Here’s how the FTRS Staff think tomorrow’s game is gonna go!
Benjamin Tankersley
Georgia Tech wins 31-28.
I wrote this in the mailbag, but I’ll mention it again. Nobody knows what’s going to happen in this game because it exists so far out of normal circumstances. These Ireland games are always a little crazy, so I’m expecting some shenanigans throughout. Florida State is a good team and could very well be in the ACC Championship this year, but I think Tech gets the better of them tomorrow as they are still trying to figure out how to replace everyone.
Jake Grant
Georgia Tech wins 34-24.
Let me be clear — Florida State is a good football team, has a lot of talent, and I believe that, regardless of the outcome of this game, they could very well be in contention for one of the spots in the expanded playoff structure. That said, they also had to bring in a lot of new additions to supplement their team, and if there’s a time to catch a team in that situation, it is in a neutral site game an ocean away before the season well and truly starts. I haven’t been this apprehensive about a game (let alone a season) since probably Tennessee to open the Benz in 2017. Given all the Florida State unknowns, I see no point in not putting some trust in Tech, which has a proven, successful, incumbent quarterback for the first time since Justin Thomas in the Fall of 2016, an overhaul on the seriously-lacking defensive coaching structure (starring a coordinator widely regarded as an up-and-coming star), and just a pinch of that impish chaos that seems to follow this team around since head coach Brent Key took the reins. Tech by a score and change.
Jack Purdy
Florida State wins 21-17
Long story short, while we have the tools to win football games and bring back so much offensive production, there is a reason why the line is as high as it is (-10.5 is too high, but in spirit it’s not wrong). I firmly belive Georgia Tech will make this hard for Florida State to pull off, and I also believe Florida State knows that’s what’s coming. There is still so much about our defense we do not know to where I need to see it to believe it that our run defense is somewhat normal. Jake is right to say that this is the time to catch them. We mentioned it on our preview pod and generally holds true for any underdog playing a tough team – do it before they figure out how good they are. Both teams will have jitters, and it may be a curated environment for us with the Dubliners officially throwing their support behind us, but sadly I think we see Coach Corso pull for his alma mater and be right again.
CK Mura
Georgia Tech wins 26-21.
So, this number just popped into my head, and when I thought of fitting scenarios of how Georgia Tech would get to 26, I liked it more and more. Three touchdowns, two field goals, and one missed extra-point attempt. And if things go as crazily as they often did last year, the Yellow Jackets will be trailing 21-19 in the fourth quarter before scoring their final touchdown to secure the win.