ES 
NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Game Picks 
Top Handicapper 
Georgia Tech Hosts Georgia State in Historic First Meeting on the Gridiron
For the first time ever, Atlanta neighbors Georgia Tech and Georgia State will face off on the football field as the Yellow Jackets host the Panthers this Saturday. Despite being just a few miles apart, these two programs have never met in football, making this a much-anticipated showdown right in the heart of Atlanta.
For the A.
— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) August 31, 2024
⚪️ 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗧𝗘
⌚️ 8 p.m.
🏟️ Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field
📺 @accnetwork
📻 106.3 FM
📰 https://t.co/MoCeY8XxN7#StingEm 🐝 pic.twitter.com/hQDdGlnVcG
Georgia Tech’s Momentum After Upset Win
Georgia Tech (1-0) is coming into the game with a surge of confidence after a thrilling 24-21 victory over No. 10 Florida State in the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, Ireland. This win marked the Yellow Jackets’ first victory over a top-10 team since 2015, and, coincidentally, that victory was also against Florida State. Head coach Brent Key is working hard to keep his team grounded, making sure they don’t lose focus against their in-town rivals.
“As a coach, you always have concerns,” Key said. “Anybody that knows me knows I have 10,000 things all in my head spinning right now that we have to get to—the mindset, how we’re going to talk to them, and what we’re going to do.”
The Yellow Jackets’ success was driven by quarterback Haynes King, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 146 yards and added 54 rushing yards. Running back Jamal Haynes also had a standout performance, rushing 11 times for 75 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Georgia Tech will be looking to carry this momentum into their matchup against a Georgia State team that’s hungry to make a mark.
Georgia State’s New Era Under Coach Dell McGee
Georgia State kicks off its season under new head coach Dell McGee, who took over after Shawn Elliott resigned to join South Carolina as an assistant. McGee, a former Georgia assistant, has quickly reshaped the Panthers’ roster, bringing in 48 new players through the transfer portal and high school recruiting as he aims to transform the program into a competitive force.
“Our kids are very enthused, showing a lot of passion,” McGee said. “Excited about our opener. I think this is a great opportunity for our kids to play in an environment that’s pretty electric. I’m eager to see where our guys stand and how we’ve improved.”
The Panthers, who finished 7-6 last season and claimed victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, have yet to name a starting quarterback. Leading the competition are transfers Zach Gibson, who transferred from Georgia Tech, and Christian Veilleux, a former starter at Pitt. McGee hasn’t ruled out the possibility of rotating quarterbacks.
“There’s always potential for a rotation,” McGee said. “It could be four guys, it could be one guy. Not sure yet.”
Game Outlook
As Georgia Tech looks to avoid a letdown after their big win and Georgia State seeks to start the Dell McGee era with a signature victory, Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle. Both teams are eager to make a statement, and the first-ever meeting between these Atlanta neighbors promises to be an exciting and historic matchup.
