Georgia Tech Football: Official Prediction for Game Against Western Carolina – Sports Illustrated
Georgia Tech is going to be taking the field for their home opener on Saturday night at Bobby Dodd Stadium against Western Carolina. The Yellow Jackets are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak, dating back to last season and this is going to be the perfect opportunity to do so.
The offense for Georgia Tech is going to be looking to get going this week after playing one of the best defenses in the country on Monday. Quarterback Jeff Sims looked efficient when he had time to throw and the defense did well against the Clemson offense for much of the game.
There is plenty to keep an eye on this week in terms of improvements for Georgia Tech. Special teams are worth watching due to the two blocked punts the team gave up on Monday, but the unit that is really worth watching is the offensive line. The line improving quickly is the key to the season and I want to see how much better they get from week to week. Hopefully, with better line play, the running game can get going this week.
When: Saturday, September 10th
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern
TV: ESPN + and ACC Network Extra
Stream: Fubo (Click here)
All odds are provided courtesy of SI Sportsbook
Line: NA
O/U: NA
Moneyline: NA
FPI pick: Georgia Tech 98.5%
Here is everything that I have written on the matchup with Western Carolina:
Georgia Tech Football: Three Things to watch for on offense vs Western Carolina
How to Watch Georgia Tech vs Western Carolina
Georgia Tech is not overlooking Western Carolina this week
Georgia Tech Football: Geoff Collins press conference before Western Carolina
Georgia Tech's running game will look to get on track against Western Carolina
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest matchup will once again be upfront. If Georgia Tech's offense line shows enough improvement, this game should be a blowout. If they are still struggling, the Yellow Jackets will probably still win, but it will be a bad sign for future weeks to come.
I am hoping for a huge performance from this offensive line and a dominant performance. All eyes will be on this unit on Saturday night.
Georgia Tech's secondary is going to have to make no mistakes this week
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
You could easily pick the pass rush, but I think the secondary is going to have to step up this week. The coverage was not bad against Clemson, but the defensive backs did not force any turnovers or interceptions (linebacker Ace Eley forced the only fumble).
Western Carolina put up a lot of yards through the air last week and is going to be throwing the ball plenty this weekend. I think Georgia Tech's pass rush will neutralize some of these issues, but the defensive backs need to create some turnovers and make things easier for the offense.
Dontae Smith and the running game is going to be the X-factor this week
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
I think the x-factor in this game is going to be the running game. Georgia Tech is going to be facing a far less imposing front this week and will look to run the ball. Getting the ground game going will help take pressure off of Sims and this offense will get rolling with Dontae Smith, Hassan Hall, and Dylan McDuffie this week and rush for 150 yards at minimum.
Georgia Tech's Defensive front is going to be a key this week
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Tech was able to get pressure on and sack Clemson's DJ Uiagalelei three times in the last game and got the better of Clemson's offensive line often. Getting pressure this week should not be as difficult and I expect another big game from Keion White and the pass rush.
Facing offenses like Western Carolina's, getting pressure is key to disrupting the rhythm of the offense and making them play slower. Controlling the tempo and pace will be the biggest X-factor on defense tomorrow night.
I think this is going to be a big win for Georgia Tech. The running game will get back on track and the defense will play well again. Western Carolina is not an FCS opponent that should strike fear into Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets are not in the position to be taking anyone lightly. Georgia Tech wins their home opener convincingly.
Final Score: Georgia Tech 48, Western Carolina 10
Follow us on social media for the latest with Georgia Tech Athletics!
Facebook: All Yellow Jackets
Twitter: @AllYellowJacket
Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell
See all of the latest Georgia Tech News at AllYellowJackets.com
Check out the Georgia Tech Homepage
Listen to the Goal Line Stand Podcast for the best Georgia Tech and national college football coverage!
ACC Football: Official Game Predictions for Week Two
Georgia Tech Football: Three Things to watch for on offense vs Western Carolina
Georgia Tech Football: First look at Western Carolina in week two
How to Watch Georgia Tech vs Western Carolina
Georgia Tech is not overlooking Western Carolina this week
Georgia Tech Football: Geoff Collins press conference before Western Carolina
ACC Football Power Rankings: Week Two
Georgia Tech Football: What did E.J. Jenkins, Keion White, and Ace Eley have to say after the loss
Georgia Tech Football: Everything head coach Geoff Collins said after loss to Clemson
Georgia Tech Football: Head coach Geoff Collins Press Conference before Western Carolina
Jackson Caudell covers Georgia Tech Athletics at FanNation, a part of the Sports Illustrated Media Network and has been a lifelong Atlanta sports fan.