For the second game of the week 2 slate, and the first one on Saturday, we head to upstate New York. Syracuse, NY is where we arrive for a tilt between the visiting Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the hosts Syracuse Orange. Below I will breakdown the matchup and let you know what my money is on. Let’s dive in… see you in the DEEP WATERS!!!
The #23 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had a busy early schedule this season. They opened the new season in Dublin, Ireland where they beat the then #10 team Florida State. Next, the Yellow Jackets had an easier opponent, beating Georgia State at home 35-12.
The Yellow Jackets offense has experience led by Haynes King. The yellow jackets QB1 recorded 2,755 passing yards and a 26:15 TD-to-INT ratio last season. King has been sharp early, connecting on 78% of his passes for 421 yards and a 2:1 TD-to-INT ratio. The rushing offense is a strength led by junior Jamal Haynes. He has accrued 159 rushing yards on 5.7 yards per rush after two performances. The offense returns three of its top four receivers from last year. Overall, this is a very experienced unit with a very explosive skilled group.
The defensive side of the ball was a big issue last year. In stepped new defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci. So far this defensive unit has been much better under Santucci, however it is early. The Yellow Jackets ranked 61st against the pass last year while the rush defense was 130th. Last week this unit held Georgia State to 360 total yards last week.
Syracuse is entering the season under the guidance of new head coach Fran Brown. The Orange won their home opener against Ohio 38-22 last week.
Syracuse had one of the bigger transfer signings in the FBS in the offseason. Kyle McCord, who was the starter for most of the season at Ohio State last year, is now QB1 for the Orange. The senior collected 3170 passing yards and a 24:6 TD-to-INT ratio last season. He was productive in the opener, collecting 354 passing yards. The rushing offense is led by LeQuint Allen, who is a threat every time he touches the ball. The junior RB had a great 2023 season, amassing just under 1110 rushing yards and posting 98 yards in the opener.
The Orange defense has a new coordinator in Elijah Robinson and are playing a completely different scheme. The Orange returned a good portion of last year’s defensive starters including Marlow Wax who led the Orange in tackles. Last season, the Orange ranked 94th in pass defense and 67th against the run. However the Orange were very shaky against Ohio last week, allowing a total of 436 yards. It will be very interesting to see how they do against this explosive Tech offense. Ultimately this could be a good defense, however with a new scheme, I think it takes a few weeks to get going in the right direction.
For this matchup I’m actually not playing a side. I have my money sided on the total and the over of 61. I really like this Georgia Tech offense and its weapons that they have. However I also like what Syracuse brings to the table offensively. I think both sides will be able to move the ball and ultimately look for a few very explosive plays to get some quick scores. I think both teams get above 28 and into the 30’s here to cash the over of 61.
Let’s take a look at my three key factors for this play below.
- Both offenses are led by not only talented QB1’s but experienced ones. With the weapons around them they are able to distribute the ball to the explosive playmakers and put up points. Neither one has to do to much but if need be they can create opportunities to score themselves.
- Balanced offenses. Both teams have phenomenal running backs that are also a threat in the passing game. Not only can each team run the ball but they both can throw it downfield. With both teams having balanced attacks, I think they will have explosive plays to get some quick scores.
- Lastly the defenses. Syracuse gave up over 400 total yards to an Ohio team in week 1. Georgia Tech seems to be much improved defensively but they gave up over 300 yards to a Georgia State team who lost a ton offensively and then played Florida State week 1, and that offense looks atrocious through 2 games. I think both defenses will have trouble slowing down these offenses and this will force a back and forth game with a ton of scoring opportunities.
OFFICIAL PLAY: Georgia Tech vs Syracuse Over 61; 1.1 units to win 1 unit
Season Record 4-1 +3 units
