Predictions: Georgia Tech

New coaches. New players. New offense. New defense. New special teams. ew helmets. New colors. Some experts (like Steve Landry) don’t think Tech can win more than one game. Had Paul Johnson not retired the Jackets might’ve won ten, and their division. Instead Tech took one step backward in the hopes of taking giant leaps forward.

By ditching Paul Johnson’s option the Jackets are becoming more like every other team in the ACC. Is this a good thing? For Tech to rise above division rivals North Carolina, Miami, Duke, and Virginia Tech they will need superior coaching, recruiting, players, and schemes. With Johnson and the right QB (Justin Thomas) Tech won an Orange Bowl. Let’s hope the Jackets continue to improve.

This year will be painful. Tech failed to land a significant upgrade at the QB position vie recruiting nor transfer. They signed only one QB, a short lad who may be a slight upgrade. Lets hope Graham gets enough playing time against South Florida and the Citadel to prepare for the ACC games. On him alone hinge the hopes for the 2019 season.

Aug 29 at Clemson. Loss. No big surprise. I was actually impressed by the performance, especially the defense. 0-1.

Sept 7 vs South Florida. Geoff Collins home opener. Tough opponent. Tech’s offense is still in its developmental stages. I shouldn’t, but let’s give the Jackets the win. 1-1. Uni-update: GT to wear white jerseys and pants, and white helmets - the GT logo won't be gold (top). Sad. 

Sept 14 vs The Citadel. Another win. Again, a close game. 2-1.

Sept 28 at Temple. The Owls will be fired up to face their former coach. Can the Jackets ride the momentum of the previous two games to a third victory? Yes. 3-1.

Oct 5 vs North Carolina. The Jackets break out their new blue uniforms, with shiny gold helmets and cleats. Doesn’t help. UNC has improved more. 3-2.

Oct 12 at Duke. The Blue Devils lost their QB and could be ripe for picking. Not sure Tech is up to the task. 3-3.    

Oct 19 at Miami. Another improved team. The Canes almost beat Florida in the season opener. No way the Jackets win this one on the road. 3-4.

Nov 2 vs Pitt. Yet another improved team. Even at home Tech takes the loss. 3-5.

Nov 9 at Virginia. The Cavaliers have a dual-threat QB the ACC Network announcers are raving about. He’ll be enough to best the Jackets. 3-6.

Nov 16 vs Virginia Tech. The Hokies are also trying to rebuild. If there’s another win on the Jackets schedule, its this game. Last year Oliver had a big game in Blacksburg. Not sure history can repeat itself. 3-7

Nov 23 vs NC State. The Wolfpack may be down after getting beat by Clemson, but State will be mad enough to beat Tech. 3-8.

Nov 30 vs Georgia. Like every year Tech fans will forget the seven game losing streak and predict an upset over Georgia. With absolutely zero evidence to back it up. The Dawgs will win big, though it won’t be quite the beatdown the Jackets suffered at the hands of Clemson. 3-9.

Despite losing the last eight games, there will be hopes going into the offseason. Next year should be better.