Georgia Tech vs Syracuse: Yellow Jackets Remains Small Road Favorite vs Syracuse as Kickoff Nears

Can Georgia Tech get a road win vs Syracuse today?

Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Rodney Shelley (6) reacts after a touchdown run against Georgia State Panthers in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

For the first time since 2015, Georgia Tech is ranked in the AP top 25. The Yellow Jackets are hoping to continue their hot start to the season today when they travel to Syracuse, a team that is looking to upend the Yellow Jackets today and show they might be the dark horse contender in the ACC this season. Both teams have looked strong on offense to start the season and whichever defense steps up today could make the difference in who wins the game.

The line for this game has remained pretty steady all week and has not shifted heavily in one direction. Georgia Tech opened as a small 2.5 point favorite on Sunday and as kickoff nears on Saturday, that is where the line is on Fanduel Sportsbook. Georgia Tech is going to be a road favorite in an ACC game today.

When the two teams faced off last November, the Orange had serious injuries on their offense, especially at the quarterback position. Now, Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord is in and he had a fantastic debut last week against Ohio, throwing for over 350 yards and four touchdowns. Syracuse also welcomed back Oronde Gadsden and he showed off his talent last week in his first game back from injury.

It is not all good news for Syracuse though. They had a hard time stopping the run last week vs Ohio and their best defensive player, linebacker Marlowe Wax, is injured. That could be a huge issue against one of the country's top rushing attacks.

Earlier this week, head coach Brent Key spoke with the media and took time to praise McCord and how good of a quarterback he thought he was:

"What I see as the challenge is the player himself. I think he's a tremendous quarterback. He gets rid of the football and throws the football really well. He has good skill guys on the outside that he can deliver them too. He has size and experience on the offensive line, it is going to be a big challenge for us."

This is likely to be the best passing attack that the Yellow Jackets have seen this season. On the other hand, Syracuse's run defense was so poor last week that the Yellow Jackets might have a huge day on the ground to offset anything Syracuse does on offense.

Here is how you can watch Saturday's game.

TV: ACC Network

• Play-by-Play: Chris Cotter

• Analyst: Mark Herzlich

• Sideline Reporter: Coley Harvey

• 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 371

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

• Online: RamblinWreck.com, 680TheFan.com

Bill Connelly's SP+ sees a narrow Georgia Tech victory on the horizon. SP+ is projecting Georgia Tech to win the game by a score of 30-29 and gives the Yellow Jackets a 52% chance to win.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.