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The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets enter the 2024 season with all but two starters returning on an offense that averaged 425 yards and 31 points per game in 2023. The Achilles heel, so to speak, was their defense that surrendered 438 yards and 30.5 points per game last season. The defense returns largely intact. As the team looks to build off last season, when it won the Gasparilla Bowl, here is a quick look at the Yellow Jackets' schedule.
Week 0: Florida State Seminoles
The series against Florida State has been a hard-fought one. While the Seminoles lead all-time 15-11-1, the two teams last played in 2022, a game won by the Seminoles 41-16 in Tallahassee, Fla. Over the past seven meetings, the Yellow Jackets have a slight 4-3 edge. The Yellow Jackets have been building something under head coach Brent Key.
For Georgia Tech, this game marks a return to Ireland. It also played Florida State in the Aer Lingus Classic in 2016. All-Atlantic Coast Conference running back Jamal Haynes returns from a 1,200-yard all-purpose season. Quarterback Haynes King comes, back, too. He completed 62 percent of his passes last season en route to 2,842 passing yards and 27 touchdowns.
Key Matchup: Chase Lane vs. Azareye'h Thomas
While the offense is centered around Haynes, King and Eric Singleton Jr., look for Chase Lane to have an impact. Look for Florida State cornerbacks Thomas and Fentrell Cypress II. With Cypress covering Singleton, the matchup between Lane and Thomas could be on fire.
Despite putting up a fight, the Yellow Jackets fall short against the Seminoles, losing in the 2024 Aer Lingus Classic.
Record: 0-1 (0-1 ACC)
Week 1: Georgia State Panthers
In a first-ever meeting, the Yellow Jackets welcome their neighbors, the Georgia State Panthers. With the two schools separated by blocks instead of miles, this could be a "District Dispute." Last season, the Panthers averaged 393 yards and 27 points per game on offense. They surrendered 432 yards and 31 points per game on defense.
Georgia Tech has a winnable game here ahead of ACC play. The Panthers have a new quarterback in Zach Gibson, who began his career at Georgia Tech before playing at Akron. Running back CJ Beasley comes to the team from Coastal Carolina. With a veteran defense, Georgia Tech linebacker Kyle Efford and the defense will look to make it a rough day.
Key Matchup: Jamal Haynes vs. Justin Abraham
The Yellow Jackets' offense had Haynes as a focal point. It should continue in 2024. Abraham is expected to take a step forward this year. Haynes' dynamic running ability will be put to the test by Abraham's physical play. It will be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on.
The Yellow Jackets bounce back and win comfortably.
Record: 1-1 (0-1 ACC)
Week 2: at Syracuse Orange
Georgia Tech holds a 4-1 series edge. Key and his team won last season's matchup 31-22. The Syracuse Orange has new head coach Fran Brown and new quarterback Kyle McCord to lead a talented, revamped offense. Last season, the Orange averaged 343 yards and 23.5 points per game while giving up 378 yards and 23.8 points.
The Orange will be a different team from a season ago with new players like receivers Jackson Meeks and Zeed Haynes. Georgia Tech will lean on cornerback Ahmari Harvey in the secondary. Efford led the Yellow Jackets in tackles last season. He looks to build off his redshirt freshman season when he didn't start until the final seven games.
Key Matchup: Kyle Efford vs. LeQuint Allen
Efford's physicality in attacking the line of scrimmage and making plays will help. It will limit Allen's effectiveness for the Orange. Allen is a downhill runner who can effectively run between the tackles and to the outside. Efford's ability to track the ball carrier through traffic will be tested in this contest.
Give the Yellow Jackets a road victory against the Orange.
Record: 2-1 (1-1 ACC)
Week 3: Virginia Military Institute Keydets
VMI's Keydets play the Yellow Jackets for the first time since 1988. The Yellow Jackets have won 14 of 15 previous matchups. Georgia Tech's offense should click here. King will benefit from having a more experienced offensive line protecting him as he develops as a passer.
Key Matchup: Ethan Mackenny vs. Eric Rankin
Rankin, VMI's team leader in sacks, finished second on the team in tackles and returns. He will focus on disrupting the offense. The obstacle in his way is Georgia Tech starting left tackle Mackenny. Mackenny allowed one sack in 307 snaps last season. Mackenny will use solid footwork to establish the edge and protect the pocket for King.
The Yellow Jackets win comfortably.
Record: 3-1 (2-1 ACC)
Week 4: at Louisville Cardinals
The Yellow Jackets hold a 2-1 series edge. Louisville won last season 39-34 in Atlanta. Last season, the Cardinals averaged 415 yards and 31 points per game. They were runners-up to Florida State for the ACC Championship. This season, Louisville has seven new starters on offense. This includes quarterback Tyler Shough and running back Donald Chaney. On defense, the Cardinals' starting lineup will be similar to last season's team that gave up 307 yards and 19.7 points per game. Most notably, all-conference EDGE presence Ashton Gillotte will welcome Thor Griffith to the defensive line.
For the Yellow Jackets, the team's experience will pay dividends as they will be focused on avenging the loss to the Cardinals a season ago. Zeek Biggers, as well as newcomers Thomas Gore and Romello Height, will be in a position to impose their presence on the Cardinals' new offensive line.
Key Matchup: Zeek Biggers vs. Pete Nygra
The all-conference force that is Biggers will lead the attack for the Yellow Jackets. His physical play and violent hands will have Nygra backpedaling at the line of scrimmage. Bigger's ability to shed his initial blocker and disrupt the offense will be on display. The trench warfare will be an interesting dynamic to watch in this matchup.
The Yellow Jackets win another close one.
Record: 4-1 (2-1 ACC)
Week 6: Duke Blue Devils
In one of the longer-running series for the Yellow Jackets, the Duke Blue Devils come to town to start October. In the all-time series, Georgia Tech holds the edge 54-35-1. The Yellow Jackets won the last meeting 23-20 in 2022,. It also marked the third straight win for the Ramblin Wreck. New head coach Manny Diaz returns to the ACC to lead Duke and will look to win against the Yellow Jackets for the first time since 2019.
The Yellow Jackets will have a dual-threat quarterback in Maalik Murphy to contend with. The good news is that King is a solid dual-threat quarterback in his own right. He should give his defense some great practice leading up to the game.
Key Matchup: Ahmari Harvey vs. Jordan Moore
Harvey, the top cornerback for the Yellow Jackets, is sure to be tasked with covering Jordan Moore, the Blue Devils' top receiver. In Moore, the Blue Devils have a crisp route runner who knows how to get open. Harvey will need all the tools in his belt to keep pace with Moore and have the instinct to disrupt the passes thrown in his direction.
The Yellow Jackets hold off a late surge by the Blue Devils to come away with a victory at home.
Record: 5-1 (3-1 ACC)
Week 7: at North Carolina Tar Heels
The Yellow Jackets head to Chapel Hill to take on the Tar Heels. With the all-time series in favor of the Yellow Jackets 33-21-3, Georgia Tech has won the last three games including last season's thrilling 46-42 game in Atlanta.
This season, North Carolina welcomes Max Johnson to lead an offense that led the conference with 491 yards per game. The Tar Heels also finished second in the conference, scoring an average of 34.5 points per game. The Tar Heels' defense allowed 405 yards and 27 points per game.
For the Yellow Jackets, the defense will be locked in to play better than last season. Biggers and Efford lead the charge. The ability to minimize the effectiveness of Omarion Hampton will be crucial for the matchup. Last season, Hampton ran for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Key Matchup: Jamal Haynes vs. Kaimon Rucker
Rucker and Power Echols serve as the heart and soul of the Tar Heels' defense. While both play linebacker, the athletic ability of Rucker will help counter Haynes. Rucker has sideline-to-sideline range and attacks the ball carrier. His ability to finish plays is among the best in the conference.
The Tar Heels earn their revenge and get the victory. It's not nearly as high scoring as 2023. But the teams have a defensive battle and relatively low-scoring game this year.
Record: 5-2 (3-2 ACC)
Week 8: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish and the Yellow Jackets meet for the 38th time with Notre Dame up 30-6-1. The Irish have won the last three contests. Last time, Notre Dame won in 2021, 55-0, in South Bend, Ind. With the Irish looking at the ACC again for their quarterback in Riley Leonard, head coach Marcus Freeman will be ready for any challenge from the ACC foes.
For the Yellow Jackets, the only way to go would seem to be up. Over the last three contests, the Irish have outscored the Yellow Jackets 116-35. In what will be a team effort, the Yellow Jackets will be focused on attacking a relatively young Notre Dame offensive line.
Key Matchup: Rodney Shelley vs. Kris Mitchell
Kris Mitchell is a bit of a wild card after transferring from Florida International. Mitchell is poised to have a breakout season. Will Shelley be able to cover one-on-one, or will secondary help be needed to limit what can be done defensively? The matchup between Shelley and Mitchell matches up evenly with similar builds. Mitchell did show a consistent ability to get open while he played at FIU.
The Irish take the victory against the Yellow Jackets in a game that has the potential to be closer than expected.
Record: 5-3 (3-2 ACC)
Week 9: at Virginia Tech Hokies
In a late-season conference matchup, the Yellow Jackets take on Virginia Tech to close out October. The all-time series has the Hokies leading 11-8. However, the Yellow Jackets won the last game 28-27 in 2022. Head coach Brent Pry and the Hokies averaged 391 yards and 29.5 points per game on offense and surrendered 322 yards and 24 points per game. Quarterback Kyron Drones returns to lead the offense and build off his 2,084 yards passing in his first season starting in 2023.
For the Yellow Jackets, the offense will be focused on executing their game plan The Hokies return their team leaders in tackles, sacks and interceptions from last season's 7-6 team. In a game where both teams are eager to take the next step, every inch will matter.
Key Matchup: Georgia Tech OL vs. Virginia Tech DL Line
The Yellow Jackets' offensive line returns to build on a season where they allowed 15 sacks. This matchup against the Hokies will be a formidable test for the group. The Hokies have last year's team leader in sacks Antwaun Powell-Ryland returning and added Aeneas Peebles from Duke and Kelvin Gilliam from Oklahoma to bolster the defensive line. The battle in the trenches will affect all aspects of the Yellow Jackets' offense and the outcome of the game.
The Yellow Jackets escape with the win against the Hokies in a hard-fought battle.
Record: 6-3 (4-2 ACC)
Week 11: Miami Hurricanes
After last season's thrilling win by the Yellow Jackets, the all-time series between these two teams is tied at 14. The Yellow Jackets won last year's matchup 23-20 at Miami. This season, the Hurricanes have a revamped offense, bringing in quarterback Cam Ward as well as running back Damien Martinez to lead an offense that averaged 431 yards and 32 points per game. On defense, the team allowed 324 yards and gave up 22 points per game.
For the Yellow Jackets, continuing to fight for the full 60 minutes of the game is key. Last season, King and the offense had miscues but were able to fight for another chance to win the game due to a late-game turnover by the Hurricanes.
Key Matchup: Kyle Efford vs. Cam Ward
In Ward, the Hurricanes have a great dual-threat option to lead the offense with a strong arm and the athletic ability to extend plays. Having a player such as Efford mirror him will go a long way to disrupting the offense and minimizing Ward taking over the game.
The Hurricanes battle to the end and fall short, losing for the second year in a row to the Yellow Jackets.
Record: 7-3 (5-2 ACC)
Week 13: North Carolina State Wolfpack
In an odd twist, the Yellow Jackets enter the game coming off their third bye week. The all-time series is in favor of the Yellow Jackets 20-11. The Wolfpack won the last matchup 23-13 in 2020. This season, head coach Dave Doeren revamped the North Carolna State offense with a new quarterback in Grayson McCall, a new running back in Jordan Waters and two new receivers. Last season, the team averaged 350 yards and 26 points per game while surrendering 324 yards and 20 points per game.
For the Yellow Jackets, with the annual clash against the Georgia Bulldogs on the horizon, the Wolfpack could earn the win. The Wolfpack return all but two starters to their defense from last year. The veteran presence on defense will lead the way for the Wolfpack this season and, in this game, it will play a pivotal role.
Key Matchup: Jordan Williams vs. Davin Vann
Vann, the leader for the Hokies, will look to build off last season. Finishing third on the team in sacks, his effort to win at the line of scrimmage and absorb blocks to free up teammates will go a long way for the Wolfpack. Standing in the way for Vann is senior right tackle Jordan Williams. After starting the season as a guard, he switched to tackle in Week 2 and only surrendered two sacks in 592 snaps. Seeing the matchup between the two will be great. Vann has a variety of moves to win at the line of scrimmage and Williams has the physical play style and a good use of hands to counter.
The Wolfpack prove too much in this contest and earn the victory against the Yellow Jackets.
Record: 7-4 (5-3 ACC)
Week 14: Georgia Bulldogs
In the annual rivalry matchup, the Georgia Bulldogs have the distinct edge 71-41-5. As winners of six straight in the series, the Bulldogs enter with a team that averaged 497 yards and 40 points per game while giving up 295 yards and only 17 points.
For the Yellow Jackets, the chance to derail the Bulldogs remains high as rivalry games always bring out the team's best. Despite losing Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey to the NFL, the Georgia offense led by Carson Beck is still formidable. Beck completed 72.4 percent of his passes in 2023 and threw for 24 touchdowns. This season, receiver Dominic Lovett will step up to be a leader on the team.
Key Matchup: Clayton Powell-Lee vs. Carson Beck
Free safety Powell-Lee will play a key role in diagnosing the offense and making sure the defense is there to minimize gains. Meanwhile, Beck will use Powell-Lee as a key to anticipate what the Yellow Jackets will be doing on defense. The chess match between the two will be a fun one to watch. Powell-Lee can not only play in coverage but defend the run close to the line of scrimmage.
The Bulldogs prove too strong for the Yellow Jackets and continue their winning ways in the series.
Record: 7-5 (5-3 ACC)
Georgia Tech Overview
The Yellow Jackets, led by coach Key, are building something. Improvements this season will see them bowl-eligible for the second year in a row. They also will be in a position to have their best finish since 2016, when they finished 9-4. The future is bright for the Yellow Jackets.
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