The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will welcome the Alcorn State Braves to Bobby Dodd Stadium for the first game of the season. Can the Braves hang with the Yellow Jackets, or will Paul Johnson’s triple option offense prove too much to handle? We examine below in the Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State prediction and game preview. 

Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

After surprisingly winning the Coastal Division and the Orange Bowl in 2014, Georgia Tech is anything but content. The Yellow Jackets want to take the next step under Paul Johnson, winning an ACC that’s more attainable than in recent years. The first step for Tech in 2015 begins with a visit from Alcorn State, a heavy favorite to capture the SWAC crown.

Why Alcorn State Will Win

The Braves are thinking playoffs this season because the offense will be among the best in the FCS. John Gibbs is the kind of dual-threat Johnson would love to coach, accounting for 32 touchdowns a year ago, and backs Arron Baker and Darryan Ragsdale form a terrific complement in the running game.

Why Georgia Tech Will Win

Alcorn State has Gibbs, but Tech can counter with Justin Thomas, the conductor of a dynamic, triple-option-based offense. And while the Braves have had time to prepare for the Yellow Jackets, they lack the bodies to slow down the machine-like ground game. The Alcorn State D will be gassed by midway through the third quarter.

Player Who Matters

The Yellow Jackets are still hunting for the right B-back to pair with Thomas in the backfield. It’s feature role in this offense that could earn 20 touches per game. Stanford transfer Patrick Skov and rookie Marcus Marshall are scaling the depth chart, and will both see action this week.

What’s Going To Happen?

Alcorn State cannot be overlooked; fortunately for the Yellow Jackets, they know it. The teams will trade blows in the early going before Tech takes control with its relentless ground game. With Thomas leading the way, the Jackets will pull away for good in the second half.

Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State Score Prediction

It’s that time, folks. The Georgia Tech vs. Alcorn State prediction is …

Georgia Tech 45, Alcorn State 24

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