The Georgia Tech Yellowjackets have only one loss, but Pitt is determined to add to it. Their 2025 schedule has been tough, but Tech has been tougher. Now comes Pitt.
How To Watch The Georgia Tech Game
- Gameday: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
- Teams: Georgia Tech (9-1) vs. Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3)
- Game time: 7:00 pm ET
- TV: ABC/ESPN+
- Streaming: FuboTV (Free Trial)
- Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium; Atlanta, Ga.
Georgia Tech vs. Pitt: A History
The football history between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Pittsburgh Panthers dates back over a century, with the teams first meeting in 1918. The series has been characterized by high-stakes matchups during the golden eras of both programs, including games coached by legends like Pop Warner (Pitt) and John Heisman (Georgia Tech).
While not a traditional “rivalry” in the sense of annual play or intense regional animosity, the series gained national significance in the mid-20th century due to the 1956 Sugar Bowl, which became a flashpoint for civil rights and integration in college football.
The teams have met sporadically, with a resurgence in games since both joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2013.
All-Time Series Record
As of November 21, 2025 (prior to the scheduled matchup on November 22), Georgia Tech and Pitt have played 15 games. Pitt holds the edge with 11 wins to Georgia Tech’s 4. The series has no ties.
Key Stats:
- Largest margin of victory: Georgia Tech 56–28 (2014, at home).
- Most recent game: Georgia Tech 26–21 over Pitt (October 1, 2022, at home).
- Upcoming: Pitt at Georgia Tech (November 22, 2025, in Atlanta), a critical ACC contest with playoff implications.
Historical HighlightsThe series reflects the evolution of college football, from powerhouse clashes in the early 20th century to a landmark civil rights moment in the 1950s, and modern ACC competition.
- Early Years (1918–1930s): The teams met five times between 1918 and 1931, with Pitt dominating 4–1. Pitt, under legendary coach Pop Warner (who led the Panthers to three national titles and a 60–12–4 record from 1915–1923), handed Georgia Tech its only loss in the undefeated 1920 season (Pitt 14–7). These games pitted two emerging giants against each other, with Warner’s innovative single-wing offense influencing the sport.
- Mid-Century Dominance by Pitt (1940s–1960s): Pitt won four straight from 1941 to 1964, including a 27–14 victory in 1964. Georgia Tech broke the streak with a 17–7 win in 1971.
- The 1956 Sugar Bowl: A Civil Rights Milestone: This neutral-site classic (Georgia Tech 7–0) remains the series’ most famous game—and one of college football’s most consequential. No. 7 Georgia Tech faced No. 11 Pitt in New Orleans amid intense controversy. Pitt’s star fullback/linebacker Bobby Grier, the first Black player to appear in the Sugar Bowl, faced racist opposition from segregationists, including Georgia Governor Marvin Griffin, who tried to block the matchup. Georgia Tech President Blake R. Van Leer staunchly defended participation, polling his players (who unanimously agreed to play) and threatening to resign if blocked. Pitt’s administration declared, “No Grier, no game.” Despite Pitt outgaining Tech 311–142 yards, Tech’s defense forced two fumbles and benefited from 72 penalty yards against the Panthers, securing a shutout. The game symbolized progress toward integration, with Grier later inducted into halls of fame and honored at Georgia Tech in 2022.
- Recent ACC Era (2013–Present): Since joining the ACC, the teams have met annually or near-annually, with closer results. Pitt won convincingly 52–21 in 2021, but Georgia Tech responded with a 26–21 upset in 2022. The 2014 game featured Tech’s record blowout, capitalizing on five Pitt fumbles in the first quarter alone. Coaches like Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson (2–1 vs. Pitt) and Pitt’s Pat Narduzzi have added intrigue.
Significance and LegacyThis series highlights football’s intersection with history: from tactical innovations under Warner and Heisman to the fight against segregation. While Pitt leads overall, Georgia Tech has won three of the last five meetings, including the most recent.
The 2025 game, pitting No. 23 Pitt (7–3) against No. 14 Georgia Tech (9–1), could be pivotal for ACC title and playoff hopes, adding to the lore. For fans, it’s a matchup of resilient programs—Tech’s option-attack heritage vs. Pitt’s gritty, defensive identity.
Georgia Tech’s 2025 Football Success: A Recipe
As of October 23, 2025, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are undefeated at 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the ACC, leading the conference standings and ranked No. 7 in both the AP and Coaches Polls—their highest regular-season ranking since 2009.
This marks the program’s first 7-0 start since 1966, with a balanced offense averaging 36.7 points per game, a stout defense holding opponents to 17.7 points, and several signature wins, including a 24-21 upset over then-No. 12 Clemson on September 13 (sealed by a 55-yard field goal) and gritty road victories at Colorado (27-20) and Wake Forest (30-29 in overtime).
The team’s success stems from a combination of coaching stability, player talent, cultural shifts, and strategic investments, transforming a program that had back-to-back 7-6 seasons into a legitimate ACC title and College Football Playoff contender.Key Reasons for the Turnaround
Momentum from Upsets and Favorable Schedule:
Signature wins like the Clemson field-stormer and a 35-20 rivalry triumph over Virginia Tech have built camaraderie and fan energy, with attendance upticks reflecting national buzz. A soft ACC slate (avoiding Miami and SMU) provides a clear path forward, though Key keeps focus on the present ahead of Saturday’s homecoming vs. Syracuse.
Brent Key’s Coaching Philosophy and Staff Continuity: In his third full season as head coach (and a former Tech offensive lineman), Key has instilled a culture of relentless toughness, discipline, commitment, and execution—core principles drawn from his time under Nick Saban at Alabama. He emphasizes weekly preparation to combat complacency, using metaphors like the perils of descending Mount Everest to keep the team grounded despite rising rankings. Offensive coordinators Buster Faulkner and Chris Weinke (both in their third year) have crafted a pro-style scheme that maximizes balance, while new defensive coordinator Blake Gideon has shored up the unit, limiting foes to under 25 points in most games and forcing key turnovers (e.g., two interceptions vs. Clemson). Key’s 7-1 record against ranked ACC opponents underscores this sustainable approach.
Haynes King’s Dual-Threat Leadership at Quarterback: Transfer QB Haynes King (from Texas A&M) has been the on-field catalyst, completing 80.5% of his passes for 1,175 yards and five TDs with just one INT, while adding nine rushing TDs (including 156 yards and three scores vs. Colorado). His grit—powering through defenders for crucial scores and embodying Key’s “toughness awards” ethos—has made him a dark-horse Heisman candidate.
King’s off-field dedication, like sleeping in Bobby Dodd Stadium during camp, fosters team buy-in and has elevated the rushing attack to 200+ yards in multiple games.
Balanced Offense and Transfer Depth
The Yellow Jackets boast a punishing ground game led by RBs Malachi Hosley (transfer from Penn; 129 yards and a TD vs. Virginia Tech) and Jamal Haynes, complemented by explosive receivers like Eric Rivers (from FIU; 77 yards and a TD vs. Wake Forest) and Malik Rutherford.
With 22 incoming transfers bolstering the roster, the offense has racked up advantages in first downs (e.g., 27-19 vs. Colorado) and time of possession (often 30+ minutes). Special teams shine too, with kicker Aidan Birr nailing long field goals (e.g., 55 yards vs. Clemson) and a blocked FG returned for a TD vs. Gardner-Webb.
Institutional Investments Elevating the Program
Under President Ángel Cabrera and new AD Ryan Alpert, Georgia Tech launched a $500 million “Full Steam Ahead” campaign to upgrade facilities like Bobby Dodd Stadium and secured a lucrative Under Armour NIL deal (six times the prior value).
Playing annually at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (including vs. Georgia on November 28) generates $10 million in revenue for NIL and House settlement obligations, attracting top talent in the transfer era. This positions athletics as the “front porch” of the school, blending academic excellence (team GPA >3.0) with the Total Person Program for career development—making Tech a compelling recruiting pitch.