Playoff Scenario Where Brent Key’s Yellow Jackets Face A Former ACC Name

The playoff picture wil soon begin to take shape, and one potential matchup has ACC ties. A possible showdown between Brent Key’s No.7 Yellow Jackets (8-0) and No. 3 Texas A&M (8-0), led by former Duke head coach Mike Elko. They never coached against each other in the ACC, but would be a fun ACC storyline.

Elko spent time in the ACC with Duke. Before taking over in College Station, Elko turned the Blue Devils into a tough, disciplined program. Now with both teams trending upward, the idea of Key and Elko finally meeting. This time on the national stage would be fun playoff conversation. A game that would be a high-stakes chess match between two of college football’s best coaches.

Georgia Tech, under Key, has become one of the most balanced teams in the nation. Behind quarterback Haynes King, the Jackets have combined explosive offense with a defense that keeps getting stronger each week. Meanwhile, Elko’s Aggies have built a reputation for physical play and relentless pressure. Traits that mirror what he preached at Duke.

Elko's Aggies are coming off a dominant beatdown at LSU on Saturday night, and look like a legit national contender. While the Yellow Jackets blew out Syracuse 41-16, during homecoming.

Nothing is set in stone, but the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The new playoff format opens the door for interesting games, and Tech is right in that conversation. A Georgia Tech–Texas A&M matchup wouldn’t just be another playoff game. It would be a battle of philosophies, pride, and a ACC connection. And a ACC SEC tilt.

If the playoff committee wants drama, storylines, and two coaches with something to prove. This could be the matchup fans didn’t know they needed. There are still some things to shake out. With four regular season games left plus conference championship games. Before this storyline can become real.