Looking Ahead to Three Major Games for 2020
Georgia Tech has the fourth toughest college football schedule in 2020 according to southernpigskin.com. The Yellow Jackets will go against three major powerhouses in Clemson, Notre Dame, and Georgia. Although all three programs will present their own set of challenges for the Jackets, they've been respectfully ranked by level of strength.
3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA
Notre Dame's offensive line will return five offensive linemen with a combined 109 career starts - not including senior Josh Lugg who is capable of being the "sixth man" at all five spots on the line. The Fighting Irish also return fifth-year senior quarterback Ian Book (20-3 as starter) who had a 60.2 pass completion percentage last season. However, Notre Dame is lacking a proven runner at running back. The returners in the running back room average 3.97 yards per carry on 247 career attempts. Junior RB C'Bo Flemister - once a Georgia Tech commit - leads the group in touchdowns (5) from 2019.
The Irish will have a lot of depth and talent across the defensive line. Notre Dame is 2 deep across the line - even 3 deep at some positions. Rover Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah lined up all over the field last season and was debatably Notre Dame's best defensive player. Although it's still not certain where he'll line up this upcoming season, his alignment will be significant for the defense's success. With the exception of freshman All-American Kyle Hamilton returning at safety, the Irish took a hit to their secondary when they lost three of their starters from last year - the trio are expected to be drafted in April. The cornerback room will be the weakest position group due to lack of experience and size. The Irish will have to depend on their younger players to step up.
2) Georgia Bulldogs | Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020 | Sanford Stadium | Athens, GA
Georgia had arguably the nation's best defense in 2019. They finished No. 3 in the country for total defense, holding opponents to an average of 276 yards per game (74.9 on the ground, 201.1 in the air). They also finished with the No. 1 scoring defense average 12.6 points per game. The Bulldogs also did that with the eighth toughest schedule in 2019. Defensively, the Dawgs return eight starters including their leading tackler from last season, Monty Rice (89 stops), who adds to an already deep linebackers room. Losing safety J.R. Reed to graduation and the NFL will be a hit to the Dawgs' secondary, but his absence also opens the door for sophomore Lewis Cine who moves around extremely well.
Although stacked on defense, Georgia's offense is on the opposite spectrum. With a multitude of familiar faces gone - including offensive coordinator James Coley - the Dawgs will be replacing four offensive linemen, two running backs, a quarterback, two receivers, and two tight ends. All in all, the Bulldogs lost eight starters and return only WR Dominick Blaylock, OL Trey Hill, and WR George Pickens.
In January, Georgia picked up Wake Forest quarterback grad-transfer Jamie Newman. Newman is considered one of the top returning quarterbacks for 2020. Last season, Newman accumulated 2,868 passing yards, 26 touchdowns with only 11 interceptions. Even with a highly touted quarterback, a questionable offensive line could pose a problem. With four starting offensive linemen gone, there's uncertainty at what the line will look like against an experienced defensive line.
1) Clemson Tigers | Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 | Bobby Dodd Stadium | Atlanta, GA
Clemson's 29 game-winning streak came to an end with a loss to LSU in the national championship game in January. The Tigers could see one of their best offenses in school history in 2020. Aside from potential No. 1 draft pick Trevor Lawrence returning at quarterback, Clemson is returning running back Travis Etienne - who finished as the No. 7 rusher in the nation with 1,614 rushing yards - and an array of wide receiver depth.
To compliment the offense is Clemson's defense who could be just as dominant. The defensive line will be the Tigers' biggest strength on defense. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables will again have the size and speed he's used to having - especially with incoming freshmen Myles Murphy, Brian Bresee, and Demonte Capehart each challenging for starting positions. Secondary will be an area of concern for Clemson. Derion Kendrick will be the lone starter returning at cornerback, as well as safety Nolan Turner who missed spring practice due to shoulder surgery.
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