College Football Week 1 Predictions: Will Georgia Tech upset Tennessee?
Will Georgia Tech upset Tennessee tonight when the two teams square off at 8:00PM ET?
The Matchup: Tennessee vs. Georgia Tech, 8:00PM ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
According to oddsmakers, the Volunteers are 3-point favorites to win tonight’s game against the Yellow Jackets. The total, meanwhile, sits at 55.5 points. Tennessee opened as a 6-point favorite before the number dropped three full points, while the total hit the board at 61 before dropping all the way down to 61.
Tennessee Volunteers
Butch Jones is entering his fifth season in Knoxville. He’s 30-21 in his first four years and is coming off a 9-4 record. The Vols are expected to take a small step backwards this season, but should still qualify for a bowl game.
Running back John Kelly and receiver Jauan Jennings are two exciting pieces that the Vols will featured offensively. That said, quarterback Joshua Dobbs is gone and Tennessee is also forced to replace offensive coordinator Mike DeBord (now at Indiana). Whether or not the defense can pick up the slack for an offense that could struggle is one of the bigger questions facing the Vols in 2017.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Paul Johnson enters his 10th season at Georgia Tech. He’s 71-48 in his previous nine seasons and is coming off a 9-4 record in 2016. The Yellow Jackets could also take a step back in 2017, but 6-7 wins should be the expectation.
The biggest question mark for Georgia Tech this season is how the team will look now that three-year starter Justin Thomas is gone. Matthew Jordan, who is set to replace Thomas under center, dealt with a foot injury over the offseason.
That said, the Yellow Jacket offense still boasts experienced at its skill positions and the offensive line should be solid. Johnson’s spread option attack will once again put up points.
Our Prediction
The Yellow Jackets are a perfect 4-0 against the spread in their last four games dating back to last season. They’re also 4-0 against the number in their last four non-conference games. Finally, they’re 5-1 at the betting window in their last six games versus SEC opponents.
Feel free to grab the field goal but I wouldn’t be shocked if Georgia Tech won outright in what is basically a home game.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets +3
