For the First Time, Panthers Will Challenge Georgia Tech

While there is the Backyard Brawl, could college football have the Neighborhood Nightmare? The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are coming off a stunner of a win in Week 0. They take the field against their neighbors, the Georgia State Panthers, at 8 p.m. EST on Aug. 31 at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field in Atlanta.

It's the first time these teams separated by a few city blocks will meet. Both the Yellow Jackets and the Panthers finished 7-6 last season. Georgia State has new players on board like quarterback Zach Gibson and running back CJ Beasley. They take over an offense that averaged 393 yards and 27 points per game in 2023. On defense, the Panthers allowed an average of 432 yards and 30.8 points per game last season. Will the Yellow Jackets build off their 24-21 victory over Florida State or get upset? Let's dig into some key matchups that could decide the game.

Haynes King vs. Zach Gibson

It's a battle of quarterbacks with King leading Georgia Tech against the person he beat out for the starting role, Zach Gibson. In King, the Yellow Jackets and head coach Brent Key have their guy. He is a dual-threat QB with elusiveness to make defenders miss. King also can make all the throws to his talented playmakers. He averaged 7.7 yards per attempt last season and picked up right where he left off against the Seminoles. In Gibson, the Panthers have someone who can make throws. In limited action in 2022, Gibson averaged 5.7 yards per attempt. Give King the advantage here. He was underrated heading into the season. But he answered a lot of questions in the opener, staying composed and leading the Yellow Jackets to the win in Ireland.

Jamal Haynes vs. Justin Abraham

Running back Jamal Haynes is a force for Georgia Tech with the ball in his hands. Haynes has strength to run between the tackles and speed to get outside of the tackles. In Abraham, Georgia State has its second-leading tackler from 2023. He's a playmaker that runs downhill and attacks. Abraham is a physical player who has the ability to shed blockers and make plays. He also can be versatile when getting into coverage. Abraham probably will be on Haynes' tail, hopefully keeping the game close.

In this matchup, give Haynes an edge. His ability to get chunks of yardage when touching the ball every time proves to be too much. Haynes averaged 6 yards per carry in 2023. But he picked right up in last week's opener, averaging 6.8 yards per carry against the Seminoles.

Georgia Tech | Georgia State photo — © Tom Maher/INPHO via USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Efford vs. Trevor Timmons

The Yellow Jackets' defense has a force of nature in Kyle Efford. After leading the team in tackles in 2023, Efford was everywhere last week. He showed off his ability to cover sideline to sideline. Efford also closed on the ball carrier quickly. He also took great angles to minimize the gains by the Seminoles. Efford finished with 10 tackles in the win against the Seminoles. It was a great statement to make against the then-10th-ranked team in the nation. Trevor Timmons is the presumptive starter for Georgia State on the interior line, specifically at right guard. Last season, Timmons allowed a single sack in pass-blocking opportunities at both right guard and right tackle. He's a people mover who counters pass rushers well with a solid, powerful punch to keep defenders off balance.

Give Efford the edge here. He's a force that will cause many sleepless nights for opposing defensive coordinators. Having an awareness of where Efford is at all times will be essential for the Panthers to maintain offensive drives.

Who wins the Neighborhood Nightmare?

In this case, it will be the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Even with the win over Florida State, the Yellow Jackets remain focused and win a game they are expected to. With too many weapons, the Yellow Jackets win comfortably against the Georgia State Panthers.