellow Jackets had struggled all game to get much going on offense settling for three field goals with their only score coming on a short field pick six early in the game.

   But, they had held onto a nine point lead well into the fourth quarter thanks to a stingy defense that repeatedly stifled the North Carolina State offense. The fourth quarter, though, is NC State’s comfort zone, where they have dominated all season,

   True to form, having been held to a single touchdown all game, trailing by nine, the Wolfpack tacked on three more in the final quarter with two coming in the span of three minutes to take a 29-23 lead with just a minute and a half remaining in the game.

   But, rookie quarterback Aaron Philo finally got some rhythm on offense driving his team downfield. He put his team up for good with a thrilling 18 yard touchdown run leaving just 22 seconds on the clock.

   The Pack had three scoring runs by freshman quarterback CJ Bailey. But, that success was offset by three interceptions, one of which was the early pick six by E.J Lightsey.

   The Yellow Jackets cap a perfect 5-0 home schedule at Bobby Dodd Stadium, the first time they have done that since head coach Brent Key was an offensive lineman in 1999. 

   Philo finished with impressive stats completing 19 of 33 for 265 yards adding crucial rushing yards when needed the most.

   “We were able to create some turnovers on defense tonight and set up a score on one and scored on one. So huge difference in the game, able to knock back some of those field goals,” said coach Key.

   Georgia Tech can savor the victory with a few extra days rest as they close out the regular season in Athens next Saturday, November 30, to take on the tough #10 Georgia Bulldogs. Its an early 12:45 kickoff on the SEC Network.