Buzzing and Unstoppable
Sometimes a game tells you everything you need to know about where two programs stand. Georgia Tech’s 41–16 win over Syracuse this past weekend was one of those games. It wasn’t that Syracuse didn’t show up. They did. They came out fast, aggressive, and for the first quarter looked like they might push a top ten team to the edge. But as the game wore on, Georgia Tech reminded everyone why they are one of the best teams in the country.
Syracuse struck first with a field goal after forcing an early turnover. The Orange had momentum and confidence, showing poise in a tough road environment. But Georgia Tech quickly flipped the script. Their quarterback Haynes King was outstanding, throwing for over 300 yards and adding nearly 100 on the ground. Every time Syracuse made a play, King answered with something bigger. He accounted for five total touchdowns and never let Syracuse breathe.
Georgia Tech has become a team that leans heavily on its quarterback. King is the engine that drives everything they do, and when he is on, they look like a team that can beat anyone in the country. His dual-threat ability creates constant pressure on defenses and opens up everything else in their offense.
On the other side, Syracuse is still trying to find rhythm at quarterback after losing starter Steve Angeli for the year. Rickie Collins has stepped in as the backup and shown flashes of potential, completing 17 of 29 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown against Georgia Tech. He has the tools and composure to lead, but the offense is clearly still adjusting to a new dynamic under center. The timing and consistency just aren’t there yet, and that showed as the game went on.
Running back Yasin Willis gave Syracuse a spark early with 76 yards on 10 carries, helping them keep things balanced in the first quarter. But once Georgia Tech’s defense settled in, they forced Syracuse into passing situations and took control of the tempo.
For Georgia Tech, this win continues to prove they are legitimate playoff contenders. They are balanced, disciplined, and explosive on both sides of the ball. For Syracuse, this was a measuring-stick game. They competed early, but this showed how thin the margin for error is when facing an elite team, especially while breaking in a young quarterback.
Even in defeat, there were positives for Syracuse. They battled, showed flashes of potential, and have enough talent to grow from this. But Georgia Tech showed what confidence, continuity, and elite quarterback play can do for a program that knows exactly who it is.
By Shaun Crawford