On October 11, 1986, Georgia Tech made program history.
Behind head coach Bill Curry, the Yellow Jackets crushed No. 17 NC State, 59–21, at Grant Field. It remains the most points ever scored by Georgia Tech against a ranked opponent.
The game wasn’t close. From the opening drive, the Jackets dominated both sides of the ball. Quarterback Jim Wilson led a sharp offense that picked apart the Wolfpack defense. Georgia Tech’s “microchip backfield” . Known for its speed and precision — controlled the pace and set the tone early.
59 Point Explosion
The 59-point explosion stunned NC State. The loss was a wake-up call for the Wolfpack, who went on to regroup and win three straight games afterward. For Georgia Tech, it was a bright spot in an otherwise uneven season.
On This Date 🕰️
— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) October 11, 2025
Bill Curry and the Jackets rolled past No. 17 NC State with a 59-point victory, setting the record for the most points ever scored against a ranked opponent 💥 #StingEm 🐝 pic.twitter.com/XW8n2035lr
The Season
The 1986 Jackets finished with a 5-5-1 record. They had some tough losses, including a close one to Clemson and a tie in the season opener against Furman. Still, flashes of brilliance, like the NC State win, showed the program’s potential.
Bill Curry, a Georgia Tech alum who played from 1962 to 1964, was nearing the end of his coaching run at his alma mater. Just a year earlier, in 1985, he guided the Jackets to a 9-2-1 season and an All-American Bowl victory. That success earned him ACC Coach of the Year honors.
Curry’s legacy at Tech includes 34 wins, three winning seasons, and one unforgettable afternoon in 1986 — when the Jackets lit up the scoreboard and made history.
Nearly four decades later, Georgia Tech continues to build on that tradition. Today, the No. 13 Yellow Jackets are 5-0 and set to host the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium.