Georgia Tech vs Wake Forest: Three things to watch for

What does Georgia Tech have to do to beat Wake Forest on Saturday?

Jackson Caudell | Sep 23, 2023

Georgia Tech vs Wake Forest: Three things to watch for /

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Georgia Tech is facing a huge game tonight against Wake Forest, a game that may just decide if the Yellow Jackets can get to a bowl game. They are 1-2 this season and have a couple of hard-fought losses against Louisville and Ole Miss. This is a team that seems improved, but tonight will provide a good measuring stick to see if this team is ready to get a road win in the ACC.

Wake Forest is also looking to find out more about their team. Despite a 3-0 start under head coach Dave Clawson, the strength of schedule for the Demon Deacons is among the worst in the country and they have not plaed an opponent that can truly test them yet. Georgia Tech brings one of the ACC's best offenses and its leading passer in quarterback Haynes King.

So what will be the things to watch for in tonight's matchup?

1. Can the Georgia Tech run defense finally step up?

It has not been pretty for the Georgia Tech defense through three games. The rushing defense is the worst in the and one of the worst in the country and it has been the central weakness to the team through the first three games.

The good news for Georgia Tech is that Wake does not appear to be a prolific offense through three games. The Demon Deacons are 11th in the ACC in rushing yards per game and have the second most attempts in the conference. They are 12th in the ACC in yards per carry and 38th in the country at rushing success rate. Wake is known for its explosive passing attacks and receivers, but they might be trying to attack the front seven of the Yellow Jackets.

I don't expect this defense to totally shut the run down against Wake, but they have to limit the explosive plays, which they have not done so far this season.

2. Will the passing attack have a big day?

Haynes King, Trey Cooley — Haynes King leads the ACC in passing yards through three games / Nathaniel Caudell

Georgia Tech has one of the top passing attacks in the conference and they are going up against one of the worst passing defenses in the ACC. Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King leads the ACC in passing yards and he is facing a defense that is 105th in passing success rate allowed and 11th in the ACC in passing yards per game allowed.

Georgia Tech is still without Chase Lane today, but they have a group of receivers that they spread the ball around too and they are going to have a chance to have a big day. Eric Singleton Jr is the leading receiver and he has had about as good of a start to the season as you could have hoped for a true freshman. Malik Rutherford, Dominick Blaylock, and Christian Leary will also be factors in this game.

To win this game, I think the Georgia Tech needs to take advantage of what has been a bad secondary. I expect a massive game from King and his receivers.

3. Can Georgia Tech slow down the Wake Forest pass rush?

Wake Forest leads the ACC in sacks and has two of the top pass rushers in the country. Jacob Roberts has five sacks this season and Jasheen Davis has 4.5, good for first and second in the country. The Georgia Tech offensive line has been improved this season, allowing only three sacks so far, but this is going to be a challenge.

I think that Louisville and Ole Miss are more talented on the defensive line than Wake Forest and having 10 sacks against a poor team like Old Dominion is going to inflate your numbers, but that does not mean that they won't be able to affect the passing attack. If King has time, I think he can rip apart this Wake Forest secondary, but the Demon Deacons have shown that they can get pressure.

How to Watch Georgia Tech at Wake Forest

Who: Georgia Tech at Wake Forest

When: 6:30 p.m., Saturday

Where: Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC

TV: CW Network (Peachtree TV in Atlanta)

Live Stream: FuboTV (Start your free trial)

Betting odds per Si Sportsbook: Wake Forest -3.5; Over/under 60.5; Moneyline: Wake Forest -175, Georgia Tech +138

1. Can the Georgia Tech run defense finally step up?

2. Will the passing attack have a big day?

3. Can Georgia Tech slow down the Wake Forest pass rush?

How to Watch Georgia Tech at Wake Forest

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