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Georgia Tech Hosts NC State in Thursday Night Clash

ACC | Georgia Tech DB Zachary Tobe — © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The NC State Wolfpack (5-5, 2-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) will travel to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-4, 4-3 ACC) at 7:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 21. Both teams are coming off a bye week.

The Yellow Jackets are nine-point favorites, thanks in large part to an upset over previously-undefeated No. 9 Miami (9-1, 5-1) on Nov. 9.

NC State: Looking for Bowl Eligibility

The Wolfpack come into this matchup after a 29-19 loss to the Duke Blue Devils (7-3, 3-3). Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey was largely held in check by Duke’s defense. He completed just 16 passes and threw a fourth quarter interception. His struggles mirrored the entire offense’s. Running back Jordan Waters had only 35 rushing yards on 11 carries. Star wide receiver Kevin Concepcion had zero receptions and 2 drops, part of a forgettable season for him.

Georgia Tech: Building on Marquee Victory

On Nov. 9, the Yellow Jackets pulled off an epic 28-23 upset of the Hurricanes. In a game in which quarterbacks Haynes King and Aaron Philo both saw time, Georgia Tech largely rode the running game to a victory over a team with a defense that has struggled throughout the season, despite their previously undefeated record.

On the defensive side of the ball, Georgia Tech put together a bend-but-don’t-break day as they withstood a 348-yard day from Heisman Trophy hopeful quarterback Cam Ward.

Players to Watch: NC State

Offense: QB CJ Bailey

As mentioned, Bailey’s day against Duke was forgettable. He has a chance to rebound against a Georgia Tech defense that has allowed 31.7 points per game in the last five games.

ACC | NC State QB CJ Bailey — © Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Bailey also has a chance to further prove to head coach Dave Doeren that he has made the right move in going to him after original starter Grayson McCall’s season was derailed by injuries, and ultimately forced him into retirement.

Defense: LB Sean Brown

In his first season as a linebacker after switching from free safety, Brown has been a force for the Wolfpack all season, leading the team in tackles with 73. His team will be relying on players like him to get in the backfield to slow down Georgia Tech’s offense, which has shown the ability to put a lot of points on the board throughout the season.

Players to Watch: Georgia Tech

Offense: QB Haynes King

King only attempted 6 passes against Miami (he did complete all of them), but he was impressive on the ground, leading his team with 93 rushing yards.

ACC | Georgia Tech QB Haynes King — © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Yellow Jackets have relied heavily on the run throughout the season, to varying degrees of success.

Defense: DB Ahmari Harvey

Harvey is one of only two Yellow Jackets to record an interception this season (the other being DB Warren Burrell). It will be contingent upon Harvey to step up and make life difficult for Bailey in order to take pressure off of the Jackets’ offense and keep the Wolfpack from marching down the field.

Bottom Line

With bowl eligibility on the line for NC State and Georgia Tech looking to build on their upset of Miami, this Thursday night clash promises plenty of intrigue. Both teams feature key playmakers on both sides of the ball, and the outcome may hinge on Bailey’s ability to bounce back against a sometimes vulnerable Yellow Jackets defense. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech’s dynamic ground game and opportunistic defense will look to carry the momentum from their marquee victory. Expect a hard-fought battle as these ACC rivals aim to finish their seasons strong.