Why Pittsburgh Needs an Upset Over Unbeaten Georgia Tech for ACC Hopes

Pittsburgh travels to Atlanta on Nov. 22 for an absolutely critical matchup. No. 14 Georgia Tech hosts No. 23 Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. ET. The 9-1 Yellow Jackets remain unbeaten in conference play. A Pitt win keeps their ACC Championship hopes alive barely.

🔥 Quick Facts:

• Georgia Tech boasts a 9-1 record with 6-1 ACC performance entering the game
• Pittsburgh sits at 7-3 overall, 5-1 in conference following a 37-15 loss to Notre Dame
• Georgia Tech QB Haynes King leads the nation with 2,259 passing yards in 2025
• Game airs on ESPN from Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta
• Pittsburgh needs to win out to keep ACC title game hopes alive

The Setup: Two Teams, One Chance

Georgia Tech comes in as a 2.5-point favorite. The Yellow Jackets still haven’t tasted defeat in 2025. They lost only one game all season. That came on Nov. 2 when NC State handed them a 48-36 shock. Since then, they’ve bounced back impressively.

For Pittsburgh, this is desperation time. The Panthers got absolutely throttled last week. Notre Dame dominated them 37-15 for a humbling loss. Jeremiyah Love and the Fighting Irish showed Pitt had no answer. Now they must face a better team.

Here’s what matters most. Pittsburgh needs wins. They’re at 5-1 in ACC play. Georgia Tech only sits at 6-1. So really, both teams are still alive. Pittsburgh‘s 15.8% playoff probability hinges on this. Georgia Tech controls their destiny.

Georgia Tech’s Firepower on Display

Haynes King has been nothing short of sensational this year. The Georgia Tech quarterback sports a 82.6 QBR rating. He’s thrown just 2 interceptions all season. His 10 touchdown passes demonstrate accuracy and poise. Plus, he ranks 12th nationally in all-purpose yards which is elite company.

King didn’t just appear from nowhere either. He transferred from Texas A&M to Georgia Tech. In just two seasons, he’s already sixth in program history with 4,956 passing yards. That’s a remarkable trajectory. Heisman ballot conversations have swirled around him.

The supporting cast helps tremendously. Jamal Haynes is a top-10 running back nationally. And Josh Beetham has been a reliable target. So Georgia Tech has the weapons to attack Pittsburgh‘s defense.

Can Pittsburgh’s Defense Keep Pace?

Team Statistic	Pittsburgh	Georgia Tech
Record	7-3 overall	9-1 overall
ACC Record	5-1	6-1
Scoring Offense	37.2 PPG	37.4 PPG
Last Game Result	L 37-15 to Notre Dame	W 36-34 vs Boston College
QB Efficiency	Struggling post-ND	Haynes King 82.6 QBR

Pittsburgh‘s defense allows just 90.3 rushing yards per game. That’s genuinely impressive. This matchup point favors them. Georgia Tech likes to run the ball. They attack you on the ground first. So if Pitt can stuff the run, they’ve got a shot.

But here’s the problem. Pittsburgh got manhandled last week. Notre Dame showed them no mercy. That kind of loss shakes confidence. Pitt‘s team looked lost. They lacked urgency. They got outmuscled. Now they face an even more talented opponent.

Betting Odds and Expert Leanings

The betting wisemen favor Georgia Tech. Current spread sits at -2.5 for the Yellow Jackets. That’s essentially a pick. Vegas thinks this game could go either way. Pittsburgh sits at +2.5 as the underdog.

Thing is, experts are split too. Some see Georgia Tech‘s talent as too much. Others think Pittsburgh‘s defensive line gives them a fighting chance. The spread reflects a toss-up scenario. Under probably hit 4-2 in the last six meetings between these schools.

One thing’s clear. Georgia Tech controls this game if they run the ball. Pittsburgh must force them to beat them through the air. That’s where Haynes King shines most though. So Pitt‘s in a tough spot.

What Needs to Happen for Pitt to Upset Georgia Tech?

Pittsburgh needs aggressive play from day one. Sitting back and playing not to lose doesn’t work. They must get to Haynes King. Their pass rush has been decent. But they’ll need elite-level pressure. Georgia Tech isn’t used to seeing constant pressure this season.

Plus, Pittsburgh‘s offense must capitalize on opportunities. They can’t stall in the red zone. Not against this Yellow Jackets team. One or two wasted drives could cost them the game. They need every scoring possession.

Finally, special teams matter here. Pittsburgh must avoid mistakes. Turnovers spell doom. Georgia Tech takes care of the football. They force opposing errors. So Pitt must be pristine. Can they bounce back from getting embarrassed by Notre Dame just one week ago?

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.