Philo delivers go-ahead TD run with 22 seconds remaining to lift Georgia Tech past N.C. State 30-29
Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) lost the lead with 1:30 remaining when Hollywood Smothers broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run for N.C. State (5-6, 2-5).
Philo had the answer with his go-ahead scoring run that he said was like a childhood dream.
“That was the moment you dream of, ever since you were a little kid,” Philo said. “I couldn’t ask for a better moment.”
Georgia Tech coach Brent Key said Philo “was smart and saw it and took off and ran.”
Philo's last-minute drama almost wasn't enough. The Wolfpack moved to the Georgia Tech 41 but Collin Smith's last-second, 58-yard field goal attempt was wide left.
The Wolfpack had three scoring runs by freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, but Bailey also threw three interceptions.
E.J. Lightsey returned an interception 21 yards for a touchdown for Georgia Tech, which led 23-21 before Smothers' go-ahead scoring run. Bailey ran for a 2-point conversion as N.C. State (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) became bowl eligible.
Romello Height's interception of a Bailey pass with 6:44 remaining set up Haynes King's 3-yard scoring run.
Georgia Tech capped a perfect 5-0 home schedule at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Wolfpack fell short in their bid to become bowl eligible.
Bailey showed his athleticism on his 16-yard scoring run late in the opening quarter and a 28-yard touchdown scamper on the first play of the fourth.
Georgia Tech led only 13-7 at halftime after being held without an offensive touchdown. Aidan Birr kicked field goals of 44 and 41 yards. Birr added a 45-yarder in the third quarter for a 16-7 lead. The kick was set up by Philo's 49-yard pass to Eric Singleton.
Even with all the late-game drama, N.C. State coach Dave Doeren still said Lightsey's first-quarter interception was painful.
“We did a lot of good things there third and fourth quarter but the opening shovel pass that ricochets into their guy’s hands was a tough play for us,” Doeren said.
Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets struggled to establish their running game after rushing for 281 yards in their 28-23 upset of then-No. 4 Miami on Nov. 9. Jamal Haynes ran for only 36 yards on 13 carries and King ran for only 18 yards on eight carries while Philo handled most of the snaps at quarterback. Philo completed 19 of 33 passes for a career-high 265 yards.
Georgia Tech: Plays at No. 8 Georgia on Nov. 29.
------ Get alerts on the latest AP Top 25 poll throughout the season. Sign up here AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
