Georgia Tech vs Florida State: Seminoles Remain Double-Digit Favorites Against the Yellow Jackets As Kickoff Nears

Who will win the season opener between Georgia Tech and Florida State today?

Dec 22, 2023; Tampa, FL, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King (10) stands on the field during the first half of the Gasparilla Bowl against the UCF Knights at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Game time is nearing for Georgia Tech and Florida State and the Seminoles are going to close as the double-digit favorite in this game. Florida State opened as a 13.5-point favorite in this game when the odds were first released, but it got as low as 10.5 this week. That is where the number is on Fanduel Sportsbook with nearly 90 minutes to go until kickoff.

Hykeem Williams, a former big-time recruit, is going to miss today's game due to a minor injury according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Sources: Florida State will be without promising young WR Hykeem Williams, a potential starter this season, against Georgia Tech today. He’s got a minor injury and is expected to return soon. He had 5 catches for 80 yards as a true freshman. pic.twitter.com/0LZFikOb2J

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 24, 2024

While Williams was not listed as a starter on the Seminoles depth chart, he is one of the most physically gifted receivers on the FSU team. The passing game is a big question for Florida State coming into the year and guys like Malik Benson and Jalen Brown to step up and become reliable weapons for new quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

Here is how you can watch, listen to, and livestream Saturday's Game:

TV: ESPN

• Play-by-Play: Joe Tessitore

• Analyst: Jesse Palmer

• Sideline Reporter: Katie George

• Mobile App: ESPN

• Online: WatchESPN.com

RADIO: Georgia Tech Sports Network

• Play-by-Play: Andy Demetra

• Analyst: Joe Hamilton

• Sideline Reporter: Chris Mooneyham

• In Atlanta: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan

• Across Georgia: Visit RamblinWreck.com for station affiliate list

• Satellite: SiriusXM 108 or 193

• Mobile Apps: GT Yellow Jackets, 680 The Fan, SiriusXM, TuneIn

• Online: RamblinWreck.com, 680TheFan.com

Betting odds per Caesars Sportsbook: Florida State -10.5; Over/under 55.0; Moneyline: Florida State -480, Georgia Tech +360

This game is going to have a lot of factors in it, but I think whoever wins the matchup between Georgia Tech's defensive line vs Florida State's offensive line might win the game. Georgia Tech had one of the worst defenses in the country, especially in stopping the run, and Mike Norvell's teams are usually very strong on the ground. The Seminoles have a deep running back room and a strong offensive line and this could be their identity on offense this year.

Brent Key overhauled the defensive staff in the offseason and focused on improving via the transfer portal. Key has been very complimentary of their defensive line throughout fall camp and they should be better coached. Former Duke defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci is running the Yellow Jackets' defense now and he did get a chance to face Florida State last year and FSU put up 420 yards of total offense.

In one season at Duke (2023), Santucci directed the ACC’s top-ranked scoring defense, allowing just 19.0 points per game, which was good for 16thnationally. The Blue Devils also ranked among the nation’s top 50 in rushing defense, passing defense, total defense, tackles for loss, third-down defense, fourth-down defense, and red-zone defense. Duke allowed a total of just 10 points in a pair of wins over teams that finished the season in the top 25 – No. 20 Clemson (28-7) and No. 21 NC State (24-3) – and finished 8-5 overall after a 17-10 win over Troy in the 2023 Birmingham Bowl.

If Florida State is able to run the ball at will, it likely won't matter how their passing game looks. If Georgia Tech can have success on early downs and force Uigalelei into obvious passing situations, they can win the game.

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