Louisville Cardinals vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Picks and Predictions September 21st 2024

No. 19 Louisville Faces Georgia Tech in High-Stakes ACC Clash

On Saturday, No. 19 Louisville will play host to Georgia Tech in what promises to be a pivotal matchup between two ACC teams looking to make their mark on the conference. While both teams have had strong starts to the season, this game will be a crucial test as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in the ACC title race.

Georgia Tech Riding Momentum

Georgia Tech (3-1, 1-1 ACC) enters the game with momentum after a dominant 59-7 victory over VMI last Saturday. The Yellow Jackets were ranked ninth in the ACC preseason poll but have already made waves by knocking off preseason No. 1 Florida State in their season opener. While they narrowly fell to Syracuse 31-28 in Week 2, their early performances have caught the attention of their opponents.

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Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm is well aware of the challenge his team faces. “We’ll have our hands full,” Brohm said. “We’re going against a team that’s very efficient on offense, in the passing and running game. They’re physical at the point of attack, control the football, and play solid defense.”

Louisville’s Explosive Offense

Louisville (2-0) had an extra week to prepare for their conference opener after enjoying their first bye of the season. The Cardinals have been nothing short of dominant in their first two games, racking up lopsided victories over Austin Peay (62-0) and Jacksonville State (49-14). They were picked fifth in the ACC preseason poll and will be eager to prove they can compete with the best the conference has to offer.

Brohm has emphasized the importance of staying focused and sharp as they head into this crucial stretch of games. “It’s important that they know that we have an important stretch of games coming up that we have to be ready for,” Brohm said. “We have to continue to progress to reach our ultimate goal, and you’ve got to be sharp each week.”

Louisville’s offense has been electric, ranking third in the nation with an average of 55.5 points per game and fourth in total offense at 590.5 yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Shough has been at the helm, passing for 581 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, the Cardinals have been equally impressive, allowing just seven points and 198 yards per game, ranking 10th and eighth in the nation, respectively.

Key Players to Watch

• Haynes King (Georgia Tech): The Yellow Jackets’ quarterback has been a standout performer, throwing for 962 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 158 yards and three additional scores. King has completed 76.4 percent of his passes and has thrown just one interception through four games, providing stability and efficiency to the Georgia Tech offense.
• Tyler Shough (Louisville): Shough has led Louisville’s high-powered offense, and his ability to stretch the field with his arm and decision-making has been key to the Cardinals’ success. With 581 passing yards and six touchdowns already, Shough will look to exploit Georgia Tech’s defense.
• Louisville Defense: The Cardinals’ defense has been stout, allowing just seven points per game and keeping opponents to 198 yards on average. Their ability to stifle Georgia Tech’s offense, particularly in containing Haynes King, will be critical to securing a victory.
• Georgia Tech’s Running Game: While King has been effective through the air, the Yellow Jackets have also been dangerous on the ground. They rank 36th in total offense, averaging 446.2 yards per game, thanks in part to their ability to run the ball efficiently.

Battle-Tested Georgia Tech

Despite being ranked as underdogs, Georgia Tech has proven its ability to compete against the best teams in the ACC. After a strong start to the season, they’re looking to solidify their position with a key conference win. Head coach Brent Key knows the challenge his team faces against Louisville’s explosive offense.

“We have a big challenge in front of us,” Key said. “A very good Louisville team. Coach Brohm, Jeff does a great job… They’re a talented team.”

Georgia Tech’s defense, which ranks 66th in total yards allowed per game (317.5) and 51st in points allowed per game (17.8), will need to be at its best to slow down Louisville’s potent attack.

The Road Ahead

Both teams understand the significance of this game. A win for Louisville would further cement their status as one of the top teams in the ACC, while Georgia Tech could continue to exceed expectations with another statement victory. With both teams showing promise early in the season, Saturday’s matchup is sure to be a high-stakes affair that could have major implications in the ACC title race.

This game also marks the fourth all-time meeting between these two programs. Georgia Tech won the first two matchups in 2018 and 2020, but Louisville claimed a 39-34 victory last season. The Cardinals are determined to maintain their momentum and add another win to their tally.

Final Thoughts

With two high-powered offenses and plenty of playmakers on both sides, Saturday’s clash between Louisville and Georgia Tech promises to be a thrilling contest. Georgia Tech will look to continue its strong start, while Louisville hopes to ride its explosive offense to victory and stay in the hunt for an ACC championship.

For the Cardinals, the key will be maintaining their offensive efficiency, even against a battle-tested Georgia Tech squad. For the Yellow Jackets, containing Tyler Shough and the Louisville offense will be their primary challenge as they aim for another signature win.