Brent Key shows obvious displeasure with how Georgia Tech got past Boston College

Coming off a bye week and their first loss of the season, Georgia Tech returned to action Saturday looking to reset the tone. But instead of a statement win, the Yellow Jackets delivered another nerve-wracking escape. One that left head coach Brent Key visibly unhappy.

All eyes were on the defense after the abysmal showing at NC State, and the early signs weren’t encouraging. Georgia Tech surrendered 537 yards and 8.1 yards per play to a Boston College team that entered the day at 1–9. During his on-field postgame interview with ESPN, Key didn’t hide his frustration. While he praised the result, he made it clear he wasn’t pleased with how his team played.

That frustration aligns with national perception as well. As SaturdayBlitz outlined, Key’s team keeps needing to claw its way out of trouble. Despite posting a 59 percent offensive success rate at Chestnut Hill, Georgia Tech still needed a 13-play, 68-yard drive capped by Aiden Birr’s 23-yard field goal to survive—completing a double-digit comeback in the second half. The reason? The defense continues to be a liability.

Georgia Tech ranks 123rd nationally in adjusted defensive EPA/play, with only Vanderbilt sharing the dubious distinction of being outside the top 70 while still technically in the CFP hunt. The unit is trending the wrong direction, too—allowing 1,120 yards over the last two games. And Saturday’s struggles came against the 109th-ranked offense by EPA/play. The problems start up front with the pass rush, and unlike their in-state rivals in Athens, Georgia Tech’s issues along the defensive front seem to be getting worse.

With just one conference game left and everything still on the table. Georgia Tech remains in control of its destiny. But if the Yellow Jackets want to be taken seriously as a postseason contender. The defense can’t keep putting them in survival mode. Key made that clear. Now it’s a matter of whether his team can respond.

The defense at times doesn’t deserve Heisman quality quarterback Hayne’s King. Up next is the final 2025 ACC game, home against the Pittsburgh Panthers.