Everything Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key Said After the Loss to Pittsburgh
In what was arguably the most important game of Brent Key’s tenure as head coach of his alma mater, Georgia Tech delivered a disappointing showing at home. The Jackets quickly fell behind 28–0 and never fully recovered. Down 28–14 and threatening to score in the third quarter, Haynes King threw a pick-six that essentially sealed the game. Although Georgia Tech fought back to make it a one-score contest late, the defense couldn’t get the key stop it needed.
After the game, Key addressed the media. Here’s a paraphrased version of everything he said.
Opening Statement
Key credited Pitt and Pat Narduzzi, saying the Panthers took it to them from the start. He admitted his team didn’t play anywhere close to well enough to win, pointing out that spotting a team 28 points is almost impossible to overcome. The offense had no rhythm, while the defense eventually showed some life. Mistakes—drops, turnovers, penalties, bad third-down execution, and an inability to run the ball—defined the game. He emphasized that the team must regroup quickly with another game in six days, and while they won’t forget the loss, they need to return to work and improve.
On the pick-six
Key said they anticipated a zero-blitz look and were prepared for man coverage, but Pitt bailed a defender out underneath at the last second. King didn’t see him, leading to the interception.
On the slow offensive start
He said every possible issue showed up—no running game, dropped passes, poor protection, losing the battle at the line of scrimmage, and penalties. In his words, “pretty much everything” went wrong.
On keeping the team focused after going down 28–0
Key gathered the team at the end of the first quarter and reminded them to play the next play. He said the players did keep competing, but ultimately the deficit they created was too big to overcome.
On getting more defensive pressure but still giving up big plays
He noted the defense was selling out to get the ball back, keeping safeties low, which can lead to runs breaking through. Many of Pitt’s runs hit the B-gap area, sometimes bouncing outside because Georgia Tech’s safeties didn’t fill quickly enough.
On the team looking flat early
Key said the offense going three-and-out repeatedly and gaining only one early first down set the tone. They couldn’t control the line of scrimmage, struggled in space, gave up too much pressure, and couldn’t establish rhythm in the passing game.
Message to the team after the loss
He told the players they didn’t earn a win and Pitt deserved the credit. He expects the team to be frustrated, but he reminded them that they can’t get the day back—they can only control how they respond with another game six days away.
Message entering the Georgia game
Key said he’ll know more once he reviews the film.
Any silver linings?
He said bluntly that a loss is a loss, and he doesn’t see a way to justify it positively.
On defensive adjustments in the second half
Key said adjustments actually began in the second quarter, when they started noticing weaknesses they could attack with more pressure. They built on that approach into the second half and stayed with it.
On the defense and fans being upset
Key said fans should be angry. That’s what being a fan is—being passionate. He said he’s just as upset as they are.
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