Georgia Tech vs. Syracuse: Offensive Comparison

Georgia Tech takes on the 0-2 Syracuse Orange on Saturday and here’s how their offenses match up.

It was another solid performance for the Georgia Tech offense last Saturday despite the final score being 49-21 in favor of Central Florida.The Jackets were solid in the passing and rushing game, but turnovers and failed opportunities in the red zone held down their point total lower than they would’ve liked. This Saturday is another opportunity to put up strong numbers as they jump back into ACC play with a road matchup at Syracuse at 12 p.m. against a struggling Orange team.

Here is a look at how the offensive position groups stack up and which team has the edge as you get ready for Saturday’s matchup:

Quarterback

It’s been a promising start to the career of Georgia Tech freshman quarterback Jeff Sims over the first two weeks of the season with signal-caller from Florida throwing for 521 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for another 146 and a score.

Turnovers have been what has held him back a bit with four interceptions in the two games along with a couple fumbles lost. Still, the clear potential is there and has Georgia Tech fans excited about this season and the future.

On the other side, Syracuse has had a tough time offensively in their two losses against North Carolina and Pittsburgh, and it has been a struggle at the quarterback position. Starter Tommy Devito is without a TD pass in the two games and has only completed 47.8 percent of his passes. Rex Culpepper has the only TD pass for the Orange after getting a few snaps in both games.

Despite the Syracuse quarterbacks having more experience, Jackets’ fans should feel good about Sims and his skillset going into Saturday’s game.

Edge: Georgia Tech

Running Backs

The Georgia Tech running backs group took another step forward last week despite missing their leading rusher from last season and their most experienced back in Jordan Mason. The depth of the position group was on full display as true freshman Jahmyr Gibbs had an outstanding debut with more than 200 all-purpose yards, and Jamious Griffin and Dontae Smith also had some big carries against UCF.

Those three will once again be leaned on this week as Mason will likely be out for this game (and possibly several more), and the Tech coaches and fans feel confident that they will continue their impressive production.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the running game has been a struggle for the Orange as they have been held to just 119 yards in two games with starting running back Jawhar Jordan only managing 66 yards on 27 attempts. No other Syracuse player has more than 25 yards on the ground in the first two games combined.

No doubt here, it’s the Jackets that have the advantage in the running game.

Edge: Georgia Tech

Wide Receiver/Tight End

The Georgia Tech receivers have shown that any of a number of guys can step up and make big catches on third downs and in big situations so far this season. Jalen Camp and Malachi Carter lead the way with seven catches apiece, and Marquez Ezzard and Ahmareon Brown each have added four.

Georgia Tech has had to turn to some youngsters at tight end, playing reserves Jack Coco and Billy Ward as they were without Dylan Deveney and Dylan Leonard last week and could be without one or both again this week.

The Syracuse offense has struggled overall, but their receivers have been probably one of their most impressive groups. Taj Harris leads the way with eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown, and others have stepped up with big catches, including Anthony Queeley and Nykeim Johnson.

This one is close and really could go either way, but the more productive offense overall so far gets the nod.

Edge: Georgia Tech

Offensive Line

The offensive line improvement has been one of the biggest storylines of the season so far for the Georgia Tech offense. They have shown the ability to create holes in the running game as well as give Sims time to go through his progressions in the passing game.

Jack DeFoor has had a strong start at left guard, and true freshman Jordan Williams is playing beyond his years at right tackle. The whole group has been solid really, but those two have stood out.

Syracuse has not gotten the production they expected from their offensive line in the early season as it has been a struggle despite returning three starters from last year’s unit. The team has rushed for just 119 yards in the first two games, and the OL has allowed 14 sacks as well as pass protection has been very suspect.

The proof is in the pudding here. It’s easy to watch the first two games for both teams and see which offensive line has been better.

Edge: Georgia Tech

Overall

The Georgia Tech offense has been a plus in the opening two games, and the crazy thing is they have left a lot of points on the board with turnovers and lack of execution in the red zone. Syracuse has been the opposite of that, only managing 16 points total in their first two games.

Yes, the Orange has played two pretty good defenses in North Carolina and Pittsburgh, but still, there isn’t a lot of positives to take away from either outing. The Jackets’ offense has a lot of momentum and seems to be getting better each week.

If they can clean up some of the turnovers, it could be a big day for Georgia Tech on the scoreboard.