Week 2 College Football Preview: Syracuse Orange vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Matchup:
An intriguing Week 2 clash awaits as the Syracuse Orange host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an ACC showdown. The Orange enter the game as slight favorites, currently laying 3 points, with the total set at 58. Interestingly, the line opened with Syracuse at -1.5 (betonline)
Recent Form:
- Syracuse: The Orange kicked off their season with a convincing 38-22 home victory against Ohio U. They’ll look to carry that momentum into this matchup.
- Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets have already played two games, securing wins against Florida State and Georgia State. The extra game experience could give them an edge in terms of game readiness and execution.
Last Season’s Meeting:
These two teams met last year at Georgia Tech, with the Yellow Jackets prevailing 31-22. This recent history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming contest.
Roster Continuity:
- Syracuse: The Orange return a significant number of starters, with 10 on offense and 8 on defense. This continuity could provide stability and cohesion early in the season.
- Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets also have experience on offense, returning 8 starters. However, their defense has seen more turnover, with only 5 returning starters. This could be an area Syracuse looks to exploit.
2023 Season Records:
- Syracuse: 6-7
- Georgia Tech: 7-6
Common Opponents:
Georgia Tech performed better against common opponents last season, notably defeating #17 North Carolina 46-42. Syracuse lost to the Tar Heels 40-7, suggesting a potential advantage for the Yellow Jackets in this matchup.
Coaching Edge:
One factor that could play a role is coaching. Syracuse has a new head coach in Fran Brown. While the Orange looked solid against Ohio U, the challenges of facing an ACC opponent with an extra game under their belt could expose any lingering wrinkles in the new system.
Prediction:
Despite being slight favorites, Syracuse faces a tough test against a Georgia Tech team that has already found its rhythm this season. The Yellow Jackets’ experience, combined with potential coaching adjustments, could give them the edge.
Our Pick: Georgia Tech +3