Georgia Tech is set to journey to Louisville with the aim of seeking retribution for their defeat against the Cardinals in the previous year.
Georgia Tech had a strong start under Brent Key, with high hopes in their game against Louisville at Mercedes Benz Stadium. Despite holding a significant lead in the second half, the Yellow Jackets ultimately lost the game, costing them a chance at the ACC title. A win would have led to a three-way tie with Louisville and NC State for a shot at facing Florida State for the championship.
Looking ahead to the rematch in the 2024 season, Georgia Tech faces Louisville on September 21st in what promises to be a challenging game. The Yellow Jackets will have already been tested by tough ACC opponents like Florida State and Syracuse before this matchup.
In the upcoming season, both Georgia Tech’s offense and Louisville’s defense are expected to be strengths for their respective teams. Quarterback Haynes King leads a potent Yellow Jackets offense, showcasing impressive passing and rushing stats. However, turnovers remain a concern, especially against formidable opponents like Florida State.
Jamal Haynes emerged as a standout player last season with a successful transition from wide receiver to running back. He excelled in rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry, ranking among the top players in the ACC. With his strong performances, he is poised for another standout season in 2024.
Georgia Tech’s wide receiver corps is set to be one of the strongest in the ACC, with promising newcomers like Eric Singleton Jr, who showed potential as a standout player in the previous season.
Singleton Jr. excelled in his freshman season in 2023, ranking fourth nationally among freshmen, both true and redshirt, with an average of 59.5 receiving yards per game. He also shared the fourth spot nationally with six touchdown receptions among true freshmen. His 714 receiving yards and six touchdown catches placed him in the top 10 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, with his six TD receptions marking the second-highest by a freshman in Georgia Tech history. The potential for an even better season in 2024 is evident, especially considering the noticeable chemistry between him and King from the previous year.
In addition to Singleton Jr., Georgia Tech boasts other talented receivers who add depth and danger to their offense. Malik Rutherford, the team’s second-leading receiver, showcased his skills by catching 46 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 10.5 yards per catch. Christian Leary and Chase Lane also made valuable contributions to the team’s receiving corps, while new addition Abdul Janneh from Duquesne provides depth for the upcoming season.
Leo Blackburn stands out as a physically impressive player on the Georgia Tech roster, offering potential to elevate the team’s offensive capabilities if he stays healthy.
The offensive line is set to be a strength for Georgia Tech, thanks to the transformative work by head coach Brent Key and offensive line coach Geep Wade. The team went from being one of the weakest rushing units in the ACC to leading the league in rushing within just one season. With four of the five starters returning and the addition of an All-Conference transfer, the offensive line looks to maintain its dominance.
Louisville’s defense is expected to be a formidable unit in the ACC, anchored by playmakers like Ashton Gillotte, who had a standout season with 11 sacks. The linebacker group is anticipated to be one of the conference’s best, boasting skilled starters and talented transfers. In the secondary, Quincy Riley and Devin Neal lead a strong defensive backfield with notable transfers who add depth and talent to the roster.
The matchup between Georgia Tech and Louisville promises to be a battle of strengths, with both teams featuring proven playmakers and key additions. Despite Louisville’s defensive prowess, Georgia Tech managed to score effectively against them in the previous year, setting the stage for a competitive showdown between the two teams.
Georgia Tech’s Defense Against Louisville’s Offense
While Jeff Brohm is known for his exceptional skills as an offensive play caller, the Louisville Cardinals are expected to see significant changes on the offensive side this season.
Former Oregon/Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough is poised to take over from Jack Plummer. While Shough is talented, there are doubts about whether he represents a substantial upgrade over Plummer.
Initially, it appeared that Toledo transfer Penny Boone would lead the Cardinals’ backfield, but he has decided to move to UCF. Maurice Turner and Miami transfer Don Chaney Jr are likely to step into the top two running back positions. While both are talented, neither has yet established themselves as high-level starters.
Leading the receivers for Louisville is Chris Bell, who surpassed 400 yards last season and is expected to have a starting role. Alabama transfer Ja’Corey Brooks and South Alabama transfer Cauulin Lacy are also viewed as impactful players for the team.
At tight end, Mark Redman is likely to start, but keep an eye out for Miami transfer Jaleel Skinner, a former highly sought-after recruit.
Although the offensive line will miss Bryan Hudson at center, it is projected to remain a solid unit. Michael Gonzalez, a standout guard, and the return of Renato Brown from injury to play right guard bolster the front five. Several transfers, including Jonathan Mendoza from Yale, Reuben Unije from Houston, and others, will be vying for roles in the lineup.
New defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci aims to revamp Georgia Tech’s defense to aid their competitiveness in the ACC. In his previous season at Duke in 2023, Santucci directed a highly ranked defense that excelled in various categories, including scoring, rushing defense, passing defense, and tackles for loss.
Georgia Tech’s defensive line, particularly at defensive end, presents a challenge, with uncertainty around edge rushing capability. While the interior shows promise with players like Zeek Biggers and transfers Thomas Gore, Jordan van den Berg, and Horace Lockett, the team will need strong performance from this unit overall.
In the linebacker corps, leadership from Kyle Efford along with a mix of experienced and new talent is anticipated to contribute to the team’s defensive efforts.
The team boasts a strong safety duo in LaMiles Brooks and Clayton Powell-Lee, with potential for breakout performances from Ahmari Harvey in the upcoming season. Decisions on the starting cornerback opposite Harvey, likely involving Tennessee transfer Warren Burrell and others, are crucial for the secondary’s effectiveness.
In summary, Georgia Tech faces a challenging road test against Louisville. While Louisville may have weaknesses on offense due to changes in personnel, the team’s defense is expected to be a key strength, keeping them competitive in games as they work on solidifying their offensive strategies.
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