Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: 5 Things to Watch vs. UNC

Sep 19, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets kicker Harrison Butker (87) misses a field goal attempt in the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY

No, the specials teams are not one specific player, but deserve to watched because of their poor performance over the past two games. Against Notre Dame, kicker Harrison Butker missed two key FG attempts in the first half that would have tied the game. Every game now is important for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and field goals must be made.

Perhaps the biggest weakness in last week’s game for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets was the poor play of their special teams on punt and kick returns. Poor coverage gave Duke returner DeVon Edwards a 100 yard TD return, while two other plays gave Duke an incredibly short field, setting up two TD’s. A botched snap to punter Ryan Rodwell led to another Duke TD.

In order for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to win this week and to give their defense a chance, the special teams must limit UNC to short returns. If they continue their recent trend of ineffectiveness, it will be a long game for the Jackets.

Next: Better QB Play