Ole Miss Week 3 Opponent Preview: Georgia Tech Defensive Players To Watch

Our 2023 college football preview continues this week with the Rebels' Week 3 matchup against Georgia Tech

A defense can do wonders in turning a program around. It also could be the Achilles heel in stopping a team from being bowl-eligible.

Georgia Tech's defense never found consistency last season under then-interim coach Brent Key, especially down the stretch in a race to finish .500. The Yellow Jackets ranked bottom-three in scoring (28.3 allowed points per game), rushing (189.17 yards per game), sacks (28), and total touchdowns allowed (45).

So far, results have been mixed entering Week 3. Georgia Tech dominated the first half in their season-opener against Louisville, forcing an interception on quarterback Jack Plummer. The Yellow Jackets also held the Cardinals to one third-down conversion and 3.1 yards per play before imploding in the second half in a 39-34 loss.

Last week's 48-13 win over South Carolina State showed better consistency, but still struggles at times getting off the field. The Bulldogs converted 46 percent of the time on third down and allowed nearly 200 rushing yards. On the bright side, Georgia Tech forced two turnovers, culminating in offensive scoring drives.

No. 17 Ole Miss has proven its ability to score in multiple facets. Jaxson Dart has thrown six touchdown passes in two games to three different receivers. Quinshon Judkins enters the weekend averaging just under 4.0 yards per rush attempt.

Will the Yellow Jackets be able to slow down one of college football's most potent scoring units on the road on Saturday evening?

Follow along with TheGroveReport.com as we preview every aspect of the matchup with the Yellow Jackets throughout the week. Check out here for more information on the program's persona.

Now, let's look at several key defensive players to watch for come Sept. 16. 

Defensive Leaders

DL Kyle Kennard

Kennard has been a stalwart in the trenches for the Yellow Jackets and continues to make plays at the line of scrimmage. He leads Georgia Tech in tackles (12), tackles for loss (3) and is tied for the team lead in interceptions (1). He also forced a fumble in the win over South Carolina State.

LB Trenilyas Tatum 

As the new thumper up the middle, Tatum has blossomed into a consistent tackler in space. He recorded eight stops against Louisville and broke up a pass on third down to force a punt. This offseason, he was named to the Phil Steele All-ACC team after totaling 31 tackles and a sack as a rotational player in 2022. 

DB LaMiles Brooks

Brooks is considered one of the conference's better defensive backs. Last season, he led GT in pass deflections (7), interceptions (3) and defensive touchdowns (1), but he also was a consistent tackler, recording 52 stops in 11 games. This season, Brooks has four tackles and a pass breakup.