FSU Preview: Florida State versus Georgia Tech

This Saturday the ‘Noles are going across the pond to Dublin, Ireland to play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 12 noon. The game will be aired live on ESPN from Aviva Stadium.

Georgia Tech finished 2023 with a 7-6 record including a win over UCF in the Gasparilla Bowl.

FSU is 15-11-1 versus the Jackets all time. The ‘Noles won the last meeting, 41-16, in Tallahassee.

Projected Starters

QB – DJ Uiagalelei, RB – Lawrance Toafili, Roydell Williams, TE – Kyle Morlock, WR – Malik Benson, Jalen Brown, OL – Darius Washington, Richie Leonard, Maurice Smith, Keiondre Jones, Jeremiah Byers, DE – Patrick Payton, Marvin Jones, DT – Joshua Farmer, Darrell Jackson, LB – DJ Lundy, Cam Riley, CB – AZ Thomas, Fentrell Cypress, Earl Little S Shyheim Brown, Devonte Brown, K – Ryan Fitzgerald, P – Alex Mastromanno (Preseason AP All-American)

Florida State offense versus Georgia Tech defense

The new quarterback for the Seminoles is DJ Uiagalelei, who threw for 2,638 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions at Oregon State last year. FSU brings back most of a good ’23 offensive line and added some transfers that should make the ’24 O-Line one of the best in the country. This may help DJ’s progress as a passer and give him time to connect with his talented but inexperienced receivers like Malik Benson, Hykeem Williams and Jalen Brown.

The deep and explosive running back group will help the QB get some good looks to throw against as well.  The backs go 4-5 deep, but I think Toafili and Williams are going to get most of the carries. The ‘Noles O-Line and rushing attack ought to have DJU in position to make plays. If the new QB and the receivers can stay on the same page and make the routine plays, FSU should be able to move the ball easily.

Florida State defense versus Georgia Tech offense

The Tech offense led the ACC in rushing last season behind an experienced offensive line. They also return 3 of their top 4 rushers including starting running back Jamal Haynes, who ran for 1,059 yards last season. The quarterback Haynes King is also a threat on ground (737 yards). It’s a tough first matchup for the FSU defensive line but I think Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson should be up to the challenge.

The offense also returns its leading receivers, Eric Singleton and Malik Rutherford. The key on this side of the ball is keeping up with speedy GT receivers on third down. With all success of the offense the biggest downfall was the turnovers, 1.6 per game (86^th in FBS).

Special Teams

Once again John Papuchis’ special teams unit is going to be the one of the best in the FBS. FSU returns their kicker and punter and brought in Jaylin Lucas, a transfer from Indiana, to return kicks.

Prediction

The Tech offense will put pressure on the Seminoles. But I think the ‘Noles get just enough stops to get the win. Florida State 34 Georgia Tech 24