Georgia Tech Football: Remaining opponents analysis week one

In this new week by week analysis, I will be covering how each opponent on Georgia Tech’s remaining schedule performed and what the showdown will potentially look like against the Jackets. Let’s just say, we learned a LOT from Week 1.

Week 2, USF (0-1):

The Bulls were crushed by Wisconsin Friday night 49-0. A very sloppy performance offensively led to the dominating shut out. The Bulls only tallied 157 yards in total offense while allowing 433 on the defensive side of the ball. The ground game worked effectively against the Bulls and their offense was shut down, especially through the air. Great news for the Yellow Jackets because the two strongest parts of the team are the run game and the secondary. Jackets roll here.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 35, USF 20

Week 3, The Citadel (0-1):

In a scrappy back and forth matchup with Townson, The Citadel Bulldogs ultimately had a lot of success offensively and controlled the clock, but their defense was horrid. The Bulldogs run a very similar triple-option offense to what Paul Johnson ran, here at tech. Look for the Jackets to dominate offensively here and have a big game. The defense should be well prepared considering they were practicing against this style of offense every day not even a year ago. Jackets win decisively.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 38, The Citadel 6

Week 4, BYE

Week 5, Temple (1-0):

Ah, the classic “Coach returns to former team” matchup. Geoff Collins and his staff recruited most of Temple’s current roster and will have an inside advantage of knowing what each player is capable of. Temple rolled in Week 1 with a very strong performance through the air. The Owls defeated Bucknell 56-12 behind the arm of Junior QB Anthony Russo, who completed 32 of 41 passes for 4 touchdowns with only 1 interception. The Owls were also effective on the ground with 36 carries for 188 yards, a net average of 5.2 yards/carry. Their defense also dominated against both the run and the pass. I look for this match up to go back and forth with a very slight edge advantage to the Yellow Jackets coming off a Bye week to prepare. Jackets in a tight one.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 24, Temple 21

Week 6, North Carolina (1-0):

Returning head coach Mack Brown won a tight one down the stretch against the favored South Carolina Gamecocks in his debut. The Tar Heels found success running the football and dominated the Gamecocks defensively for the most part. If they clear up their penalties and find a good rhythm the Heels will be hard to defeat. Jackets lose a close one at home.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 17, North Carolina 24

Week 7, Duke (0-1):

At this part of the season, I see the Yellow Jackets coming into the game with a record of (3-2) coming off a tough loss to North Carolina at home, but the Blue Devils got thrashed by Alabama Saturday night and showed very few glimpses of life. Recently, the Jackets have had trouble with Duke every year, but I believe that Tech’s defense will make big plays in this game and lead Coach Collins and Co. to their first ACC victory.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 27, Duke 24

Week 8, Miami (0-1):

This was probably the hardest game to predict. Both teams are coming off of high energy offseasons and disappointing Week 1 losses. I believe Miami will clean up its’ Week 1 mistakes and win the turnover game, once again, and edge the Yellow Jackets in a hard fought battle by both teams.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 20, Miami 27

Week 9, BYE

Week 10, Pittsburgh (0-1):

Pittsburgh’s hopeful, JR QB Kenny Pickett had a solid first half against Virginia, but ultimately ended the game poorly with 2 interceptions on 21 of 41 completions. Pickett will not play this way the entire season, although, because Virginia’s defense is scary, to say the least. Georgia Tech’s secondary is also scary, and will look to create some turnovers to win the game. Also, the Bye week will give the Yellow Jackets plenty of time to prepare.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 20, Pitt 17

Week 11, Virginia (1-0):

Virginia’s defense and QB Bryce Perkins performed just as expected, amazingly. The Cavaliers will look to try to become the Coastal champion this year and they’ll have to do so by knocking off potential contender, Georgia Tech. The Jackets will come in swinging but will ultimately lose this one in the end.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 17, Virginia 31

Week 12, Virginia Tech (1-0):

A lot of me wanted to say that Georgia Tech keeps the streak alive against the Hokies, but I believe this is Bud Foster’s desperation season. His seat is warming up and the team will probably be on fire later in the season. A sloppy performance defensively on both sides of the ball in this high scoring affair, but the Hokies will knock off the Jackets.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 42, Virginia Tech 52

Week 13, NC State (1-0):

The Wolfpack played in a very dominating game against ECU, picking apart their defense, especially through the air. NC State will come into this Thursday Night ACC matchup ranked, but as I predicted earlier last month, Tech is due at least one upset this year. The Jackets defense will have shaped up from their lousy performance against Virginia Tech and shut down the Wolfpack in this game.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, NC State 21

Week 14, Georgia (1-0):

Bitter Georgia Tech rival UGA comes to town in a season ending matchup for the Governor’s Cup in the aged old rivalry, Clean-Old Fashioned Hate. Georgia picked up from where they left off last season, dominating the SEC East in Week 1. The SEC East performed mediocre at best against their opponents in Week 1, and Georgia will come into this game ranked yet again in the Top 5. The Jackets will cover the spread, but as of right now, I don’t see this game going the other way.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 17, Georgia 45

Final Prediction:

Based off of how Week 1’s games went, Georgia Tech will ultimately just look to try and make a bowl game down the stretch. The Jackets will build a great chemistry during this 2019 season and it will carry over into the 2020 season. I believe by the end of the year we will have a clear cut starter for the QB position and have him prepared to lead the team come 2020. Jackets finish the regular season (6-6).

Georgia Tech Football: Remaining opponents analysis – week one

By Bronston Tankersley | Sep 1, 2019