Syracuse is Poised to Avoid the Wreck of Georgia Tech

Syracuse | QB Kyle McCord — © Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

The No. 23 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets travel to Syracuse on Sept. 7 at noon EST to take on the Orange in an early Atlantic Coast Conference matchup. Georgia Tech is primed to continue its dominance over opponents and improve its record to 3-0.

The Syracuse Orange want to spoil Georgia Tech’s plans and start their winning streak under first-year head coach Fran Brown. Will Brown and Co. follow through with those plans or is this Georgia Tech’s year?

Syracuse Air Raid

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord reminded us that he was a top passer last season. Despite being in a different setting, McCord is still one of the top QBs in the nation. McCord threw for 4 touchdowns against Ohio and found his new favorite target in tight end Oronde Gadsden II. Gadsden II had 108 yards and 1 touchdown. Syracuse has the advantage in the passing game. The Orange must find a way to spread the ball to their athletes at wide receiver and tight end in hopes of taking advantage of a Georgia Tech secondary that has yet to be challenged this season.

Key Players

QB Kyle McCord—354 yards and 4 touchdowns vs. Ohio and targeted 9 different WRs

TE Oronde Gadsden II—7 receptions for 108 yards and 1 touchdown vs. Ohio

Georgia Tech the ‘Running Wreck’

No. 23 Georgia Tech is playing great football early in the season regardless of what continent they are on. After a tough Week 0 game in Dublin, Ireland against what we now know to be a benign Florida State Seminoles squad, Georgia Tech handled its Week 1 opponent Georgia State with the ease of a seasoned ACC team. The running game was vital in both victories and will prove critical again to keep Syracuse from spoiling the Yellow Jackets' first 3-0 start since 2016. Establishing the run early and allowing their offensive line to find a rhythm and maintain ball control is key.

Georgia Tech RB Jamal Haynes runs the ball against Georgia State. — © Brett Davis Imagn Images

Key Players

RB Jamal Haynes—79.5 rushing yards per game and 3 rushing touchdowns

QB Haynes King—45.5 rushing yards per game and 1 rushing touchdown

Trends to Watch

Georgia Tech is a field goal favorite and the more battle-tested of both teams. However, as the adage goes, there is a reason you have to play the game. Syracuse is a much better program than they have been in previous years and the Orange also has the most talent on the field by name and accomplishment.

McCord and Gadsden II are a dangerous duo to deal with all game long. Syracuse’s wide receiving corps is always one play away from a game-changing moment. Both offensive lines are experienced and playing above expectations. But the defensive line advantage goes to defensive end Fadil Diggs and Syracuse. Expect a battle of two talented teams that are making names for their programs. Georgia Tech will establish a solid running game, but McCord and the Syracuse offense will prove to be a challenge for the Georgia Tech secondary.

Syracuse will defeat Georgia Tech and notch its first win against a ranked opponent since 2012. Final score? Let's go with Syracuse 38, Georgia Tech 27.