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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Host UNC in Important ACC Coastal Matchup

By Jonathan Savitske

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The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will attempt to halt a two-game skid against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium at 3:30 PM.

THE MATCHUP:

The Jackets were ousted from the AP Top 25 after losing to unranked Duke last week at Wallace Wade Stadium by a final score of 34-20. The Georgia Tech offense found it difficult to create any momentum on the offensive end, as QB Justin Thomas struggled mightily. The offensive line prevented the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to truly establish a dominant run game, and Thomas was constantly pressured, forcing the offense into many 3rd and long situations.

-= Related: Georgia Tech: 5 Things Learned vs. Duke =-

The special teams also played poorly, putting Ted Roof’s defense in a difficult spot by giving Duke a short field. In order to be victorious on Saturday, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will have to play a complete game on offense, defense and special teams.

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The North Carolina Tar Heels are coming off a victory at home against Delaware where UNC Head Coach Larry Fedora benched starting QB Marquise Williams in favor of backup Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky had an excellent second half at the helm of the Tar Heels’ offense, throwing for 4 TD’s. Though Fedora has indicated that Marquise Williams is still the starting quarterback, he may be benched in favor of Trubisky again if he struggles against Georgia Tech.

KEY PLAYERS:

North Carolina:

  • Marquise Williams, QB (Senior): As aforementioned, Marquise Williams sat out the entire second half of UNC’s previous game against Delaware in favor of Mitch Trubisky. This game will be important for Williams to reestablish himself as the Tar Heels best option at the position.
  • Ryan Switzer, WR (Junior): UNC’s most dangerous weapon on offense, Ryan Switzer had 5 catches for 89 yards and a TD in last week’s game against Delaware. Switzer is effective off of screens, making him a significant threat at all times. Switzer is also a dangerous return man, which does not bode well for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ struggling special teams unit.

Georgia Tech:

  • Justin Thomas, QB (Junior): Justin Thomas has not established himself as the ACC Player of the Year candidate we thought he would be in the preseason and through the first two games of the regular season. After struggling against both Notre Dame and Duke, it is imperative that he reasserts himself as the focal point of the offense and makes smart plays.

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  • Isiah Willis, A-back (RS Junior): With Broderick Snoddy out with a hand injury and Qua Searcy unavailable for maybe the next two months, Willis is the top A-back currently on the depth chart. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have struggled against Power 5 opponents this season, only averaging (in relative terms) 195 yards per game against Duke and Notre Dame. Willis and the entire running back corps will be relied upon heavily on Saturday.

PREDICTION:

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – 38, North Carolina Tar Heels – 35

The series between these two programs has been high scoring in recent years, including a 48-43 UNC victory last year. I see another high scoring affair happening, but with the home field advantage, I think the Ramblin’ Wreck pulls out a close win by a field goal.

Next: Georgia Tech: 5 Things to Watch vs. UNC

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