In a stunning turn of events during Week 0, the College Football Playoff landscape in the ACC has already been shaken up. 10th-ranked Florida State experienced a surprise defeat at the hands of Georgia Tech in Ireland, marking the first time in almost a decade that the Yellow Jackets have taken down a top 10 opponent. The Seminoles, who were the preseason favorites to win the ACC, now face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the conference title game and potentially reach the playoff.

Georgia Tech's ground-and-pound approach in the run game proved to be too much for the defending ACC champions. Florida State struggled to generate explosive plays against the determined Yellow Jackets, who demonstrated their prowess by limiting their opponent's scoring opportunities. The defeat puts Florida State in a precarious position, as they must now win all their remaining conference games, including clashes against perennial powerhouses Clemson and Miami, to have any chance of reaching the ACC title game and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

On the other hand, Georgia Tech's victory has propelled them into the top 25 of the upcoming AP Poll, marking a significant achievement under the leadership of coach Brent Key. The Yellow Jackets now control their own destiny when it comes to securing a spot in the league title game, giving them a newfound sense of confidence and motivation moving forward. Their final three conference games against Virginia Tech, Miami, and NC State will play a crucial role in determining their position in the ACC race.

The unexpected loss for the Seminoles has created a sense of opportunity for other teams vying for the conference title. Perceived contenders such as Clemson, Miami, NC State, and Virginia Tech are now positioned favorably in various preseason projections. With the ACC being a division-less conference, the teams with the best conference records will earn a spot in the championship game, making Florida State's early setback all the more detrimental to their playoff aspirations.

During the game, Florida State's quarterback DJ Uiagalelei struggled to make an impact through the air, encountering difficulties navigating Georgia Tech's defensive game plan. Combined with the challenge of connecting with a new group of wide receivers, Uiagalelei's performance fell short of expectations. Though he avoided major mistakes and made a few crucial throws on fourth down to keep his team in the game, it ultimately wasn't enough to prevent the 24-21 upset loss. This defeat marks Florida State's first regular season loss since October 15, 2022.

Despite the disappointing result, head coach Mike Norvell refused to make excuses, acknowledging that the Seminoles were simply outplayed by a strong and experienced Georgia Tech squad. As Florida State looks to bounce back, they face an uphill battle to reach their ultimate goal of making it to the playoff. In the meantime, attention shifts to the other ACC contenders, who now have an opportunity to make their mark on the conference race and potentially secure a shot at the championship.

The ACC football landscape has been reshaped after Florida State's shocking loss, setting the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling season ahead.