Another big game is on the horizon for Georgia Tech. I think it’s been said a lot, but there’s nothing bigger than playing a storied program like Notre Dame, where so much is at stake. Georgia Tech has a chance to earn a bowl berth and shake up Notre Dame’s playoff hopes. Saturday is a pivotal game for Georgia Tech, so here are the players and position groups that could have a big impact on the Yellow Jackets on Saturday.
Georgia Tech Offensive Line – The offensive line had to be included, especially after their dynamic performance against UNC. They rushed for a season-high 371 yards and five touchdowns. Kaylan Rutledge and Jamal Haynes were named ACC Players of the Week. You can learn more about Rutledge via Jackson Cordell.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rutledge hasn’t given up a sack this season, allowed just two quarterback hits on 206 pass plays, and has a good pass-blocking efficiency rating of 99.2%. On the ground, Rutledge helped Georgia Tech rush to the final score.” His 204.4 yards per game lead the ACC and rank 25th nationally, but the Jackets have allowed a whopping 616 yards in the last two games. (245 yards against Duke on Oct. 5, tied for 371 yards at UNC).
The Yellow Jackets had back-to-back strong performances on the ground. They will face a stronger front on Saturday against Notre Dame. Nationally, Notre Dame ranks 27th as a team with 16 sacks this season. Georgia Tech has done a good job of protecting their quarterback, with just one sack this season. The Fighting Irish ranked 11th in total defense this year, giving up just seven offensive touchdowns and gaining 4.25 yards per play. The offensive line will have less work to do, but this is the kind of game that showcases what they’re made of, and it could resonate with potential top prospects.
TE Luke Harpring – Will the true freshman get more time after performing well in limited snaps against UNC last Saturday? That remains to be seen, but Harpring took advantage of the opportunity, including a career-high 27-yard reception on a run-pass option (RPO) drive for the Yellow Jackets. It came at a critical juncture in the game when the Yellow Jackets held a three-point lead. Harpring showed some of his athleticism and potential at the college level with his quickness to get up the field on short routes and punish defenses with YAC (yards after catch). Harpring earned the Yellow Jackets’ second-highest PFF grade in the win with 84.7 points on 16 snaps. The Jackets have solid tight ends, but Harpring provides a different dynamic to the offense and could be a safety blanket for the quarterback.
WR Malik Rutherford – Rutherford is a player who is always in the right position at the right time. He always makes plays on big downs for the Yellow Jackets. He is Georgia Tech’s top receiver this season with 40 catches for 509 yards and two touchdowns. Rutherford ranks second in the ACC in catches and fourth in yards. His best game was against Louisville, where he had seven catches for 113 yards and one touchdown. Rutherford has great downfield/deep threat ability and can close the gap on any short route. They will need his dynamic ability on Saturday if they have any chance of upsetting Notre Dame.
DB Warren Burrell – Burrell has been fun to watch this season, especially the way he always anticipates the ball and makes plays. He is part of an improved defense that ranks 32nd in the country in overall defense. Burrell leads the team in pass deflections this season with four. He came up with a big pass breakup on fourth down at a key moment in the game when North Carolina was trying to take the lead. Burrell posted a high PFF grade of 72.2 on 64 snaps Saturday. He has played ball well all season. He hasn’t thrown an interception yet this season, but he may be able to do so soon. They’ll need him for big games against Notre Dame’s receivers, and maybe even still have a possession or two from the Fighting Irish.
It will take a concerted effort for the Yellow Jackets to pull off an upset, but one thing we’ve seen from head coach Brent Key and the Yellow Jackets in big games is that they play no matter the situation and prepare well. This means that it has been completed. Who is that?
Additional links:
Georgia Tech vs. Notre Dame: Final score prediction
Georgia Tech Basketball: Atlanta native Eric Chatfield Jr. commits to Georgia Tech
How to watch Georgia Tech vs. Notre Dame: Kickoff time, TV channel, odds
