In a dramatic season opener at Folsom Field, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets overcame a rocky start to defeat the Colorado Buffaloes, 27–20. Quarterback Haynes King delivered a breakout performance, accounting for three rushing touchdowns—including a stunning 45-yard go-ahead score with just 1:07 left on the clock.
After turning the ball over three times in their first three drives, Georgia Tech found its rhythm. From that point on, the Yellow Jackets dominated on the ground and through the air, putting up an impressive 463 total yards compared to Colorado’s 305.
Haynes King’s performance was the highlight of the night:
156 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns, making him the first Georgia Tech player since Tobias Oliver in 2018 to rush for at least 150 yards and score three rushing TDs in a single game. He also completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Colorado’s quarterback Kaidon Salter had a respectable debut, throwing for 159 yards and a touchdown, and even adding a 7-yard rushing TD to tie the game at 20 in the fourth quarter.
The narrative of the game shifted dramatically after Georgia Tech overcame its early miscues. The Yellow Jackets scored on five of their final seven drives, a key adjustment that propelled them to the victory.
In the final moments, as Colorado mounted a desperate Hail Mary, Georgia Tech’s defense held firm—batting down the pass in the back of the end zone to seal the win.
Key game stats:
- Total offense: Georgia Tech 463 yards vs. Colorado 305 yards
- Turnovers: Georgia Tech had 3, while Colorado had 0
- Georgia Tech rushing yards: 320 yards on the ground—highlighting their offensive dominance
This win sets Georgia Tech at 1-0, while Colorado, under the spotlight of Deion Sanders’ third season, begins the year 0-1.
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