Georgia Tech tries to get back on winning track against FCS opponent VMI
Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King (10) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Syracuse, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. Credit: AP/Hans Pennink
VMI (0-2) at Georgia Tech (2-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network Extra)
BetMGM College Football Odds: No Line.
Series record: Georgia Tech leads 14-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Georgia Tech is eager to get back on the winning track after a 31-28 loss at Syracuse knocked the Yellow Jackets out of the Top 25. They shouldn't get much of a challenge from the FCS Keydets, who opened the season with a 41-7 setback at William & Mary and lost their home opener to Bucknell 35-28. The Yellow Jackets are trying to improve to 3-1 for the first time since 2017.
KEY MATCHUP
Georgia Tech QB Haynes King vs. VMI's secondary. The Yellow Jackets could have a field day against a defense that has surrendered a 75% completion rate, 581 yards and five TDs through the air in its first two games. King ranks seventh nationally by completing 76.2% of his throws, producing 687 yards and three TDs with one pick. He's also a threat to run, totaling 158 yards and three scores on the ground.
Georgia Tech running back Jamal Haynes (11) celebrate a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game against Syracuse on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse won 31-28. Credit: AP/Hans Pennink
PLAYERS TO WATCH
VMI: RB Hunter Rice is coming off a 166-yard rushing performance against Bucknell. For the season, the 225-pound senior has carried for 247 yards and three TDs, averaging a whopping 7.1 yards each time he gets the ball.
Georgia Tech: RB Jamal Haynes has 194 yards and leads the Atlantic Coast Conference with four rushing touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. The converted receiver is a threat in the passing game, as well, with nine receptions for 48 yards.
FACTS & FIGURES
This is the first meeting between the schools since Georgia Tech's 34-7 victory over VMI in 1988. ... The series dates 110 years, with Georgia Tech winning the initial meeting 28-7 in 1914. ... VMI's lone victory over the Yellow Jackets was a 14-13 decision in 1950. ... The Yellow Jackets matched a school record with two blocked kicks — a punt and an attempted field goal — against Syracuse. ... Georgia Tech has yet to surrender a sack this season. The Jackets are the only FBS school without a sack through three games; 14 others have played two games without their quarterback going down. ... WR Malik Rutherford is the 25th player in Georgia Tech history with 1,000 yards receiving in his career.
