The 2024 college football season is just around the corner, kicking off with an overseas matchup between Georgia Tech and Florida State. The Yellow Jackets return most of their starters from one of the ACC’s top offenses, but a matchup against a talented Florida State team fresh off an ACC Championship season couldn’t be tougher. However, this won’t be the only tough matchup for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech is accustomed to facing a tough schedule every season, but the 2024 schedule may be its toughest in years.
Georgia Tech may be the most talented team in years, but their schedule may hold them back. 247Sports analyst Brad Crawford made 10 bold predictions for the ACC in 2024, saying the following about Georgia Tech:
6. Murder devastates Georgia Tech
“The Yellow Jackets face the toughest schedule in the ACC, which will erode some of the momentum built by Brent Key and last year’s team. Georgia Tech has won four of its final six games, with its only losses coming in competition against Clemson and Georgia, but the schedule is not favorable for the Yellow Jackets. Even with Haynes King back at quarterback, bowl eligibility may be difficult to achieve with matchups against Florida State, Louisville, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Miami, North Carolina State and Georgia dotting the schedule.”
It will definitely be difficult for Georgia Tech to improve their record in 2024, but I think they are capable if they can improve on a few things. First, Georgia Tech’s defense has to improve considerably. This was one of head coach Brent Key’s main focuses as he revamped his defensive staff in the offseason and acquired many players through the transfer portal. I think it’s fair to say that the hiring of new defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci is one of the most important hires in the ACC this offseason. If Santucci can get the defense in the right direction, it will be a good complement to the offense.
Another thing Georgia Tech needs to improve on before the season is turnovers. Haynes King was a great quarterback for Georgia Tech last year, but he also led the ACC in interceptions. He had a couple of games where he threw a lot of interceptions, and those turnovers played a big part in the losses. If King can cut down on his turnovers and stay aggressive, this team will be even stronger offensively.
Georgia Tech certainly has a tough schedule in 2024, but they could still find a way to get back to another bowl game.