Georgia Tech Football: Jackets open as slight favorites over USF

CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Running back Jerry Howard Jr. #5 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets makes a 54-yard reception as defensive end Justin Foster #35 of the Clemson Tigers pursues during the third quarter of their football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 29: Running back Jerry Howard Jr. #5 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets makes a 54-yard reception as defensive end Justin Foster #35 of the Clemson Tigers pursues during the third quarter of their football game at Memorial Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)

With just days until their home opener against the USF Bulls, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are slight favorites.

Georgia Tech is coming off a 52-14 loss in their season opener to Clemson but will look to pick up the first win of the Geoff Collins era this Saturday when the USF Bulls come to The Flats. The Bulls, like the Jackets, opened up their season in a blowout loss, as the Wisconsin Badgers shutout the Bulls 49-0. However, the Jackets are the favorites on Saturday afternoon as early Vegas odds have the Jackets as a six-point favorite over the Bulls.

The Bulls in that game just had 157 yards of total offense including just 109-yards through the air. Quarterback Blake Barnett, was just 13-for-30 in the game for 109-yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, the Bulls picked up a mere 26 rushing yards on 23 attempts.

Last season of course, the Jackets and Bulls played a barn burner in Tampa that saw USF come out on top with a 49-38 victory. The Jackets lost that game despite having 602 total yards of offense. In that game, the Jackets did well in keeping Barnett in check through the air but allowed him to lead the Bulls in rushing with 91-yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. As a team, the Bulls rushed for 224-yards over 44 rushing attempts.

The Jackets last week against Clemson were dominated on the ground, allowing 411 rushing yards, it will be an interesting matchup to watch between the Jackets run defense and the Bulls rushing offense on Saturday, especially with both struggling last week.

The Jackets and the Bulls will kick off at 2:00 pm on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium, the game can be watched on the ACC Network.