The Georgia Tech football team finds itself in a state of uncertainty regarding the availability of star quarterback Haynes King as they head into a crucial matchup against No. 5 Miami on November 9. Coach Brent Key expressed optimism about King’s potential return but emphasized that the decision will be made on a day-to-day basis.
“I truly hope we get him back for Miami,” Key said in a press conference on Thursday. “I can’t sit here and say that he’s probable for Miami. By next Wednesday or Thursday, we should have a clearer picture.” King has been sidelined for the past two games due to an injury sustained in the fourth quarter of a victory against North Carolina on October 12, leading to subsequent losses against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech.
In King’s absence, sophomore Zach Pyron stepped in as the starter, showcasing mixed results. After a solid performance against North Carolina, where he completed 20 of 36 passes for 269 yards, Pyron struggled in the Virginia Tech game, finishing with just 10 completions on 22 attempts before being replaced by freshman Aaron Philo. Philo, despite throwing an interception, managed to demonstrate promise by finishing with 184 yards on 11 of 26 passing attempts and earning the highest offensive grade among Tech players according to Pro Football Focus.
Key acknowledged the importance of preparing both quarterbacks for the upcoming game, highlighting the necessity of practicing with multiple players to account for potential injuries. “You’ve got to be able to rep both guys,” he noted, underscoring the challenges of integrating a freshman into the lineup during the season.
With King leading the offense earlier in the season, he has completed 71.2% of his passes, which would set a Georgia Tech single-season record, and has thrown just one interception. His return could be crucial for the Yellow Jackets, who currently hold a 5-4 overall record and a 3-3 mark in the ACC. The team’s performance with King at the helm has been significantly better, as they have yet to win a game without him.
As the Jackets prepare for the pivotal matchup against the Hurricanes, who are currently undefeated, they are also focusing on healing and recovery during their bye week. Key mentioned that this week has been utilized similarly to a previous bye, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment for players affected by injuries. “We’ve been hit with some of the injury bug, and that’s part of football,” he said.
The Miami game will be one of only three remaining for Tech in November, and the team needs at least one victory to secure a bowl berth. A win would also help prevent the team from experiencing its first three-game losing streak since 2021.
Key concluded by addressing the significance of overcoming adversity, stating, “Adversity reintroduces you to yourself… It’s all in the eye of the beholder. It’s how you respond to it that matters.” As Georgia Tech navigates this challenging period, all eyes remain on the potential return of Haynes King as they prepare for a decisive clash with Miami.
