Last year, Florida State went through the regular season undefeated. With several top recruits and transfers like DJ Uiagalelei this year, FSU was expected to be a favorite to make the new 12-team College Football Playoff. However, a former Longview quarterback helped lead an upset win over the #10 ranked Florida State.
Haynes King was a quarterback at Longview. In 2018, as a junior, he led his team to a 16-0 record and the Class 6A Division II state championship. King amassed over 7,500 passing yards and 102 total touchdowns during his high school career. He initially went to Texas A&M. After sitting as a freshman, King got playing time as a sophomore, and it looked promising for him with the Aggies, but an early season broken leg sidelined him for the rest of the season, and King entered the transfer portal.
King landed at Georgia Tech. Known for its ground-and-pound style of football, Tech has changed its style of play in recent years, especially on offense. King was a good fit for the new Tech offense. Last season, he threw for just under 3,000 yards and rushed for over 700 yards while leading his team to a 7-6 record. Hopes were a bit higher this year, and week one did not disappoint.
Georgia Tech stunned Florida State in a thrilling victory, winning 24-21 in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic held in Dublin. As time expired, Aidan Birr’s clutch 44-yard field goal sealed the upset for the Yellow Jackets. This win marked Georgia Tech’s first win over a top-10 opponent since 2015. The team’s offensive line was highly praised for their performance, enabling a strong rushing game with 190 total yards on the ground.
Haynes King played a crucial role, throwing for 146 yards and adding 54 rushing yards. His leadership and versatility on the field helped Georgia Tech control the game’s tempo and secure this monumental win in their season opener, setting a confident tone for the rest of the season.
