There were also outstanding special teams performances in the game from FSU kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, who impressed with two long-range field goals, and the Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr, who held his nerve to deliver the game-winner.

The contest had started ominously for Shanahan’s team, who had no answer to Florida State’s ground game on the opening possession.

A 28-yard touchdown run by Lawrence Toafili ended a seven-play, 75-yard drive for the Seminoles. But Georgia Tech responded well, quarterback Zach Pyron powering through for a touchdown to cap a rapid, six-play drive.

Shanahan was first called into action towards the end of the first quarter after Georgia Tech’s second drive of the game stalled. The Kerryman placed a tactical 44-yard punt to the FSU 25-yard line.

The Seminoles had to settle for a field goal on their subsequent drive, Fitzgerald landing a 52-yard attempt.

The Yellow Jackets took a 14-11 lead with running back Jamal Haynes surging into the endzone three minutes from half-time. But there was enough time for FSU to get into field-goal range – Fitzgerald nailing a monster 59-yard attempt to send the sides in level at 14-14 at half-time.

After the break, Shanahan’s second punt of the night was a 49-yarder, returned just three yards, after both sides spluttered on their opening drives of the second half.

The next score came at the start of the fourth quarter as Haynes made the endzone for 21-14. Now forced to chase the game, the Seminoles went for it on a fourth-and-seven on the Georgia Tech 20-yard line.

Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei showed great composure to nail a 19-yard pass to wide receiver Malik Benson – and the teams were level at 21-21 with Roydell Williams’ subsequent one-yard run into the endzone.