Ranking Opponents On Georgia Tech's 2023 Schedule Weakest To Strongest

Georgia Tech is facing some stiff competition this upcoming season

Jackson Caudell | Jun 10, 2023

Ranking Opponents On Georgia Tech's 2023 Schedule Weakest To Strongest /

In this story:

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

To the surprise of no Georgia Tech fan, the Yellow Jackets are going to be playing one of the nation's toughest schedules. While I do not think it is the kind of gauntlet that last year's schedule happened to be, it is no cakewalk. There are not many games that Georgia Tech is going to be heavily favored in this season, but as we saw when Brent Key took over as the interim coach over the final eight games, that will not matter to him.

So who is the toughest opponent that Georgia Tech will face this season? Who is the weakest? Let's break it down.

12. South Carolina State (Sept. 9th, Home)

No disrespect to South Carolina State, but this should be the easiest game of the season for Georgia Tech. After a game against Louisville, Georgia Tech will host South Carolina State on a short week and look to get a win in the first home game of the year.

11. Bowling Green (Sept. 30th, Home)

Again, no disrespect to Bowling Green, but this should be a layup win for the Yellow Jackets. Bowling Green is not going to be a contender in the MAC and is likely to be one of the worst teams in the country. GT will be heavily favored.

10. Virginia (Nov. 4th, Away)

Georgia Tech quarterback Zach Gibson vs Virginia — Can Georgia Tech win on the road vs Virginia? / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Tech lost an ugly game at home against UVA last season and will look to get revenge this season. Tony Elliott's second season could be as tough as his first on the field and the Cavs are projected to be one of the worst teams in the power five. If Georgia Tech makes a bowl game, they likely won this game.

9. Boston College (Oct. 21st, Home)

Another pivotal game for the Yellow Jackets in their quest to make a bowl game. The thing is, BC feels the same way and they are in a big year under Jeff Hafley and will be looking to win this game in Bobby Dodd Stadium. Both teams are rated similarly in SP+, but in terms of the other opponents on the schedule, the Eagles rank on the lower end.

8. Syracuse (Nov. 18th, Home)

The final ACC game of the year is going to be a big one for Georgia Tech. The Orange are having to replace a lot of NFL talent, like running back Sean Tucker, and some on the defensive side as well. Still, by the end of the season, Dino Babers should have this team playing well and like Boston College, Syracuse is hoping to win this game and get back to a bowl game. The Yellow Jackets can't afford to look ahead to Georgia and the rivalry game the next week.

7. Wake Forest (Sept. 23rd, Away)

The first ACC road game of the season for the Yellow Jackets is going to be at Wake Forest, which has quietly become one of the most consistent programs in the ACC. Dave Clawson is going to have to find a way to replace star quarterback Sam Hartman (transfer) and wide receiver A.T. Perry (NFL) and that could take some time. The Demon Deacons defense is the weakest unit on their team and I think Georgia Tech can score on them. This would be a nice win on the road.

6. Louisville (Sept. 1st, Neutral Site)

The first game of the season promises to be a fascinating one. Both Louisville and Georgia Tech are being led by former alums that are now head coaches and both Key and Cardinals coach Jeff Brohm is looking to start the season off on the right foot. The Cardinals could have an explosive offense with a remade wide receiving corps, but the defense is losing a lot of talent in the front seven. This game will give either team momentum with a win and possibly set the tone for the season.

5. Miami (Oct. 7th, Away)

Georgia Tech vs Miami — Georgia Tech travels to Miami on Oct. 7th / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Miami was a hard team to place on this list. Based off last year, they could be lower on this list. On paper though, this is one of the most talented teams the Yellow Jackets will face this year. Miami has new coordinators on both offense and defense and just brought in the top-ranked recruiting class in the ACC. Georgia Tech was competitive against Miami last year until Zach Pyron was injured. Miami does not have an intimidating home-field advantage and has been a poor team coming off of by weeks in recent seasons.

4. North Carolina (Oct. 28th, Home)

The Yellow Jackets have owned the Tar Heels during the last two seasons and won both games, despite UNC being favored. Heisman contender Drake Maye is back for North Carolina and a pair of Georgia Tech transfers (Nate McCollum and Derrik Allen) make this game interesting and for the third straight year, Georgia Tech is hoping to pull an upset.

3. Ole Miss (Sept, 16th, Away)

Georgia Tech is going to have to face the Rebels on the road in primetime (7:30, SEC Network) and that is sure to be a hostile environment. Georgia Tech was blown out by Ole Miss 42-3 last season, but that was before Key took over. Ole Miss has a talented roster and their fair share of Georgia Tech transfers. They are having a quarterback competition between a number of guys and it will be interesting to see who takes the field in the week three matchup.

2. Clemson (Nov. 11th, Away)

Georgia Tech has not beaten Clemson since 2014, but they came pretty close to doing so the last time these two teams played in Death Valley. The Tigers are still the standard in the ACC and will be looking to get back to the College Football Playoff. This is a tough game against one of the most talented teams in the country in one of the toughest environments in the country. That is what gets you placed second on this list.

1. Georgia (Nov. 25th, Home)

The Bulldogs are going for their third straight national championship and the Yellow Jackets have not won in this rivalry since 2016. Georgia Tech hung tough in this one for the first half, but could not mount a serious challenge in the second half and Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs pulled away. UGA has perhaps the best roster in college football and will be quiet the challenge to play yet again in 2023.

Facebook: All Yellow Jackets

Twitter: @AllYellowJacket

Follow Jackson on Twitter: @jacksoncaudell

Follow Madison on Twitter: @Madison_Meyers7

Follow Matthew on Twitter: @kistner__

See all of the latest Tech News at AllYellowJackets.com

Check out the Georgia Tech Homepage

Listen to the Goal Line Stand Podcast for the best Georgia Tech and national college football coverage!