Oklahoma Sooners vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

No. 21 Oklahoma eyes 8-0 start with Georgia Tech in town

The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked No. 21 nationally, are riding high after their undefeated start and recent Battle 4 Atlantis championship win. As they prepare to host Georgia Tech in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday night in Norman, Okla., the Sooners have their sights set on an 8-0 record and a solidifying performance against a competitive opponent.

Sign Up!

Oklahoma’s Road to Recognition

Few expected Oklahoma to emerge as a top-25 contender at the start of the season. However, three consecutive wins over Providence, then-No. 24 Arizona, and Louisville in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament changed that perception. Notably, all three victories were decided by five points or fewer, showcasing Oklahoma’s ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.

“Three games in a row with a minute left, the game wasn’t decided,” said Sooners coach Porter Moser. “Your team can build on that. You get confidence in winning close games.”

This ability to close out tight matchups has been a focal point for Oklahoma, especially after last season’s collapse. The Sooners opened the 2022–23 campaign with a 10-0 run but faltered late, finishing 20-12 and missing the NCAA Tournament. Moser is determined to ensure this year’s squad maintains its consistency.

Key Players for Oklahoma

Leading the charge for Oklahoma is Jalon Moore, who is averaging 18.4 points per game. Moore, a transfer from Georgia Tech, has proven to be a dynamic scorer for the Sooners. During the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, he delivered back-to-back 24-point performances against Arizona and Louisville, showcasing his versatility and resilience after a slow start against Providence.

“Jalon Moore came back to have two monster games,” Moser said. “… He works so hard on his shot. When his feet are set and he’s shot-ready, he can really knock them down.”

Freshman standout Jeremiah Fears has also made waves, averaging 16.9 points per game. His 26-point explosion against Arizona earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors, adding depth to Oklahoma’s offensive firepower.

Daily College Basketball Picks

Georgia Tech’s Road Challenges

Georgia Tech (4-3) enters Tuesday’s matchup with a mixed bag of results. After early-season home losses to Georgia and Cincinnati, the Yellow Jackets rebounded with convincing wins over Charleston Southern and Central Arkansas. However, this will be their first road test of the season—a critical opportunity to gauge their performance against a high-caliber opponent.

Head coach Damon Stoudamire acknowledged the importance of such matchups, saying, “Those games are like the tune-ups or the prelims because the heavyweight fights are coming up. We have to get better. We’ll play a tough Oklahoma team.”

Impact Players for Georgia Tech

The Yellow Jackets are led by Lance Terry (14.7 points per game) and Baye Ndongo (14.0 points per game), both of whom have been consistent offensive contributors. Terry’s 25-point outing against Central Arkansas demonstrated his scoring potential.

An X-factor will be the return of Javian McCollum, Georgia Tech’s third-leading scorer (12.8 points per game), who missed the last two games due to injury. Stoudamire expressed hope that McCollum, along with teammate Kowacie Reeves Jr., will be ready for action against the Sooners.

Clash of Familiar Faces

Adding intrigue to the matchup is the connection between both teams’ rosters:

• Oklahoma’s Jalon Moore previously played two seasons for Georgia Tech before transferring to the Sooners.
• Georgia Tech’s Javian McCollum spent time with Oklahoma before moving to the Yellow Jackets.

These shared histories provide additional motivation for players and coaches alike.

What’s at Stake

For Oklahoma, this game represents an opportunity to solidify their status as a national contender. A win would maintain their perfect record and further prove their ability to perform under pressure. For Georgia Tech, it’s a chance to test themselves against a ranked opponent and rebound from earlier struggles against top-tier competition.

“I’m excited about the opportunity because we’ll have another opportunity to see what we look like against a team that looks like the teams we didn’t have success against,” Stoudamire said.

Historical Context

The two programs have split their four previous meetings, with Georgia Tech claiming the most recent victory in 1995 by a score of 83-72. While history may not play a direct role, the matchup adds a layer of anticipation for fans and players.

Prediction and Outlook

Oklahoma’s strong start, bolstered by consistent performances in close games and standout contributions from Moore and Fears, gives them a clear advantage. However, Georgia Tech’s depth and the potential return of McCollum could make for a competitive contest.

The Sooners are likely to secure the win if they maintain their composure and exploit Georgia Tech’s road inexperience. But for the Yellow Jackets, this game could serve as a turning point in their season, provided they rise to the challenge.

Get ready for an exciting clash as Oklahoma looks to keep their streak alive and Georgia Tech fights to prove their mettle on the road.

Final Note

This game will not only test the skills of the players but also highlight the strategies and adaptability of both coaching staffs. All eyes will be on Norman, where the Sooners and Yellow Jackets are set to deliver a thrilling showdown.