By: Luke Evans | 08/25/2024
The 2024 college football season couldn’t have started with more drama. What was supposed to be the grand beginning of Florida State's much-anticipated revenge tour turned into a nightmare for Seminoles fans, as Georgia Tech delivered a stunning 24-21 upset in Dublin, Ireland. The Yellow Jackets' last-second 44-yard field goal sent shockwaves through the college football world, and social media exploded with reactions as fans and pundits processed the unexpected outcome.
— Gerald Butler (@NormalAccount16) August 24, 2024
Fans of Florida State had spent the entire offseason dreaming of a season where they would avenge last year’s College Football Playoff snub. But Georgia Tech had other plans. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Yellow Jackets played with relentless energy, matching Florida State blow for blow and silencing the Seminole war chants that had taken over Dublin all week.
Brent Key’s squad proved they’re a force to be reckoned with, leaving many to wonder if Georgia Tech is a legitimate contender in the ACC this year. As for the Seminoles, the loss casts a dark cloud over their season, raising questions about whether they can recover and make a push for the playoffs.
GEORGIA TECH UPSETS NO. 10 FSU IN CFB OPENER 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/N3UOfgZcvb
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 24, 2024
Much of the blame for Florida State’s loss has fallen on quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. Transferring in with high expectations, Uiagalelei was supposed to be the key to the Seminoles’ resurgence. Instead, his lackluster performance led to a barrage of criticism on social media. Fans flooded his latest Instagram post with comments ranging from "Overrated" to more brutal takedowns.
This is tough. pic.twitter.com/IlFMj2cOU2
— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) August 24, 2024
Billy, this is DJ Uiagalelei, he’s built like a linebacker with the speed and athleticism of a Running back. He is the ultimate weapon at QB.
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) August 24, 2024
His only defect, in 1904 the forward pass was invented pic.twitter.com/iyAnDUZqoz
— BigOrangePunch (@BigOrangePunch) August 24, 2024
DJ Uiagalelei after switching his major to CDL operator on Monday pic.twitter.com/HYwqSIjG3D
— Chef Corry (@CorryAKnowles) August 24, 2024
The frustration was palpable, with many Seminoles supporters already lamenting the season as doomed. It seems that the optimism surrounding Uiagalelei’s arrival has quickly faded, and some fans are already calling for the team to start recruiting a new quarterback.
As the final whistle blew and Georgia Tech celebrated their victory, social media platforms were set ablaze with reactions. Fans of the Yellow Jackets rejoiced, while Seminoles supporters expressed their disbelief and disappointment. The memes, hot takes, and animated debates flooded timelines, reflecting the shockwaves this game sent through the college football community.
Florida State: “We going to the college football playoff this year!”
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) August 24, 2024
Georgia Tech: pic.twitter.com/SJonJj6MYh
Florida State would be killing Georgia Tech if their starters didn’t opt out
— jxke. 🧸 (@cantguardjake) August 24, 2024
Whole bunch of folks pulling a ‘Check Swing’ on their Florida State playoff pick right now.
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) August 24, 2024
FLORIDA STATE TRAVELLED ALL THE WAY TO IRELAND TO LOSE TO A BUNCH OF ENGINEERS HAHAHAHA
— Riley (@Ri_S_OB) August 24, 2024
pic.twitter.com/6mCXLZPDTq
Florida State fans after getting left out of the playoff, getting boat raced by Georgia 63-3 in the Orange Bowl & losing to Georgia Tech in the 2024 opener: pic.twitter.com/kzUr3D11zx
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) August 24, 2024
From X to Instagram, the conversation was dominated by the unexpected outcome. Some fans praised Georgia Tech’s resilience, while others questioned Florida State’s ability to bounce back. The discussion even turned to Brent Key’s future, with some speculating that he might soon be courted by bigger programs.
Mayhem in Dublin!
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) August 24, 2024
For the first time since The Miracle on Techwood Drive in 2015 against Florida State, @GeorgiaTechFB knocks off a top 10 opponent.
Jackets are 5-0 against ACC ranked teams under Brent Key. Put some respect on their name. pic.twitter.com/mEHBGJLCqQ
After such a demoralizing loss, the road ahead for Florida State is uncertain. The Seminoles will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season. With a long and grueling schedule ahead, including matchups against tough ACC rivals, the pressure is on for DJ Uiagalelei and the entire team to step up.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech heads into the rest of the season with newfound confidence and momentum. This upset could be the beginning of a special year for the Yellow Jackets, who have already made a statement to the rest of the ACC.
Man, tough loss for the Noles over in Ireland to a good GT team.
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) August 24, 2024
The great news is with the new 12 team playoff, there’s still plenty of opportunities to climb back into the bracket. Regroup and keep battlin!
The 2024 season has only just begun, but it’s already delivering unforgettable moments. Georgia Tech’s stunning victory over Florida State in Dublin will be remembered as one of the biggest upsets of the year, and social media reactions show just how much it has resonated with fans across the country. As the season unfolds, both teams will look to either capitalize on this momentum or find a way to rebound from a crushing loss.