Image source: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Georgia Tech’s hopes for a big postseason run ended this week. The Yellow Jackets lost 16-9 to rival Georgia, so they will not make the College Football Playoff. For senior quarterback Haynes King, it also means his chance at the Heisman Trophy is gone.
After the game on November 29, King spoke to the media and thanked everyone at Georgia Tech:
“I would like to acknowledge the Tech fans and all Georgia Tech people that had faith in me and provided me with this opportunity. I can’t thank them enough.”
Haynes King’s college football story has had ups and downs. He started at Texas A&M as a top recruit, but injuries and inconsistent play made things hard. Many people doubted him.
King decided to transfer to Georgia Tech to finish his college career. While the team did not make the playoffs, their 9-3 season is still very good. King had a strong season, throwing for 2,516 yards and 14 touchdowns before the Georgia game, and running for 883 yards and 15 touchdowns. He carried the offense almost by himself.
But Georgia’s defense was too strong in the final game. Georgia Tech could only score three field goals. Haynes King threw a costly interception and passed for only 181 yards. This ended his hopes for the Heisman Trophy.
Georgia Tech still has a very small chance to make the ACC Championship. They need Miami, Virginia, and SMU to all lose their final games. If even one team wins, Georgia Tech will miss the title game and go to a regular bowl instead.
Even so, a 9-3 record is a big step forward for Coach Brent Key and the program. Haynes King may not have ended his college career the way he hoped, but Georgia Tech is moving in the right direction. The team has a bright future, even if winning a national title is very hard for schools like Georgia Tech.
Also Read: Texas Faces LB Injuries as Marcel Reed Returns for A&M