College Football Best Bet for Saturday 8/24
- lockandcash
- Aug 24, 2024
- 3 min read
The 2024-25 college football season kicks off with a matchup between the Florida State Seminoles and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. As these two ACC rivals clash on foreign soil, there is betting value to be snagged - let's go!
The New Look Noles
Florida State enters the 2024 season with a chip on its shoulder. After narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff last year, the Seminoles are eager to prove they belong among the nation’s elite. They’ll be without offensive coordinator Alex Atkins for this game, but head coach Mike Norvell has indicated that the team is well-prepared, having implemented a comprehensive plan during their scrimmage opportunities.
The Seminoles will likely lean on their ground game more heavily without Atkins calling plays. Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who returns to the ACC after a stint with Oregon State, is expected to be a key factor. Uiagalelei brings a dynamic dual-threat capability, having amassed over 1,100 designed rushing yards in his career. His mobility, combined with the hard-running style of Alabama transfer Roydell Williams, who averaged 3.4 yards after contact at Alabama, makes for a potent one-two punch in the backfield.
The offensive line also looks formidable and was boosted by transfer additions. This continuity upfront should provide a solid foundation for the running game, especially against a Georgia Tech defensive front that lacks depth and experience.
Florida State’s secondary, arguably the best in the nation in terms of coverage ability, will make it difficult for King and his receivers to find success through the air. Georgia Tech’s passing game, which ranked 75th in passing down success rate last season, could struggle to gain traction against a defense that was top-five in defensive havoc and features seasoned veterans like Kevin Knowles II and Fentrell Cypress II.
The Issues for Tech
Georgia Tech’s defense has undergone a scheme change under new defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci. However, the Yellow Jackets’ defense faces significant challenges. The secondary, while still considered the strength of this defense, returns just 50% of its pass breakups from last season. The defensive line is even more suspect, with inexperienced edge rushers and linebackers, many of whom were brought in through the transfer portal. Sylvain Yondjouen, who played just 27 snaps last year due to injury, and Romello Height, who has minimal experience, will need to step up against a dominant Seminoles offensive line led by standout tackle Darius Washington.
The Seminoles should find success moving the ball on the ground, particularly in standard downs where Georgia Tech’s defensive front will struggle to hold the line. With Florida State’s offensive prowess and depth in the trenches, they are likely to control the line of scrimmage, keeping their offense on the field and wearing down Georgia Tech’s defense. However, if Tech can force them into passing downs the game changes a bit; Florida St will want to avoid any 2nd/3rd and longs to win the time of possession battle.
While Georgia Tech’s offense under coordinator Buster Faulkner has shown flashes of potential, particularly in the ground game, they face a formidable challenge against a Florida State defense stacked with experience and talent. Quarterback Haynes King and running back Jamal Haynes lead the Yellow Jackets attack. While the offensive line returns key starters, they will face a stout Florida State front seven that includes top tacklers like Shyheim Brown and DJ Lundy, along with the highly-touted edge rusher Marvin Jones Jr.
Best Bet
The key to this game will be which team can control the line of scrimmage and impose their will in the rushing attack. Florida State’s experience and depth on both sides of the ball give them a distinct advantage. Georgia Tech’s defensive line, featuring undersized edge rushers and a vulnerable interior, is unlikely to withstand the physicality of the Seminoles’ offensive front.
Playing at Aviva Stadium in Dublin adds another layer of complexity. The open-air venue is expected to experience wind gusts of over 20 mph, which could impact the passing game for both teams. This condition further favors a ground-and-pound approach, something Florida State is better equipped to execute effectively.
