UCLA at USC – College Football Predictions
The Game
This has been a REALLY good game the past few seasons with four straight meetings having been decided by a TD or less. There is no reason to expect otherwise with a lot at stake this Saturday. The Bulldogs need to win this game to set up a DATE with DESTINY (ROLL TIDE or Auburn) whilst the Jackets need a victory to bag the all-important sixth win for bowl eligibility. Let’s gooo !
The Details
Georgia -11 Georgia Tech (51)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Georgia -9
Sagarin Ratings – Georgia -12
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 20
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 24
The Match-Up
Georgia offense vs Georgia Tech defense
Here is comes, baby. Let’s see if you can stop it.
The Bulldogs will bring their awesome 1-2 punch into this game and hope to follow their winning recipe of devastating ground attack + great defense = win. RBs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel have combined for almost 2,000 (!) rushing yards and 24 TDs and that has given freshman QB Jake Fromm a lot of time and confidence to hit big plays in the passing game. Of course, the lone exception was the beating at the hands of YOUR Auburn Tigers, but we do not expect that kind of heat on Saturday. Our best guess is that the Jackets will be able to slow down the Bulldogs’ rushing attack (4.4 yards per carry allowed; 144 yards per game) but they will need to continue their fine play on 3rd downs (#6 FBS 3rd down defense) to keep the defense as rested as possible. Georgia is in the top 5 in the FBS in 3rd down conversions so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. We project 27-34 points for the Bulldogs which is pretty much in line with their implied team total.
Georgia Tech offense vs Georgia defense
Georgia gets to see this offense every year but it is still just ONCE a year. They cannot afford to put too much prep time into game planning for the triple option. They will rely on their speedy athletes to play smart and disciplined and try to force the Jackets into 3rd and medium or long vs 3rd and short. Georgia Tech has the #4 rushing offense in the FBS whilst the Dawgs are #6 in rushing defense. Battle Royale, yo. One thing to keep in mind is the ability of WR Ricky Jeune to make big plays when they MATRICULATE down the field in the passing game. Georgia Tech hit two big ones vs the Hokies (28-22 win) and will need to hit at least two big passing plays to win this game. They can’t just run it down their throats all game.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
Georgia Tech is 5-0 at home this season and that record includes wins over the Hokies and Wake Forest.
Summary
Georgia SHOULD have too much speed for the Yellow Jackets to get much done with the triple option BUT that has been the case most seasons. The past four match-ups have been close, and while the Dawgs have a REALLY good team this season, the Yellow Jackets are much better than their 5-win record indicates. We can see them hitting a couple of big plays in the passing game and staying within shouting distance.
Conclusion
Opinion: Best play on the game ? Georgia Tech +11
Are we playing this game ? Sure, small potatoes.