ATLANTA — Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo scrambled for a go-ahead 18-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds remaining, and the Yellow Jackets escaped with a 30-29 win over N.C. State on Thursday night after losing the lead with less than two minutes remaining.
The Yellow Jackets, who improved to 7-4 overall and finished their Atlantic Coast Conference schedule with a 5-3 record, 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 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.”