Duke Blue Devils at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: ACC Coastal Clash
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA – Saturday, October 5, 2024 – 8:00 PM EST
This week’s ACC matchup features a surprising Duke squad looking to continue their undefeated run against a Georgia Tech team aiming to get back on track. The Yellow Jackets are favored at home, but the Blue Devils have shown they’re not to be underestimated.
Georgia Tech is favored by 8 with a total of 55 (Betonline Sportsbook)
Recent Performance:
- Duke (5-0): The Blue Devils are coming off a thrilling come-from-behind victory against North Carolina, erasing a 20-point deficit to maintain their perfect record. Running back Jordan Waters has been a key component of their success, rushing for 166 yards in the win. While their schedule hasn’t been the strongest, a 5-0 start is impressive, and their resilience against UNC speaks volumes about their character.
- Georgia Tech (3-2): The Yellow Jackets have faced tougher competition, with wins against Florida State, VMI, and Georgia State, but losses to Louisville and Syracuse. They had a bye last week, giving them extra time to prepare for Duke and recover after a demanding opening stretch that included a trip to Dublin.
Head-to-Head:
Georgia Tech has won the last three meetings. However, the 2021 and 2022 games were decided by just 3 and 4 points, respectively, indicating that these teams are often closely matched.
Key Matchups:
- Duke’s Passing Defense vs. Georgia Tech’s Passing Attack: Duke boasts the ACC’s best pass defense, allowing a mere 155.8 yards per game. They’ll need to be at their best against a Georgia Tech offense that ranks 32nd nationally in passing yards per game, led by quarterback Haynes King, who has completed 73.9% of his passes this season.
- Georgia Tech’s Run Defense vs. Duke’s Rushing Offense: Georgia Tech has the ACC’s third-best run defense, surrendering only 90.2 yards per game. This presents a challenge for Duke’s Jordan Waters and the Blue Devils’ rushing attack.
Factors to Consider:
- Georgia Tech’s Bye Week: The Yellow Jackets had last week off, providing them with extra rest and preparation time. This could be a significant advantage against a Duke team coming off an emotionally charged victory.
- Duke’s Momentum: The Blue Devils are riding high after their comeback win against UNC. Their confidence and belief could be crucial factors in this game.
- Georgia Tech’s Home Field Advantage: Bobby Dodd Stadium can be a tough environment for opposing teams. The Yellow Jackets will be looking to leverage their home crowd to their advantage.
Prediction:
Our model predicts a close game, with Georgia Tech edging out Duke 26-23. However, Duke’s impressive start, resilient spirit, and strong defense make them a live underdog. They have a chance to secure bowl eligibility in early October, which is a remarkable feat. Expect this game to go down to the wire.
Our Pick: Duke +8