Vanderbilt at Georgia Tech – Preview and Prediction
GEORGIA TECH 6.5 VANDERBILT (43)
Implied Projected Score: Georgia Tech 24.75 Vanderbilt 18.25
MEGALOCKS LINE – Georgia Tech 7
The Game
The Yellow Jackets take their 2-0 record into a home date with Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets are the only FBS team on the planet that can claim they have won a game in Ireland this season. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is the only FBS team on the planet this season that led 19-10, despite not completing a forward pass and being outgained 245-50.
The Match-Up
Georgia Tech offense vs Vanderbilt defense
The Yellow Jackets have not been overwhelming yet on offense, but let’s not forget, they did face one of the best defenses (for real) in the FBS in week 1 when taking on Boston College in Ireland. We are a bit concerned that they are still only ranked #102 in total offense despite playing 50% of their games (1) vs Mercer. We do like the senior QB Justin Thomas, but overall, the Yellow Jackets just lack the explosiveness that we like to see so far. They do not have a single player on the roster with over 100 yards rushing which is pretty amazing.
Vanderbilt does what they do. Somehow hang around and win / cover more games than they should. That solid defense will be tested this week and face a much different attack than the up-tempo passing attack of MTSU. We do not have a solid feel how they will hold up, but our guess is that they play another solid defensive game #HotTake. Hard to see the Jackets going nuts.
Vanderbilt offense vs Georgia Tech defense
What can you say about Ralph Webb ? The other teams know what is coming and it does not seem to matter. Webb already has over 300 yards rushing at over 6 yards a pop so far this season and will be the main man once again on Sunday. QB Kyle Shurmur looked beyond horrible for most of the first half last week, and then after the long weather delay, he looked like John Elway but with a better arm. Funny. We think the Georgia Tech defense should be able to handle whatever Vandy throws at them.
MEGA morsels
History buffs will note that the Commodores are on a 0-11-1 SU run against G Tech….The Yellow Jackets have Clemson on deck…..Vandy is 18-7-1 to the under in their last 26 games…..Fun fact to amaze the softball buddies….Nobody on the Commodores has more than 4 receptions this season.
Summary
We cannot back the Commodores in this spot after watching their first two contests. They are just too one dimensional. Meanwhile, GT is not the most trustworthy bunch when laying a TD or more.
Conclusion
Official play: None
Lean: Under any number 42 or higher. If you are desperate.