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Georgia Tech Football vs USF Gameday Preview: Jackets ready for first real test of the season

By Dylan Callaghan-Croley

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 1: Ramblin' Wreck of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets enters the field prior to their game against the Alcorn State Braves at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 1: Ramblin' Wreck of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets enters the field prior to their game against the Alcorn State Braves at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 1: Quarterback TaQuon Marshall #16 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets throws a pass during their game against the Alcorn State Braves at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Predictions:

Dylan Callaghan-Croley: Georgia Tech 31 – South Florida 23

This is going to be a strong litmus test of where the Yellow Jackets actually stand this season. The Bulls are talented team both on both sides of the ball and shouldn’t be taken lightly at all. The Yellow Jackets offense is going to have to take a step up from their performance last week and clean up the small things (detail). The biggest matchup here to watch will be the Yellow Jackets secondary against USF’s wide receivers. USF is going to keep this one close but the Yellow Jackets will end up pulling it out in the end.

Player of the Game: KirVonte Benson – Benson didn’t get to start last weekend but made his presence known once he hit the field scoring two touchdowns in his 2018 debut. The Bulls defense last weekend gave up almost 200-yards of rushing and the Yellow Jackets’ shouldn’t have too many problems trying to run on these South Florida defense if that performance was any indicator. Benson is going to have a big day and I predict a 150-yard, two touchdown performance from the b-back.

Mitch Green: Georgia Tech 34 – South Florida 31

I believe this game presents a great ramp-up opportunity for Georgia Tech so long as they win. USF has playmakers on offense, and while I have optimism that Tech’s defense can put together an impressive showing Saturday, I am going to take the wait until proven otherwise approach. USF is able to create explosive plays throughout the day, but the Tech offense does just enough to hold on for a win.

Player of the Game: TaQuon Marshall – This is the perfect matchup for Marshall to get on a roll in my eyes. USF presents a challenge with its defensive athleticism, but I expect Tech will rise to the occasion. While I anticipate ACC opponents to force players other than Marshall to win the game for Tech, I think USF will not play disciplined enough to do so, and Marshall will break off a number of long passing and running plays.

Anthony Hartwig: Georgia Tech 31 – USF 27

Techs defense makes the stops when they’re needed and Georgia Tech wins with a late score. USF can’t slow the option down enough to pull out the win.

Player of the Game: KirVonte Benson – In his first chance to start this season,, Benson will be focused and determined to show up. He will have at least 100 yards and 2 TDs

Next. Georgia Tech vs USF – How to Watch: Live stream, TV, and more. dark

Blake Silvers: Georgia Tech 34 – South Florida 21

The Bulls certainly have the capabilities to keep the game with Georgia Tech uncomfortably close, but in the end, the Jackets just have more talent, size and speed on their power five roster.

Player of the Game: TaQuon Marshall – along with the rest of the backs – will need to keep the football secure and the defense will need to keep the pressure on South Florida’s quarterback. The secondary will need to keep the receivers behind them. Assuming Tech plays their game, Jackets 34 – Bulls 21.