Mississippi State-Georgia Tech: SEC-ACC Tilt Matches Strong Defenses

Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech

Saturday, 12 PM on Raycom

Line: -8.5 (Total 37)

These teams will meet for the first time in 79 years on Saturday despite Georgia Tech spending 30-plus years in the SEC earlier this century. Both teams have had struggles on offense but have displayed good defenses thus far. The ACC looks for a little more respect against their powerful neighbor to the west with a win.

Keys to the Game

1. Turnovers

Both teams have struggled with turnovers this year. Georgia Tech had three costly ones last week, including a fumble that led to a late second quarter TD for Va Tech. Neither of these offenses is good enough to give away any scoring chances with turnovers.

2. Gotta Run the Ball, Gotta Stop the Run

This is where the hammer meets the nail. Miss State’s defense is giving up just 96 YPG on the ground, but Georgia Tech’s offense is netting 263. Miss State is looking for Anthony Dixon to break out at RB. Which defense is going to bend a little this week?

3. Big Plays

With two struggling offenses, the points in this game may come because of a big play on offense from a key block or a breakdown in coverage from the defense. Paul Johnson’s spread-based option is known for its big plays, and this year the Yellow Jackets have 19 plays of 20 yards or more, while their defense has given up just three. Hint: GT makes its opponents work hard on defense to move the ball.

Prediction

After looking at the stats in this one, it has low-scoring game written all over it. If Georgia Tech can cut down on the fumbles, then they should come away from this one with a win. If Tech is to cover, it is because of a late score.

Georgia Tech 17, Miss State 13

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Week 3 Results: 2-0-1 ATS, 3-0 SU

Season: 8-1-1 ATS, 7-3 SU

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