Atlanta, GA — Haynes King turned in a dazzling performance, throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for two more as No. 7 Georgia Tech powered past Syracuse 41-16 on Saturday. The victory marked the Yellow Jackets’ first home game as a top-10 team since 2009 — and they lived up to the billing, improving to 8-0 for the first time since 1966.
The Orange (3-5, 1-4 ACC) struck first with a field goal, but the early lead was short-lived. After Syracuse stalled at the 1-yard line thanks to two pre-snap penalties and a costly sack, Georgia Tech seized momentum and never looked back, scoring 20 unanswered points before halftime.
Quarterback Haynes King threw a pair of second-quarter touchdown passes to tight end Josh Beetham, each sandwiched between field goals, as the Yellow Jackets’ offense found its rhythm. King later connected with Dean Patterson for another touchdown and added two rushing scores to finish with five total touchdowns and 395 yards of offense — 304 through the air and 91 on the ground.
“We’re getting closer to playing a complete game,” head coach Brent Key said. “The great thing is, we still haven’t reached our peak.”
Beetham Redeems Himself
Beetham, who dropped a sure touchdown earlier in the first quarter, bounced back in a big way. After the miscue forced Georgia Tech to settle for a field goal, Key urged him to stay focused. “He came off the field and I told him, ‘Move on, next play,’” Key said. “And he did. Fourth-and-1, he got the touchdown — and then another one later.” The senior tight end’s two scores were his first of the season.
Shorthanded Defense Holds Strong
Despite missing several starters in the secondary — including nickel Jy Gilmore and corner Ahmari Harvey — Georgia Tech’s defense held Syracuse to just three first-half points. Cornerback Zachary Tobe exited with an injury early in the third quarter, but the Yellow Jackets’ depth held firm.
“It’s about seizing the opportunity,” safety Clayton Powell-Lee said. “When someone goes down, it’s the next man up. The standard doesn’t change.”
The Takeaway
Syracuse: The Orange’s offensive woes continued. Since losing quarterback Steve Angeli to injury, Syracuse has dropped four straight and averaged just 12.5 points per game during the skid.
Georgia Tech: King continues to elevate his game, leading an offense that looks increasingly explosive. His 12 rushing touchdowns this season are the most by any FBS quarterback, underscoring his growing Heisman buzz as the Yellow Jackets push deeper into ACC play.
