2013 Georgia Tech
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
since making it to the Orange Bowl in 2009, Georgia Tech seems to be in a lull of just above mediocre football and nothing more. While they have made a bowl Game every year, the Yellow Jackets haven’t surpassed eight wins since that 11-win campaign. Last year, they managed to get to the ACC title Game, but they still came up short against a top team, as they did all season. And this year, they can’t lose to teams like Middle Tennessee if they want respect.
On both sides of the ball, Georgia Tech will return eight starters which is a good starting point. Their offense is run-heavy as seen in their 311 rushing yards per Game last year which was Fourth in the nation. Surprisingly, none of their backs had over 700 yards which you almost never see for how many yards they gained. The problem comes in the passing Game as they continue to lose Games because they can’t throw the ball. Vad Lee will take over at quarterback and he didn’t have much more success at the position than Tevin Washington did. The two were rarely asked to pass, but when needed, couldn’t get the job done. To beat the better teams, they’ll need a passing Game.
The exciting news for the Yellow Jackets is that they brought in a new defensive coordinator in Ted Roof. The unit made strides at the end of last year, most notably holding USC to seven points, but Roof will install a 4-3 system that should be a better fit in the long run. Unfortunately, they currently lack depth on the defensive line which could be the first problem. Even so, there likely won’t be any more 68-50 Games that we saw last year when they beat North Carolina.
2013 Georgia Tech Football Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Elon
Sept. 14 at Duke
Sept. 21 vs. North Carolina
Sept. 26 vs. Virginia Tech
Oct. 5 at Miami (FL)
Oct. 12 at BYU
Oct. 19 vs. Syracuse
Oct. 26 at Virginia
Nov. 2 vs. Pittsburgh
Nov. 14 at Clemson
Nov. 23 vs. Alabama A&M
Nov. 30 vs. Georgia
Georgia Tech’s Schedule is very similar to last season’s, but the addition of both newcomers in Syracuse and Pittsburgh should be a different challenge. To compete for the Coastal title again, they’ll need to start the season on a good note because beginning in late September, they get to play North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Miami in three consecutive weeks. Those matchups could easily determine who makes it to the Conference championship Game. Last year they lost in two of those Games, but they probably won’t be as fortunate this year if that happens again. A road Game at BYU is also deceivingly difficult thrown right after those three Games. The Yellow Jackets were blown out at home last year by the Cougars.
Two Games that everyone expects Georgia Tech to lose close out their season as they’ll travel to Clemson and face Georgia at home. If they can’t throw the ball on either of those teams, the result will not be pretty, much like last year.
The cards are there for the taking as eight or nine wins is easily attainable for this team, but making that next step will be key. Can Paul Johnson bring his troops together and finally start to compete with ranked teams? A better passing Game and improved defense will be the key elements.