247Sports ACC Predictions: Where are the Yellow Jackets picked to finish?

247Sports is not high on where the Yellow Jackets can finish in 2023

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Jul 13, 2023 11:39 AM EDT

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ACC Media Days in Charlotte, North Carolina, are less than two weeks away. but predictions for the upcoming season are already starting to come in. 247Sports released their ACC preview this week and they talked about all things ACC, including where they predicted each team to finish.

Georgia Tech was picked to finish 12th, ahead of only Boston College and Virginia. The Yellow Jackets were close to Syracuse and Virginia Tech, who were picked 10th and 11th.

Georgia Tech running back Dontae Smith — Where will Georgia Tech finish in 2023?
Georgia Tech Athletics

I think there is a chance that Georgia Tech can outplay that prediction.

I like the hires that Brent Key made on both sides of the ball and I think the playcalling is going to be better as well. Whether it is Zach Pyron or Haynes King under center, either quarterback has a chance to be a solid player next season. I am also a believer in the Yellow Jackets wide receiver room, which has seen a complete makeover from last season and has potential playmakers in Malik Rutherford, Christian Leary, Dominick Blaylock, and D.J. Moore. The offensive line returns a wealth of experience as well, although they were a poor unit last year.

The defense is going to have to replace production from guys like Charlie Thomas, Ace Eley, Zamari Walton, and of course, Keion White. I have written about how much I like the upside in the secondary with LaMiles Brooks, Myles Sims, and Clayton Powell-Lee in the back of the defense.

Now, I don't think Georgia Tech is ready to finish in the top five of the ACC, but I believe they have a higher ceiling than 12th. There is uncertainty in the conference after Florida State and Clemson and I think that can lead to teams finishing higher than expected. The very first game of the season against Louisville is going to be a real test for Georgia Tech to see if they can avoid being a bottom-four team in the ACC.

Florida State was picked to win the conference, beating Clemson in the championship game

Here is where every team in the ACC was projected to finish:

1. Florida State, 298 (12 first-place votes)

2. Clemson, 296 (10)

3. North Carolina, 242

4. Miami, 219

5. NC State, 186

6. Duke, 181

7. Louisville, 179

8. Pitt, 177

9. Wake Forest, 134

10. Syracuse, 95