Georgia Tech faces a must-win Saturday towards Mercer to keep away from a uncommon 0-3 begin not seen since 1989. The Yellow Jackets already misplaced video games to Colorado and Tennessee. Coach Brent Key admits the protection missed too many tackles. This recreation is the final likelihood to sort things earlier than ACC play begins. Mercer is harmful, however Tech should play higher to outlive.
The Defensive Breakdown
The numbers present a protection that permit opponents run wild. Georgia Tech gave up 299 speeding yards to Tennessee in a 45-24 loss. Coach Brent Key identified that three of six massive runs occurred as a result of one particular person did not make a play. He didn’t sugarcoat the error. Key remarked that it was shameful the staff had solely a single participant current to dam and rush the soccer, noting that such a niche in protection prices video games. The staff can not afford one other blown project on Saturday.
Mercer is not any pushover regardless of being an FCS college. Their quarterback threw 4 interceptions final week, however their broad receiver Brayden Smith was named the Preseason Offensive Participant of the 12 months. Tech should cease the run first. If they don’t, the hole within the line will get larger. The final time Tech began 0-3 was in 1989. That report sits proper of their sights if they don’t repair the tackling.
Taking part in the Depth
Coach Key plans to make use of this recreation to see what his backup gamers can do. He needs to provide extra gamers an actual likelihood to show themselves. Since Ethan Mackenny, Malachi Carney, and Jameson Riggs, the beginning offensive linemen, suffered accidents through the Tennessee recreation, this technique is smart. The staff has not had a lot time to experiment within the first two video games. Working again Justice Haynes nonetheless shines with 117 yards from scrimmage towards the Volunteers. He’s the clear high choice for now.
Kicker Aidan Birr additionally has a giant objective on Saturday. The staff will play its third straight dwelling recreation to open the season. That is the ultimate non-conference matchup earlier than they face Stanford subsequent weekend. Each level issues as they attempt to climb out of this early gap.
Historical past and Urgency
Tech and Mercer have met 17 occasions, however solely twice within the final 88 years. Mercer gained the very first recreation in Georgia Tech historical past again in 1892. Since then, Tech has dominated with a 12-game profitable streak over the Bears. That streak is on the road. Mercer coach Joel Taylor is aware of the stakes. He additionally warned {that a} loss magnifies issues that want fixing.
Amongst Energy 4 groups, the Yellow Jackets stand as considered one of simply three squads to start with consecutive Energy 4 opponents. That schedule was brutal. Now they face a staff that’s hungry to interrupt the streak. The depth chart launched by s reveals no modifications for this week. The staff should play collectively to cease the speeding yards. If they don’t, the 0-3 begin turns into a actuality. Brent Key stated the “objective this week is to go 1-0.” That’s the solely objective that issues.