Atlanta ? Jay Davis and Brian Clark connected on touchdown passes of 80 and 40 yards, but North Carolina State’s biggest catch in the end zone was made by a defensive player in the final minute.

After driving all the way to the N.C. State two-yard line, No. 24 Georgia Tech’s second comeback attempt of the game ended with Garland Heath’s interception in the end zone with 26 seconds left, saving the Wolfpack’s 17-14 victory Thursday night.

Georgia Tech had a first-and-goal at the two with 33 seconds left. Reggie Ball fired a pass in the end zone that hit the hands of receiver Calvin Johnson who was in the air as he was hit by Marcus Hudson. Heath grabbed the ball and got two feet down before going out the back of the end zone.

“We felt like we had a good play where we could fake the run up the middle and draw people up and give Calvin a chance to win it one-on-one,” Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said. “He’s obviously one of the best players on the field and you are going to give him a chance to win the ballgame. It’s just a heartbreaking loss for our football team.”

Johnson set a career high with 10 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to keep North Carolina State (2-2, 1-2) from snapping a six-game losing streak in the Atlantic Coast Conference and a four-game losing streak against the Yellow Jackets (3-2, 1-2). The Wolfpack won in Atlanta for the first time since 1988.

“It’s about time we got one, and we almost didn’t for the same reasons – penalties,” N.C. State coach Chuck Amato said.

The Wolfpack were penalized 10 times for 98 yards.

“Penalties, penalties, penalties,” Amato said. “But you know what, nobody on that team ever gave up. Nobody on that team ever quit. Nobody thought we wouldn’t hold them and go into overtime or do something big in the end zone.”

Hudson’s pressure on Johnson was not overlooked by his coach.

“No doubt,” Amato said. “Those corners played their fannies off against the best wide receiver in the country.”