The Pittsburgh Panthers (4-1) travel to Atlanta to take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-4) this weekend. Check out the Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh prediction and game preview.

Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 12:30 ET
Venue: Bobby Dodd Stadium
Network: ACC Network

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Why You Need To Care

Two Coastal Division programs that flipped the script in the first half of the year meet Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech was the preseason favorite to defend its divisional crown, but it’s dropped four straight games, including three in ACC play to plummet out of contention. It’s now-or-ever for the Yellow Jackets just to remain in the hunt for a bowl game. Pitt, on the other hand, is one of two Coastal teams that’s 2-0 in the conference. And a road win here, regardless of Tech’s situation, would provide a huge to Pat Narduzzi in his first year at the helm.

Why Pittsburgh Will Win

Narduzzi has quietly done an outstanding job with the Panther D since a shaky opener with Youngstown State. Spearheaded by relative unknowns, like DE Ejuan Price, DT Tyrique Jarrett, LB Matt Galambos and CB Avonte Maddox, Pitt is giving up 2.9 yards a carry and is No. 12 nationally in pass efficiency defense. And in Georgia Tech, the Panthers are facing an offense that’s lost its rhythm and was just held to its lowest rushing total in seven years.

Why Georgia Tech Will Win

Narduzzi knows a ton about coaching defense, but he hasn’t faced the triple-option in more than a decade. And with a week to prepare, his Panthers could be at a serious disadvantage on Saturday. While there’s no glossing over the troubles the Yellow Jackets have had lately, QB Justin Thomas remains an explosive playmaker with a history of putting his team on his shoulders.

Player Who Matters

The Tech offense has been getting all of the attention, but the defense has been almost as inept, allowing more than seven yards a play in three of the last four games. Pitt will counter with a combination of backs Chris James and Qadree Ollison in smash-mouth mode and low-risk passes from Nathan Peterman to WR Tyler Boyd and TE Scott Orndoff.

What’s Going To Happen?

Georgia Tech will play with desperation. Execution, though, will continue to elude the Yellow Jackets. While Tech is struggling in all phases, Pitt is effectively getting the job done in an old-school, no-nonsense way. No bells and whistles. Plenty of results. The Panthers will keep the Jackets reeling by controlling the clock and limiting big plays from the Tech ground game.

Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh Prediction

Final Score: Pittsburgh 26, Georgia Tech 23, Line: Georgia Tech -3.5, o/u: 49.5
Must See Rating: 5: Trojan War, 1: The Muppets … 2.5

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