2016-17 Football Previews – (ACC) – Yellow Jackets
Looking for 2016 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets predictions? Georgia Tech has enjoyed a pretty good level of success with Paul Johnson as head coach. Last year they won only three games though so the question is whether the program needs a new leadership direction or whether this an aberration.
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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
2015/16 Record: 3-9
Head Coach: Paul Johnson
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Odds to win ACC: +2500
Odd to win National Championship: +50000
Win Total: 6.5
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Johnson remains fully committed to his triple option offense, which has become a rarity in the college game.
There is no doubting that it can be a lethal attack – they won 11 games in 2014, but when you are using an uncommon system and not getting results it definitely leaves you open to criticism. This season will be critical.
Things got rough last year but there is no expectation in change of philosophy heading into the season.
They know they can be better than they were a year ago the question is just how much better- good enough to be in the mix in the ACC Coastal or just back to a .500 team or better?
They start their season with a conference game against Boston College in Dublin, Ireland.
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A lot of eyes will be watching both of those programs early to see if they are going to be factors.
I have to admit I am always a sucker for these triple option teams because they are tough to prepare for.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Predictions: Strengths:
Tech wants to run the ball, and run it again, and run it some more. Most programs would be thrilled just to be in the Top 10 in rushing (8th last season) but for GT last year the offense was not humming like it has in the past.
This year there is good reason for the offense to improve.
QB Justin Thomas is an able triggerman and as a senior has a significant amount of experience in the system.
Up front there are three linemen returning in the middle of the line and they have that outside physical receiving presence in Ricky Jeune that is critical to having some offensive balance.
Thomas was terrible throwing the ball last season but has shown he can be effective doing so in the past.
On defense, their line and linebackers are experienced and good, maybe the best they have had in a decade. No reason they can’t lead an incremental defensive improvement.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Predictions: Weaknesses:
When they are playing with the lead the Yellow Jackets are a nightmare for opposing coaches. You know they can run the ball right at you and if you let your guard down they can gouge you with a big pass play every once in awhile to break your soul.
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The key is they have to be in rhythm though and that is no guarantee.
On defense, there is optimism for improvement but they are also turning over all but one of their five secondary positions.
They may be running the ball a lot but most of their opponents are more likely to pass so an effective secondary is key to the defense – plus I wonder about how they prepare for teams that throw the ball a lot.
Last year they only gave up 202ypg through the air, good for 35th, but they were losing a lot of the time.
There is going to be pressure on GT to perform after last year’s debacle. Any early signs of a repeat of last year may get Johnson fired.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Prediction:
GT should be a lot better than they were a year ago but building on three wins is hardly a Herculean task.
The schedule is challenging but not grueling and if they are impressive against BC in the opener there will be some pub because that would likely make them 3-0 before hosting Clemson.
That is the game that will make or break their season. They are unlikely to win it but a strong performance could show they are a legit Coastal Division contender.
That option attack gives them a chance but I am not sure they have enough defensively to beat a team as good as the Tigers are expected to be.
At first I thought that win total of 6.5 would be good value but now I am not so sure.
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Johnson has reached that total often at the helm of GT but this year with a visit to Georgia to close, going better than 6-6 might be too much for this crew.
The key thing is that they have to get point in the right direction and jump on teams like Virginia Tech and Duke who should be down. No long terms plays here just game to game with the Yellow Jackets.
2016 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Football Schedule
- 9/3/16 7:30 AM ET @BC
- 9/10/16 3:00 PM ET MER
- 9/17/16 12:30 PM ET VAN
- 9/22/16 7:30 PM ET CLEM
- 10/1/16 TBD MIA
- 10/8/16 TBD @PITT
- 10/15/16 TBD GASO
- 10/29/16 TBD DUKE
- 11/5/16 TBD @UNC
- 11/12/16 TBD @VT
- 11/19/16 TBD UVA
- 11/26/16 TBD @UGA
What do you think about our 2016 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets predictions? Please leave us a comment below telling us how you think they’ll do in 2016!
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