Georgia Tech returns blocked field goal for TD to stun Florida State
Tech runs back blocked field goal for TD on final play
By STAN AWTREY
sports@ledger-enquirer.com
ATLANTA -- The Georgia Tech special teams came up with one of the most unforgettable finishes in the school's long history.
When Florida State kicker Roberto Aguayo lined up to kick a game-winning 56-yard field goal with 6 seconds left, the line had other ideas. They surged ahead to block the effort of Aguayo, who had already kicked three field goals. Patrick Gamble got a hand on it and the ball rolled harmlessly to sophomore Lance Austin.
But as the Florida State players milled around, thinking the play was over, Austin looked back across
the field and realized the ball was alive. He saw blockers, among them Jamal Golden, and began to run toward the Georgia Tech sidelines. He turned his way toward the North stands and didn't stop until he was in the end zone.
By this time the horn had sounded, Tech had put away an unbelievable 22-16 win and the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium was filled with thousands of white-clad fans who continued their celebration deep into the night.
The five-game losing streak was history, as was Florida State's 28-game ACC winning streak.
Georgia Tech tied the game 16-16 when Harrison Butker kicked his third field goal, a 35-yarder, with 54 seconds remaining.
The Yellow Jackets got an inspired effort all night from defensive tackles Adam Gotsis and Gamble, defensive end KeShun Freeman and strong safety Jamal Golden. The Georgia Tech defense that entered the game allowing an average of 27.4 points and 371 yards per game, gave up just 16 points -- none in the second half -- and 280 yards against one of the most dangerous offenses in the ACC.
"We played a good game all day," Gamble said. "It's great to get a 'W' for Georgia Tech."
Golden led the team with nine tackles and intercepted the pass that preserved Georgia Tech's chances. Freeman had seven tackles, one for loss, and one sack. Gotsis had four tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. Gamble had a sack and a tackle for loss.
Georgia Tech limited Florida State to 2-of-10 third-down conversions and allowed the Seminoles to keep the ball only 10:33 in the second half. The same Yellow Jackets team that didn't have a single play for negative yardage last week against Pitt, had three sacks and four tackles for loss.
The Georgia Tech defense was tested early.
They forced FSU to go three-and-out upon receiving the opening kickoff and limited the Seminoles to a 20-yard Aguayo field goal after turning the ball over deep in their own zone.
Thomas attempted to throw a screen pass on third down on Georgia Tech's first possession, but Josh Sweat jumped up to tip the ball and intercepted it at the 19. Cook gained 17 on the first play only to the offense fail on two runs and an incomplete pass.
Georgia Tech had better luck on its next possession. The Yellow Jackets ran the option effectively, but had to settle for a 53-yard field goal from Harrison Butker, which matched his career best set a year ago against Georgia.
Thomas was intercepted again in the second quarter by Lamarcus Brutus, who returned the ball to the Georgia Tech 2. Cook ran it in from there on the next play, his 11th rushing touchdown this season, to give Florida State a 10-3 lead.
The Seminoles added a 27-yard Aguayo field goal following a 10-play drive that stalled at the Georgia Tech 10, which extended the lead to 13-3.
Georgia Tech finally broke through to score thanks to two big plays engineered by Thomas. On second down from his own 3, Thomas escaped pressure in the end zone and threw a 33-yard completion to Ricky Jeune. Two plays later he kept the ball on an option to the right and scored on a 60-yard run to cut the lead to 13-10 with 2:22 left.
Florida State was able to hurry down the field and set up a 38-yard field goal from Aguayo at the horn, which put the Seminoles ahead 16-10. He also kicked three field goals against Miami this season.
Butker kicked another field goal, a 40-yarder, on Georgia Tech's first possession of the second half to draw the Yellow Jackets to within 16-13 at the 8:27 mark.
The Yellow Jackets were in position to at least tie the game when they faced third-and-11 at the 28 to open the fourth quarter.
Thomas dropped back under pressure, but rather than throw the ball away, the took an 11-yard sack that knocked them out of field goal range.
Florida State answered by driving to the Georgia Tech 5 before being turned away.
This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 11:19 PM with the headline "Georgia Tech returns blocked field goal for TD to stun Florida State ."