Georgia Tech Preview

By: Daniel Poe

On September 16th, the number 20 ranked Ole Miss Rebels will take on the unranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Ole Miss is coming into this game at 2-0 with wins against the Troy Trojans and Central Arkansas Bears. Scoring 87 total points and allowing only 13, Ole Miss seems to be coasting along in their opening games, but Georgia Tech could be their first true test of the season. Georgia Tech is coming into this game at 1-1 with a notable loss against the number five ranked Clemson Tigers. 

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

After a sizable win against the Western Carolina Catamounts, Georgia Tech is coming into this game prepared. With a total score of 35-17, Georgia Tech's offense hit all points that they missed in their season opener against Clemson. On the other side of the ball, Georgia Tech's run defense is very formitatable. With only 119 rushing yards allowed and only 3.2 yards per carry, they were not letting anything through on the ground; however, in the air was a different story. Georgia Tech allowed over 271 passing yards and 11.3 yards per pass. This could be a very big problem due to Ole Miss’ elite quarterback room and receiving core.

Ole Miss Rebels

With a combined 87 points scored, over 900 all-purpose yards and almost 500 rushing yards, Ole Miss is coming into this game ready to win. With quarterback transfer Jaxson Dart throwing 180 yards, and running back Quishon Judkins rushing for over 100 yards and 10.4 per carry, they are a lethal matchup on the offense. On defense they are having the same problem as the Yellow Jackets, allowing for more than 286 passing yards against them. Ole Miss does have a strong run defense though, only allowing 162 rushing yards in their two games played. If Ole Miss can hold versatile and mobile quarterback Jeff Sims in the pocket, then this could be a very good game for the Rebels.

Key Matchups

Ole Miss run game vs. Georgia Tech defense

The run game out of Ole Miss will be vicious against Georgia Tech's line, making it the turning factor in this game. If Ole Miss can efficiently run the ball, the game could be over by the second half. Georgia Tech has held teams to only 2.9 yards per carry and limited the number 5 Clemson Tigers to only 119 yards on 40 attempts.

QB Matchup

Ole Miss has a quarterback battle going on between starter Jaxon Dart and backup Luke Altmyer. The battle has the offense unsure of who is throwing their passes tomorrow. On the other hand, Georgia Tech has no quarterback battle, but a very mediocre quarterback running their offense. WIth quarterback Jeff Sims only throwing an average of five yards per attempt, the run game will be crucial for this quarterback.

Score prediction: (Ole Miss 38, Georgia Tech 14)