The first quarter set the tone as both teams exchanged multiple touchdowns in a high-tempo opening period. Four different players found the end zone early, including Georgia Tech's Tevin Washington, who scored on a 25-yard run.
After neither defense had much success at the start of the contest, the Yellow Jackets got a key turnover on quarterback Bryn Renner's fumbled snap early in the second quarter. Georgia Tech capitalized on it, scoring on David Sims' 11-yard rushing touchdown to conclude an 80-yard drive for a 21-14 lead.
North Carolina responded with an 11-play, 94-yard drive, capped off by Romar Morris' 30-yard score to tie the game.
Quarterback Vad Lee put Georgia Tech ahead again with a 1-yard score on fourth-and-goal, set up by his 63-yard bomb to Darren Waller.
At the end of the second quarter, the Tar Heels took the lead on A.J. Blue's 5-yard rushing touchdown, his second score of the game, and a successful two-point conversion.
The two teams combined for 591 yards of total offense in the first half.