CFB Pick – Georgia State vs. Georgia Tech
A historic first encounter awaits Atlanta as Georgia Tech and Georgia State, despite their close proximity, finally meet on the gridiron this August 31st. This matchup features a Georgia Tech team riding a wave of improvement against a Georgia State squad navigating a coaching transition and significant roster turnover.
Yellow Jackets Buzzing with Confidence
Under the guidance of head coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech has steadily climbed the ladder of success. Key, now entering his third year, inherited a struggling program and has since doubled their win total, culminating in an 8-win season last year capped off with a bowl game victory. The Yellow Jackets showcased their mettle against top-tier competition, defeating two ranked opponents and nearly upsetting the #1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs. With 8 offensive starters and 5 defensive starters returning, Tech’s continuity and experience bode well for a strong showing in 2024.
Panthers Clawing for a New Identity
Georgia State, coming off a respectable 8-6 season and a bowl win, faces a different landscape this year. The departure of successful head coach Shawn Elliot, now at South Carolina, has ushered in a new era under Dell McGee. McGee, whose head coaching experience is limited to a single bowl game, inherits a roster with only 4 returning offensive starters and 6 defensive starters. This lack of continuity, coupled with the challenges of implementing a new system, could make for a steep learning curve early in the season.
The Matchup: Experience vs. Uncertainty
WagerWeb Sportsbook has Georgia Tech as a 20.5-point favorite with a total of 57. This reflects the disparity in returning talent and stability between the two programs. However, a unique factor adds intrigue to this matchup: Georgia Tech will already have a game under its belt, having faced Florida State the week prior.
This double-edged sword presents both advantages and disadvantages for the Yellow Jackets. While the early focus on Florida State may limit preparation time for Georgia State, the experience gained against a formidable opponent could iron out any early-season kinks and provide valuable insights.
The Verdict: Blowout Potential Looms
Data-driven models using data from last season predict a decisive 46-20 Georgia Tech win. This projection underscores the Yellow Jackets’ significant edge in experience and continuity. We’d expext that margin to be even larger considering the problems Georgia State has to deal with.
The combination of Georgia Tech’s returning talent, their week 0 game against Florida State, and Georgia State’s rebuilding phase points towards a likely blowout. The Yellow Jackets’ momentum and cohesion will likely prove to be an insurmountable challenge.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Dell McGee’s Debut: How quickly can McGee implement his system and galvanize a roster with significant turnover?
- Georgia Tech’s Week 1 Impact: Will the experience gained against Florida State prove beneficial or create a distraction?
- Georgia State’s Defense: Can the Panthers’ defense, which lost several key contributors, contain a potent Georgia Tech offense?
This inaugural clash between Georgia Tech and Georgia State promises a compelling narrative of established strength against burgeoning potential. As the Atlanta sun sets on August 31st, the football field will illuminate a new chapter in the city’s rich sporting history.
Our Pick – Georgia Tech -20.5