What are the three most pivotal games for Georgia Tech Football in 2023?

Georgia Tech is hoping to return to a bowl game in 2023

Author:
Jackson Caudell
Publish date:
Aug 17, 2023 4:51 PM EDT

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Georgia Tech is going to kick off its 2023 season in 15 days in Mercedes Benz Stadium against Louisville and the Brent Key era in Atlanta is going to officially be underway. Key went 4-4 across the last eight games of the season in 2022 and that got him the full-time position at his alma mater.

Key is hoping to get this program back on track and a good start for that would be to make a bowl game, something that Georgia Tech has not done since the 2018 season. Vegas has the projected win total for Georgia Tech sitting at 4.5, a number that suggests the Yellow Jackets will miss the postseason again.

One thing that is baked into that low number is the fact that Georgia Tech has to play a tough schedule. However, there are only three games on the schedule (Georgia, Clemson, and Ole Miss) where I would give Georgia Tech a very low chance to win. Sure, they will be underdogs in other games, but not so much so that they can't win.

With that in mind, what are the three most pivotal games on the 2023 schedule for the Yellow Jackets and their chances at a bowl?

3. Louisville (Sept. 1st: 7:30, ESPN)

The first game of the season is also going to be one of the most pivotal. Georgia Tech is currently a 7.5-point underdog against the Cardinals on Caesars Sportsbook, but most are not giving Georgia Tech much of a chance in this one.

This is an interesting matchup because Key and Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm are the only two new coaches that were hired in the ACC this offseason. Both coaches are coaching their alma maters and are looking to win. The Cardinals have been getting some offseason buzz as a darkhorse to make the ACC Championship game due to Brohm as a coaching upgrade, a good offseason of transfer portal additions, and a schedule that does not include Florida State, Clemson, or North Carolina.

Louisville has been hitting the transfer portal hard this offseason and has a lot of new starters, including quarterback and the front seven on defense. Jack Plummer is coming over from Cal, but he played for Brohm at Purdue and has experience in the offense, which should make the transition easier for the whole offense.

I think that Louisville is going to be a good team this season, but they do have a fair share of questions, especially to start the season. If Georgia Tech were to come out and pull an upset or play it close in the first game, I think it could be a sign that this team is going to make a bowl game. If Georgia Tech were to not play a competitive game, it could signal that this team still has a ways to go and a bowl game could be a huge challenge. Either way, this game is pivotal and could give a glimpse into what kind of season could be in store.

2. Boston College (Oct. 21st, Time TBD)

D'Quan Douse — Will Georgia Tech make a bowl game in 2023?
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Like Georgia Tech, Boston College is not being shown much love during the preseason and the Eagles are being projected at the bottom of the conference. Eagles head coach Jeff Hafley could be on the hot seat if he does not start to turn things around.

Going into the season, I view this game as a must-win if Georgia Tech wants to make a bowl game. I don't think that BC is the worst team in the ACC going into the season, but they are certainly not in the top half and the game is in Atlanta. This is a winnable game and one that Georgia Tech should be favored in.

Boston College has a favorable schedule and this is a game they are going to have circled for their hopes of making a bowl game as well. Both of these teams need this game to get to the postseason and that is why I think it is so pivotal.

1. Syracuse (Nov. 18th, Time TBD)

During the month of November, Georgia Tech has games against Clemson and Georgia, as well as Virginia. I think UVA is going to be the worst team in the conference this season and a game that Georgia Tech should win. Georgia and Clemson are likely losses, leaving Syracuse as a game that Georgia Tech needs to win.

The Orange are returning quarterback Garrett Shrader and tight end Oronde Gadsden, one of the best QB/Receiver combos in the country, but they lose a lot of production on defense and in the running game. Offensive coordinator Robert Anae is also gone.

One scenario that is certainly in play for Georgia Tech this season: They could have wins against South Carolina State, Bowling Green, Boston College, Virginia, and Wake Forest and losses to Louisville, Ole Miss, Miami, North Carolina, and Clemson. If Georgia Tech is 5-5 heading into the last two games, that makes the Syracuse game huge with Georgia on deck for the next week.

I think these two teams are similar and it is big that the game is in Atlanta instead of Syracuse. This game could be very pivotal for both teams at this point in the season.

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