(Photo: Rich Von Biberstein/IconSportswire)
Head Coach Brent Key’s Georgia Tech is 5-2. Key’s program has shown steady improvement since he took over part of the way into the 2022 season. Thus far this season they have played one common opponent with the Irish, in Louisville, who they lost to in week five, 31-19. Last week they won a shootout at North Carolina, 41-34.
The Yellow Jackets, returned for ‘24 substantial firepower from last year’s offense that averaged 31.1 points per game and was first in the ACC and 12th nationally in rushing and 34th in total offense. Key to that production was a four pack of players, quarterback Haynes King, 1,000-yard rusher Jamal Haynes, and receivers Eric Singleton and Malik Rutherford who combined for over 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns.
That core group of players is at it again this season. Haynes King is a dangerous dual threat guy who has run for 6 TDs and thrown 8 TD passes with just 1 interception. Jamal Haynes is averaging 5.6 yards per carry and has scored 7 TDs. Last week against North Carolina he put the game on ice in the closing seconds with a 68-yard TD run. Receivers Singleton and Rutherford are also at it again, they have already combined for 70 catches, 908 yards and four TDs.
Haynes King missed the last three series against North Carolina with what appeared to be a shoulder injury. He is considered to be a game time decision. If he can’t go third year player Zach Pyron is likely to get the start. Pyron 58-97 in his career good for 650 yards and four TDs with four interceptions.
Overall the Yellow Jacket offense is showing great balance averaging 240.1 yards passing and 204.4 yards rushing per game. They rank 32nd nationally in total offense. Their offensive line is a strength, they are experienced and have allowed just one sack through seven games.
Defense was Tech’s achilles heel in 2023. They ranked among the worst in the nation in most major statistical categories. A retooled defensive staff for 2024 features new defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci, who served a year as a GA at Notre Dame in 2017. Santucci has installed a 4-2-5 base scheme and the improvement has been notable. After giving up nearly 30 points per game in 2023, that average is down to 20.6 and yards allowed are down more than 100 per game.
One area the Yellow Jackets still look vulnerable is against the pass, they are 104th in passing efficiency defense and have only picked off one pass.
Georgia Tech has a dangerous offense that is balanced and explosive. Defensively they are improved but they had a long was to go after being one of the worst in the nation in 2023. ND’s improving offense should be able to score points on Tech and ND’s defense should be able to slow down Tech’s offense, especially if Haynes King’s injury keeps him out of the game.
Notre Dame is a 10.5-point favorite and the over/under is 49.5
The Fighting Irish Preview Pick: ND 34 Georgia Tech 24