College football's 2024 season kicks off on Saturday with an ACC showdown between Florida State and Georgia Tech in Ireland. The meeting between the Seminoles and Yellow Jackets is the first of four matchups on the opening Saturday of action for the '24 season.
Optimism is running high for both teams entering this Week 0 matchup. Georgia Tech returns 12 starters from last season's team that went 7-6 in coach Brent Key's first full year in charge. Included in that group is quarterback Haynes King, running back Jamal Haynes, receiver Eric Singleton Jr., and one of the ACC's top offensive lines. On the other sideline, Florida State returns only eight starters from last season's ACC Championship squad. However, coach Mike Norvell has reloaded the depth chart through the transfer portal, giving the 'Noles enough talent for another run at the conference title - and a spot in the CFB Playoff in '24.
Florida State owns a 15-11-1 edge in the all-time series against Georgia Tech. The Seminoles won the last meeting 41-16 in '22.
Florida State vs. Georgia Tech
Location: Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland
Kickoff: Saturday, Aug. 24 at Noon ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: Florida State -11.5
Over/Under: 56.5
Announcers: Joe Tessitore, Jesse Palmer, and Katie George
Why Florida State Will Win
As with any early-season contest, Florida State is likely to have some rust as it breaks in several new starters on both sides of the ball. However, the Seminoles are the better team, and the edge this program has in talent and depth over Georgia Tech will show off in the second half.
When Florida State is on offense, expect Norvell to lean heavily on one of the nation's best offensive lines and a deep stable of backs against a Georgia Tech defense that finished last in the ACC against the run last year. Whether it's Lawrance Toafili, Alabama transfer Roydell Williams, Indiana transfer Jaylin Lucas, or Caziah Holmes toting the rock, the 'Noles should find lanes on the ground.
And when the ground game gets going, expect new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei to take a few shots downfield to Alabama transfer Malik Benson against a Yellow Jackets' secondary that is vulnerable with just one starter back from last season.
Although Georgia Tech's offense should be one of the best in the ACC, Florida State can counter with one of the conference's top defenses. Coordinator Adam Fuller returns only four starters but look for a quick reload. Transfers in edge Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia) and defensive back Earl Little (Alabama) add talent to a unit already featuring likely All-ACC defenders in end Patrick Payton, tackles Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson, linebacker DJ Lundy, and cornerbacks Fentrell Cypress II and Azareye’h Thomas.
Related: Week 0 Predictions for Every Game
Why Georgia Tech Will Win
The early part of any college football season always produces a few surprises. Key and his staff have spent the entire offseason prepping for this game and can certainly use the underdog factor as motivation. With Florida State breaking in several new starters, the Yellow Jackets' experience could translate into an upset.
The Seminoles still have plenty of talent on defense despite a massive amount of turnover, but Georgia Tech's offense can counter with one of the ACC's top quarterbacks in Haynes King, along with plenty of weapons at the skill spots with running back Jamal Haynes and receiver Eric Singleton Jr. Also, the Yellow Jackets can protect King from a standout Florida State defensive front thanks to a line that brings back four starters from '23.
Fixing the defense was a priority for Key after this unit allowed 29.5 points a game and 6.3 yards a snap last fall. New coordinator Tyler Santucci is a solid hire, and a revamped staff provide optimism this unit can turn things around in '24. Additionally, the Yellow Jackets added nine transfers from the portal to provide an immediate spark or generate instant improvement.
Related: Ranking All 134 College Football Teams for 2024
Final Analysis
Expect this game to come down to two matchups: How Georgia Tech's defense handles Florida State's rushing attack and if the Seminoles can get a pass rush or just slow the Yellow Jackets' standout offense. Expect some early rust from both sides, but once Florida State settles in, Norvell's team will pull away in the second half.
Prediction: Florida State 34, Georgia Tech 20
Podcast: Week 0 Preview & Predictions + CFB Playoff Projections + QB Battle Breakdowns
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