Vanderbilt Commodores vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Picks and Predictions December 27th 2024

Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt Collide in Birmingham Bowl

The Birmingham Bowl will feature two teams looking to punctuate overachieving seasons as Georgia Tech takes on Vanderbilt on Friday in Birmingham, Ala. Both programs are making a case for long-term resurgence, and the matchup promises a physical, competitive contest.

Georgia Tech: Building Momentum Under Brent Key

Under head coach Brent Key, Georgia Tech (7-5) is enjoying its most successful stretch in nearly a decade. Back-to-back bowl appearances and signature wins over Florida State and Miami have revived optimism in Atlanta.

Key’s team gained national attention with its upset of then-No. 10 Florida State to start the season and a November win over undefeated No. 4 Miami. Though they fell short in an eight-overtime heartbreaker against then-No. 7 Georgia, the Yellow Jackets have proven they can compete with top-tier opponents.

Key Players:

• QB Haynes King has been the backbone of the Yellow Jackets’ offense, amassing 1,910 passing yards and 22 total touchdowns (11 passing, 11 rushing).
• Eric Singleton Jr., the team’s leading receiver, will be absent after entering the transfer portal. His 754 receiving yards and four total touchdowns will leave a void in the offense.
• The defense, missing Romello Height (transfer portal), will rely on depth and the next-man-up mentality to fill the gap left by his 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Key is focused on ensuring his squad stays resilient despite the roster changes.

“One person is not going to make a difference as far as rotational depth,” Key said. “We’re going to continue to coach the guys that are here and prepare them.”

Vanderbilt: Shocking the SEC

Predicted to finish last in the SEC this year, Vanderbilt (6-6) defied expectations with a historic season under head coach Clark Lea. The Commodores shocked college football with an Oct. 5 win over then-No. 1 Alabama and secured their first victory at Auburn in program history.

A win in the Birmingham Bowl would mark Vanderbilt’s first bowl victory since 2013 and give the Commodores their first winning season in a decade.

Key Players:

• QB Diego Pavia has been instrumental for Vanderbilt, recording 2,133 passing yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 716 rushing yards and six scores.
• Pavia, a transfer from New Mexico State, earned a rare seventh year of eligibility and will look to cap this season with a statement performance.
• Vanderbilt’s defense will need to hold strong against a Georgia Tech offense that can strike through both the air and ground game.

Lea sees parallels between the two programs and expects a gritty battle.

“This is our 10th bowl game in 134 years, it’s a chance for our first winning season since 2013,” Lea said. “You’re going to have two teams that play a physical brand of football, two head coaches that care deeply about the institutions we represent.”

Matchup Highlights

Quarterback Duel

Both teams boast dynamic quarterbacks in Haynes King and Diego Pavia, who can make plays with their arms and legs. How they handle pressure will be critical to the outcome.

Georgia Tech’s Defense

The Yellow Jackets’ ability to pressure Pavia and force turnovers could be decisive, especially given the absence of Vanderbilt’s top wide receiver.

Vanderbilt’s Ground Game

Pavia’s rushing ability adds a layer of unpredictability to the Commodores’ offense. If Georgia Tech struggles to contain him, Vanderbilt could control the tempo.

What’s at Stake?

• Georgia Tech: A win would mark consecutive bowl victories and further solidify the program’s resurgence under Key.
• Vanderbilt: A victory would cap off a historic season and signal continued growth under Lea’s leadership.

Prediction

Both teams have had strong seasons, but Georgia Tech’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses and control the game’s pace gives them a slight edge. Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia will keep it close, but the Yellow Jackets’ balanced attack will prevail.

Final Score Prediction: Georgia Tech 27, Vanderbilt 23