Party like it’s 1966!
That’s the last time Georgia Tech was undefeated after eight games. Still, the eighth-ranked Yellow Jackets can’t let up now if they hope to win an ACC title. That means taking care of business on the road this weekend against North Carolina State. The 4-4 Wolfpack, while inconsistent, have enough talent to make things interesting.
Below is my prediction and pick for College Football Week 10’s game between the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
Georgia Tech enters this contest as 5.5-point favorites (-110) over NC State, with the over/under set at 57.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Yellow Jackets are favored at -218 on the moneyline.
Georgia Tech vs. NC State prediction, preview
Any conversation about GT starts with Haynes King. The dual-threat quarterback may not be a household name, but his legend grows with each passing week. Through the air, he’s thrown for 1,480 yards and seven touchdowns while giving up only one interception. On the ground, the senior has scrambled for 651 more yards and a team-leading 12 TDs. In a wide-open Heisman race, don’t be shocked if King earns a trip to New York in December.
With that being said, this is far from a one-man team. Tech’s run game is supported by Malachi Hosley, averaging an extremely efficient 7.9 yards per carry (488 rushing yards). Fellow running back Jamal Haynes has gained 432 yards, as well. At receiver, Isiah Canion and Eric Rivers are go-to options for King. Their production isn’t eye-popping, but that’s partially a result of the Yellow Jackets leading in most of their games.
It’s difficult for anyone to slow down one of the nation’s best run games. That’s especially true for a North Carolina State squad surrendering 4.1 yards per rush, fifth-worst in the ACC. This defense has coughed up 30+ points to four of the six Power Four opponents it’s faced so far.
Expecting defensive stops against Georgia Tech is a fool’s errand. Therefore, expect the Wolfpack to make an effort to control time of possession. That means plenty of rushes for Daylan “Hollywood” Smothers. The sophomore currently leads the ACC with 825 rushing yards, in addition to seven total touchdowns. Quarterback CJ Bailey has been effective as well, leading the conference with 17 passing touchdowns. The caveat is that he’s had multiple three-interception performances, against Notre Dame and Duke.
Georgia Tech vs. NC State pick, best bet
Bailey’s erratic play in big games is certainly cause for concern. However, the Yellow Jackets have only snagged two interceptions this season. As good as things have been in Atlanta, it’s not as if this team doesn’t play close games. Georgia Tech has escaped with one-possession wins against Wake Forest, Clemson and Colorado. Still, NC State has gotten blown out several times this season, including last week’s 53-34 embarrassment vs. Pittsburgh. Keeping that in mind, expect GT to eke out one more conference win.
