Yellow Jackets, Cardinals Set for a Competitive Clash

Sep 20, 20242 min read

Yellow Jackets and Cardinals — © Brett Davis-Imagn Images

On Sept. 21, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (3-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) travel to the 19th-ranked Louisville Cardinals (2-0) for only the fourth meeting between the two programs. While the Yellow Jackets hold the overall lead 2-1, the Cardinals won the matchup last year 39-34.

This year's matchup will be the first conference game of the season for head coach Jeff Brohm and the Cardinals and the third for the Yellow Jackets and head coach Brent Key. As the Yellow Jackets and Cardinals are both trending upward, who will have the edge in this clash? Here are some key areas to look at.

What's on the Line?

For the Cardinals, facing the Yellow Jackets is their first real test. While they have outscored their opponents 111-14, making a statement against a dynamic team in the Yellow Jackets would help justify the ranking the Cardinals have.

For the Yellow Jackets, at 1-1 in the conference, a win against a quality opponent in the Cardinals would help. Quarterback Haynes King and his running mate Jamal Haynes are a fun pair to watch, getting a win against another ranked team would exponentially help the team's aspirations for the postseason.

Who to Watch on the Cardinals

The Cardinals have a great problem. They have three running backs with more than 110 yards. Running back Isaac Brown leads the way for the Cardinals run game. Meanwhile, Duke Watson and Keyjuan Brown both lead the team in rushing touchdowns. Isaac Brown and Watson are both averaging 13-plus yards per carry. Wide receiver Ja'Corey Brooks has quickly become a favorite target of quarterback Tyler Shough with 172 yards to lead the team. Brooks has averaged 13 yards per reception this season. Dynamic playmakers that all have the ability to eat up chunks of yards.

Who Will Deliver the Sting for the Yellow Jackets?

King is a fun player to watch, completing 76 percent of his passes so far, he has thrown for 962 yards and 6 touchdowns. He's also run the ball for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Eric Singleton has emerged as a favorite for King and this offense. On defense, it all starts with linebacker Kyle Efford. Efford is a heat-seeking missile on defense. He constantly flies to the ball and attacks the line of scrimmage.

Key Matchup in the Game

Kyle Efford vs.Isaac Brown

The matchup will be interesting in this game. Can Efford manage to minimize the running backs for Louisville. Isaac Brown and Watson are dynamic and know how to make defenders miss. Will he be able to disrupt the Cardinals offense?