Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2024 College Football Preview
Posted July 2, 2024
2023 Recap
Record – 7-6
ATS – 8-5
Yes, guy.
The Yellow Jackets booked their first winning season since 2018 and they had some fun along the way. They took down North Carolina and YOUR Miami Hurricanes when HC Mario Cristobal did his best SIMPLE JACK impersonation whilst managing the clock. Georgia Tech also gave LUA-VUH (lost by 5) and Georgia (lost by 8) all they could handle.
Was the 2023 season a mirage, or can we expect more solid football from the RAMBLIN’ WRECK?
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2024 Outlook
OFFENSE
The Yellow Jackets improved from scoring a pathetic 17 PPG in 2022 (#125) to a very respectable 31 PPG in 2023 (#43) and that was thanks in large part to dual-threat QB Haynes King (27-16 TD to INT, 10 rush TD). King needs to cut down on his mistakes but he’s a very underrated specimen and one of the best QBs in the ACC. The Jackets retain 1,000-yard RB Jamal Haynes (1,059, 7 TD, 6.1; 20 receptions) as well as their top-two WRs (Singleton, Rutherford) that combined for over 1,200 yards and 10 TDs last year. We’re not crazy about the depth at RB/WR/TE so the Yellow Jackets will need to avoid a significant bite from the injury bug if they wanna have a decent season. Four starters are back up front and note that HC Brent Key is an offensive line WHISPERER. As far as the offense goes, we LIKEY LIKEY.
DEFENSE
Georgia Tech got pulverized by opposing ground attacks LY (221 YPG, #131 !) and they weren’t that great defending the THROW GAME (#75 pass efficiency D, 61%, 18-14 TD to INT, 7.6 YPA; Steele rank #54 tho). There’s at least a bit of hope for improvement as the Yellow Jackets get a yuuuge upgrade at DC (Tyler Santucci, Duke) and he’s got some better talent to work with thanks to the transfer portal. The DL needs a lot of work but they added a few Power 4 transfers that’ll help the situation, and NG Zeek BIGGERS is just one of a few doods with size. The LB unit looks thin but at least they retain #1 tackler Kyle Efford. The secondary looks decent with a veteran safety combo (Brooks, Powell-Lee) and the addition of CB Warren Burrell from the Vols. The stop unit might be a bit better but their growth is limited if they can’t achieve more PENETRATION (21 sacks, #105 LY).
SPECIAL TEAMS
They’re not in bad shape. PK Aidan Birr hit 17/19 FG attempts LY (7-9 from 40+) and punter David Shanahan is a reliable senior. Also note that Christian Leary is an above-average KR (22.0).
Schedule Analysis
Overall – DANGER! DANGER!
Georgia Tech has a brutal schedule and the illustrious Todd Fuhrman points out that they have to face 11 (!) teams that played in bowl games last year. They’ve got a pair of MORTAL LOCKS in non-conference action (Georgia St, VMI) but that’s about it for the good news. They play all of the best teams in the ACC other than Clemson. That’s an OUCHIE.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Georgia St (Aug 31)
We won’t be laying the points in this match-up as the Yellow Jackets will be off their trip to Dublin (Florida St) and they’ve got ACC play on deck (at Syracuse). DEGNERATE NATION take note: Georgia Tech is 6-17 ATS in non-conference action since 2018. Props to Phil Steele for that tasty nugget.
Season Win Total
Market consensus July 2
Over 5 -115
Under 5 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
It’s gonna be a struggle to get to a bowl game with that schedule.
NOTE – “Lean” implies this is how we’d invest in this market if forced to make a choice. We’ll notify subscribers in our Season Win Total blog post of any season win totals that have made our investment card.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Georgia Tech is just 15-22-1 ATS (41%) as a home favorite the L10Y but they’ve been a good bet as a road underdog over that time horizon (21-13-1, 62%).
The RAMBLIN’ WRECK is a 1930 Ford Model A sport coupe that acts as team ‘mascot’, along with BUZZ the yellow jacket. The ‘wreck’ carries the cheerleaders and Buzz around the field at home games. Another fun fact: “The Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech” is the school’s official fight song. Trivia BOMBS, yo.
MEGALOCKS Forecast:
The Yellow Jackets will be able to SCORE the FOOTBALL on a regular basis but we’ve still got concerns about the defensive personnel. And it’s not like these guys are gonna have any breathers during the season. Ok, maybe when they play VMI. We’re quite confident that Georgia Tech can pull an upset or two but don’t think they’ll be able to cobble together enough wins to make a bowl game. In any event, good luck RAMBLIN’ WRECK!