Georgia Tech’s Week Zero clash with Florida State is just around the corner, and this morning the Yellow Jackets announced their captains for tomorrow’s game. Quarterback Haynes King, offensive lineman Weston Franklin, defensive lineman Zeek Biggers and linebacker Kyle Efford will be the captains for tomorrow’s game against the Seminoles.
The captains for game 1️⃣#StitchEm🐝🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/OvOEfBm4ye
— Georgia Tech Football (@GeorgiaTechFB) 23 August 2024
These four players will play a crucial role in slowing down Florida State tomorrow.
There will be a lot of factors in this game, but I think whoever wins the matchup between Georgia Tech’s defensive line and Florida State’s offensive line could win the game. Georgia Tech has had one of the worst defenses in the country, especially at stopping the run, and Mike Norvell’s teams are usually very strong on the ground. The Seminoles have a large running back room and a strong offensive line, and that could be their identity on offense this year.
Brent Key rebuilt the defensive staff in the offseason and focused on improvements through the transfer portal. Key has had high praise for the defensive line throughout fall camp and it should be better coached. Former Duke defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci now runs the Yellow Jackets defense and had a chance to face Florida State last year and FSU managed 420 total yards of offense.
In one season at Duke (2023), Santucci directed the ACC’s best defense, allowing just 19.0 points per game, good for 16th nationally. The Blue Devils also ranked in the top 50 in the nation in run defense, pass defense, total defense, tackles for loss, third-down defense, fourth-down defense and red zone defense. Duke allowed just 10 points total in two wins over teams that finished the season in the top 25 – No. 20 Clemson (28-7) and No. 21 NC State (24-3) – and finished the season 8-5 after a 17-10 victory over Troy in the 2023 Birmingham Bowl.
If Florida State can run the ball at will, it probably won’t matter what their passing game looks like. If Georgia Tech is successful on early attempts and forces Uigalelei into obvious passing situations, they can win the game.
