Georgia Tech-Jacksonville State: New Offense Meets New Quarterback

Georgia Tech vs. Jacksonville State

Thursday, Aug. 28

Line: N/A

Georgia Tech and Jacksonville State help kick off the college football season on Thursday night at Bobby Dodd Stadium.  Georgia Tech will be unveiling their new offense under first year HC Paul Johnson, while Jacksonville State will have a new QB, but a familiar one to SEC fans—former LSU QB Ryan Perrilloux.

Keys to the Game

1. Can Tech issue a knockout punch early?

Ever since the Appalachian State upset of Michigan last year, FCS teams have pointed to that game as a reason why they can beat the big boys.  Jax State is not a pushover and was picked to win the OVC.  Tech needs to issue a knockout punch in the first half to break the Gamecocks' confidence.

2. Protection for Perrilloux

The Jax State O-line is outmanned and undersized compared to the Jackets.  Tech's D-line could be the best in the ACC, with potential first round pick DE Michael Johnson coming off the edge.  The Gamecocks need to give the former SECCG MVP some time to throw and keep Tech's D off-balance.

3. Turnovers

With Paul Johnson's offense come not only big plays, but also the potential for turnovers on pitches and missed handoffs.  I would be surprised if the Jackets went without a turnover in their first game, but they cannot have three, four, or five turnovers.

Prediction

Georgia Tech has some big plays and big breakdowns in their first game, but the advantage of the lines will lead them to a relatively comfortable victory.

Georgia Tech 38, Jacksonville State 17