ATLANTA — Georgia Tech kicked off its season with a dramatic 27-20 victory over Colorado on Friday, fueled by an impressive showing from quarterback Haynes King. King made headlines with his 156 rushing yards and three touchdowns, culminating in a crucial 45-yard run that sealed the game with just over a minute remaining.

King’s performance highlighted his ability to rebound from a rocky start, where the Yellow Jackets struggled with turnovers on their initial three possessions. Once settled in, King guided the offense to score on five of their final seven drives, putting the team on the board and ensuring a winning start to the season for the second consecutive year.

The Yellow Jackets amassed 463 total yards, including an astounding 320 yards on the ground. Their ground game was particularly effective against a Colorado defense that had ranked mid-level the previous season. The Buffaloes’ struggles were evident in their failure to contain Georgia Tech’s rushing attack, marking a challenging outing for the defense.

In contrast, Year 3 under head coach Deion Sanders began with mixed results for Colorado. Despite a promising start, which featured the debut of quarterback Kaidon Salter—who transferred from another program to fill the shoes of two-year starter Shedeur Sanders—Colorado faced significant challenges. Salter completed 17-of-28 passes for 159 yards and threw a touchdown, while also rushing for a score that tied the game at 20 in the fourth quarter.

The closing moments held considerable tension as Colorado mounted a final drive, leading to a Hail Mary attempt. However, the pass was batted down in the end zone. The thwarted effort underscored the intensity of the contest and the stakes for both teams as they navigated the opening weekend of college football.

Georgia Tech’s balanced offense proved crucial, with King not only showcasing his legs but also displaying his passing ability. He completed 13 of 20 throws for 143 yards, further demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities. This varied offensive strategy was key in overcoming a sluggish start.

Looking ahead, Georgia Tech (1-0) prepares to host FCS opponent Gardner-Webb next Saturday, aiming to build on their early-season momentum. Meanwhile, Colorado (0-1) will face Delaware in hopes of quickly bouncing back from their defeat. The matchup will allow both teams to reassess and refine their strategies as they move deeper into the season.