Georgia Tech vs. Ole Miss: Final Thoughts

Georgia Tech faces Ole Miss in their first road test of the season

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Sep 16, 2023 5:40 PM EDT

In this story:

We are just a few hours away from kickoff here in Oxford. Georgia Tech is going on the road for the first time in the 2023 season and it is going to be a tough one for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech will take on No. 17 Ole Miss, who is coming off a big win over Tulane last week and has games against Alabama and LSU to finish out the month.

This is going to be a challenging game and atmosphere for Georgia Tech to be in and it will be interesting to see how they respond in this game.

Here are some final thoughts before kickoff tonight.

1. Ole Miss is going to be down some key playmakers tonight

It had been speculated about all week, but the news broke this morning that the top receiver and top running back for Ole Miss were unlikely to play.

Harris has been spectacular so far this season. He has caught eight passes for 188 yards and five touchdowns. He has been the top weapon for the Ole Miss offense. UTSA transfer Zakhari Franklin has been unable to suit up for the Rebels this season.

Judkins is one of the best running backs in the country but is off to a slow start this season. After rushing for nearly 1,600 yards as a true freshman, Judkins has 108 yards and three touchdowns so far this season.

We will wait for the official word on Judkins, but this would be a big blow to an Ole Miss team that is already down another receiver, UTSA transfer wide receiver Zakhari Franklin.

2. Can Georgia Tech take advantage of a huge opportunity?

Georgia Tech faces Ole Miss tonight
Nathaniel Caudell

This is a big opportunity for Georgia Tech. After racing out to a big lead against Louisville, the Yellow Jackets could not keep up in the second half and lost the game. They bounced back last week, but against a very overmatched opponent. This is the best team that Georgia Tech has faced this season and it is in a tough environment.

However, there are some potential things pointing in Georgia Tech's favor tonight.

First, Ole Miss is going to be without some top playmakers on offense and their offensive line was shaky against Tulane last week. Second, Yellow Jackets head coach Brent Key has a good track record as a big underdog, winning outright as a three-touchdown underdog against Pitt and North Carolina last year. Third, Ole Miss has games against Alabama and LSU up next and both of those teams look more vulnerable than they usually do. That could have Ole Miss thinking about their possibilities of winning the SEC West.

Still, Ole Miss is a big favorite tonight for a reason, as they have a good head coach, a talented roster, and are very explosive. Georgia Tech's defense, especially the run defense, has struggled this year.

It will still be a big hill to climb, but Georgia Tech has reasons to believe it has a chance tonight.

3. Toughest test of the year for the offense

Georgia Tech's offense has surprised the country this year, being near the top of the ACC in most categories. Quarterback Haynes King has had a fantastic start and is spreading the ball around to a number of different targets. Even with second-leading receiver Chase Lane out this week, King has weapons to throw to, but this will be a tough test this week.

The running attack has been one of the best in the ACC, thanks to great starts from Jamal Haynes and Louisville transfer Trey Cooley. For the offensive line, this will be their toughest test of the season, especially with a true freshman at left tackle. The offense is going to be faced with plenty of challenges tonight, but if they can answer them, it could give them a chance.

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