No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs (10-1 SU, 7-4 ATS) vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-5 SU, 7-2-1 ATS)
College Football Week 13
Date/Time: Saturday November 25th, 2017. 12:00PM (EST)
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, G.A.
TV: ABC
by Jay, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: UGA -11/GT +11
Over/Under Total: 51.5
The 7th ranked Georgia Bulldogs have already secured their spot in the SEC Championship Game next week in Atlanta against the winner of Alabama and Auburn. Before we can start the talk of the SEC Championship Game, another challenge awaits Georgia in Atlanta by way of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets this Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Known as Clean, Old Fashioned Hate, this rivalry marks one of the longest rivalries in college football with 111 meetings dating back to 1893. On Saturday, the hate will be renewed as the Bulldogs look to cap off a tremendous season with a marquee win over their in-state rival.
If you are a Georgia fan, this game has to scare you in so many ways. The Bulldogs have everything riding on these next two games. If they beat Georgia Tech and find a way to win the SEC Championship Game, a College Football Playoff bid hangs in the balance. However, Georgia Tech has nothing to lose and they have been a thorn in Georgias side in the last few years winning 2 of the last 3 meetings. The Yellow Jackets unique triple option attack is also cause for worry because it traditionally is difficult to defend. Obviously Georgia Tech has not trended well in recent weeks losing 4 of their last 6 games. Still, this is a talented team with a style of play that is very concerning for the Bulldogs.
One of the reasons the Yellow Jackets have struggled during the 2nd half of the season is because of turnovers and defense. This team has given up more than 40 points to teams like Duke and Virginia in recent weeks that have resulted in embarrassing losses. In the loss to Duke last week, the defense relinquished a season high 319 yards rushing. On the season, Georgia Tech has been much better than their recent numbers suggests. The Yellow Jackets own a top 25 defense and have been decent against the run allowing 144 yards per game. Therefore, it is imperative they get things turned around defensively against a dynamic Georgia rushing attack led by Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
We should expect Georgia Tech to move the football to some degree. They have a lot of talent within their unique offense. Both TaQuon Marshall and KirVonte Benson are 1,000 yard rushers in an offense that averages over 300 yards per game on the ground. Therefore, we know they are going to find ways to move the football. The question becomes can they sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities? I am skeptical because the Bulldogs have been excellent against the run this season allowing just 105 yards per game on the ground (5th in the FBS). This defense shut down one of the best rushing units in the SEC against Mississippi State and they have been dominant along the defensive line all season. Therefore, this will be an interesting battle in the trenches.
If Georgia can come up with the 3rd down stops, I believe they will escape the first round of challenges in Atlanta. I just do not see this defense getting blown off the ball consistently throughout the game. The misdirection running style will create opportunities for the Yellow Jackets but I just do not believe it will be consistent enough. From there, Georgias offense is just too good. Chubb and Michel are the best running duo in the country combining for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns each. Not only are the running backs excellent, but this Georgia offensive line is vastly under rated as well. If they can get a few passes mixed in from quarterback Jake Fromm, the Bulldogs should be able to keep this Yellow Jackets defense on their heels.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Despite winning 2 of the last 3 meetings, Georgia Tech has not won in Atlanta against the Bulldogs since 1999. Georgia is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 games against the Yellow Jackets in Atlanta, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games overall, and on the plus side of the way things matchup in this game. Take Georgia -11. – Bet this game for FREE by taking advantage of a FAT 100% bonus up to $1000 at MyBookie! (Use Promo Code: PRDCT14)