College Football News Preview 2020: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Keys To The Season
Biggest Key To The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Offense
Just figure out something that gets the chains moving. The program that had the ultimate unique offensive identity couldn’t find anything it could do all that well the first time around under the new coaching staff. This year, it simply has to find something that consistently works.
The biggest issue? Time of possession. Even when the former option offense didn’t work quite right, it was still able to control the clock and the tempo, finishing seventh in the nation and on top of the ACC in time of possession in 2018. The Yellow Jackets went from having the ball for 33:27 per game then, to having it for 26:42 last year.
They went from converting 44% of their third down chances, to converting just 30% of their tries. That’s partly a function of an attack that’s operating at a quicker tempo, but still, the D could use a break with more long, sustained drives from the O.
Biggest Key To The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Defense
Generate a pass rush. To be fair to the current coaching staff, hitting the quarterback hasn’t been more than a polite suggestion for years at Georgia Tech. The last time the defense was able to generate 20 sacks was in 2014, so the 17 of last year were par for the course.
However, the defense was on the field more than it used to be when the option attack was controlling games. It only managed more than one sack in four games, and the tackles for loss weren’t there in bunches either.
It would be nice if just one part of the puzzle could emerge as a pass rusher for offenses to worry about. Just get over 20 sacks, make more third down stops on passing downs, and the team will be far stronger.
Key Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Player To A Successful Season
QB James Graham, Soph.
If he’s not it, then someone has to rise up and take over the offense and make it more efficient and effective. Graham is a runner who can throw a bit, but he’s got to grow into more of an all-around baller. He can’t complete just 45% of his throws again, he has to push the ball deeper, and he has to do something to get the offense moving.
Key Game To The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Season
UCF, Sept. 18
It’s the early measuring stick game. Barring some shocker, Georgia Tech will lose to Clemson to kick things off and will beat Gardner-Webb the following week. With road games at North Carolina and Virginia Tech coming up, beating another good UCF team at home could be huge to avoid a possible 1-4 start.
This is a good enough Knight team to push for the American Athletic Conference title and get a New Year’s Six bowl bid – the Yellow Jackets can get plenty of attention with a win.
– Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
2019 Georgia Tech Fun Stats
– 1st Quarter Scoring: Opponents 106 – Georgia Tech 42
– Field Goals: Opponents 16-of-23 – Georgia Tech 3-of-8
– Total Offense: Opponents 5,075 yards – Georgia Tech 3,436 yards