ACC Football - 2021 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Preview
Our Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets preview 2021 observes that this season this team’s ground unit will be one of the best in the conference. However, all other aspects of this team will be lacking. In 2020, the Yellow Jackets were 3-6 in the ACC, finishing 11th. Georgia Tech was 3-7 overall. Last season started well for the Yellow Jackets, as they beat Florida State 16-13 in their first game. That was followed by two losses and then, on October 9, a 46-27 win over Louisville. There were three more losses, followed by their third and final win of the 2020 season. That was on November 28 when they beat Duke 56-33. The Yellow Jackets finished the season with losses to NC State and Pittsburgh.
Georgia Tech Offense
Quarterback Jeff Sims returns with a season of experience under his belt. Last year, he suffered from inaccuracy, inconsistency, and bad decision-making. Still, coach Geoff Collins sees a lot of potential in his dual-threat quarterback. In 2020, Sims threw 13 touchdown passes and 13 picks while averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring six rushing TDs. As far as the ground game is concerned, Georgia Tech possesses a fine one-two punch with Jahmyr Gibbs starting and Jordan Mason next in line. In 2020, Gibbs averaged 5.2 YPA while scoring four times and Mason was good for 4.3 YPA and two TDs. Dontae Smith returns after averaging 6.9 YPA and crossing the goal line three times.
As a receiver, Gibbs caught 24 passes for 303 yards and three scores. He averaged 12.6 yards-per-reception. WRs Malachi Carter and Adonicas Sanders averaged 14.5 and 13.1 YPC respectively. Carter, who made 20 catches, scored three touchdowns, while Sanders had 17 grabs and one score. The frontline had its share of problems last year. The starting right side and center of the O-line return, which should help. The left side is anchored by two seniors.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Preview 2021 - Defense
Last season, the Jackets allowed 36.8 PPG, which was 12.9 more points than they averaged on offense. They were 14th in the conference in both categories. We do expect to see some improvement this year. The frontline includes sophomore Jordan Domineck at DE. Last season, he topped the team in sacks with four. Kevin Harris, a former four-star recruit who began his college career at Alabama, brings quickness and athleticism off the edge, while DE Keion White, a former All-Conference USA honoree at Old Dominion, possesses solid playmaking chops.
Last season, LB Quez Jackson posted 80 tackles, which was second-best for the Yellow Jackets, and tied for most picks with two. Impressive Maryland transfer Ayinde Eley joins him. The secondary includes four-of-five starters. Sophomore corner Zamari Walton proved to be sound in his first season, as he recorded 36 tackles and two interceptions. Much more is needed from this unit. Perhaps the experience they bring to this season will help.
Specialists
The punting game loses Ray Guy Award winner Pressley Harvin III. David Shanahan will take over. In Ireland, he played Gaelic football and rugby. Last season, the kicking game was a disaster. Both Gavin Stewart and Jude Kelly return. However, our Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets preview 2021 finds that Tennessee graduate transfer Brent Cimaglia, who hit 46-of-62 field goal attempts with the Vols, should be a major improvement.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets preview 2021 finds that once again this team will most likely eke out three conference wins. However, expect to see a few nonconference victories too. The fact is this team will struggle. On defense last season, they were ranked 12th or lower in four major categories and 10th or lower in three-of-four offensive stats. The one exception being rushing where the Yellow Jackets were sixth in the ACC. If the D can make progress and Sims can settle in at QB, this team will be much more successful.
ACC Football - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - ACC Coastal
No Bowl Berth