The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. As two of the top teams in the country, this game is expected to be a closely contested and thrilling affair. With that in mind, let's take a look at five key matchups that could determine the outcome of this game.
Matchup 1: Georgia Tech's Option Offense vs. Notre Dame's Defensive Line
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are known for their high-powered option offense, which has been a staple of the program for years. Led by quarterback TaQuon Marshall, the Yellow Jackets are expected to try and exploit the Notre Dame defensive line with their speed and agility.
However, the Fighting Irish have a stout defensive line, led by defensive end Julian Okwara. Okwara is a force to be reckoned with, and he will be tasked with containing Marshall and the Yellow Jackets' option attack.
If the Yellow Jackets can get their option offense going, it could be a long day for the Fighting Irish. However, if the Notre Dame defensive line can contain Marshall and company, it could be a major advantage for the Irish.
Key Stat: Georgia Tech's option offense is averaging 263.4 yards per game, while Notre Dame's defensive line is allowing just 112.2 yards per game on the ground.
Matchup 2: Notre Dame's Quarterback Ian Book vs. Georgia Tech's Secondary
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. Book has been impressive this season, throwing for 2,139 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also rushing for 246 yards and four touchdowns.
However, the Georgia Tech secondary is one of the best in the country, led by cornerback Tre Swilling. Swilling is a shutdown corner who has four interceptions on the season, and he will be tasked with containing Book and the Notre Dame passing attack.
If Book can get the best of Swilling and the Georgia Tech secondary, it could be a major advantage for the Fighting Irish. However, if the Yellow Jackets can contain Book and limit the Notre Dame passing attack, it could be a major blow to the Irish.
Key Stat: Ian Book has thrown for 2,139 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, while Tre Swilling has four interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Matchup 3: Georgia Tech's Wide Receiver Brad Stewart vs. Notre Dame's Cornerback Troy Pride Jr.
Georgia Tech wide receiver Brad Stewart is a big-play threat who has been a major factor in the Yellow Jackets' passing attack. Stewart has 34 receptions for 551 yards and three touchdowns this season, and he will be tasked with getting the best of Notre Dame cornerback Troy Pride Jr.
Pride Jr. is a shutdown corner who has been impressive this season, with 38 tackles and two interceptions. Pride Jr. will be tasked with containing Stewart and limiting the Georgia Tech passing attack.
If Stewart can get the best of Pride Jr., it could be a major advantage for the Yellow Jackets. However, if Pride Jr. can contain Stewart, it could be a major blow to the Georgia Tech passing attack.
Key Stat: Brad Stewart has 34 receptions for 551 yards and three touchdowns this season, while Troy Pride Jr. has 38 tackles and two interceptions.
Matchup 4: Notre Dame's Running Back Tony Jones Jr. vs. Georgia Tech's Linebackers
Notre Dame running back Tony Jones Jr. is a workhorse back who has been a major factor in the Fighting Irish's rushing attack. Jones Jr. has 148 carries for 631 yards and four touchdowns this season, and he will be tasked with getting the best of the Georgia Tech linebackers.
The Yellow Jackets' linebackers are led by linebacker David Curry, who has 72 tackles and three sacks this season. Curry will be tasked with containing Jones Jr. and limiting the Notre Dame rushing attack.
If Jones Jr. can get the best of Curry and the Georgia Tech linebackers, it could be a major advantage for the Fighting Irish. However, if the Yellow Jackets can contain Jones Jr., it could be a major blow to the Notre Dame rushing attack.
Key Stat: Tony Jones Jr. has 148 carries for 631 yards and four touchdowns this season, while David Curry has 72 tackles and three sacks.
Matchup 5: Georgia Tech's Kicker Brenton King vs. Notre Dame's Kicker Jonathan Doerer
The kicking game could be a major factor in this matchup, as both teams have talented kickers. Georgia Tech kicker Brenton King has been impressive this season, making 14 of 17 field goal attempts, while Notre Dame kicker Jonathan Doerer has made 10 of 14 field goal attempts.
If the game comes down to a field goal, King and Doerer could be the deciding factors. King has a strong leg and has been accurate this season, while Doerer has been clutch in big moments.
Key Stat: Brenton King has made 14 of 17 field goal attempts this season, while Jonathan Doerer has made 10 of 14 field goal attempts.
Who is the favorite to win the game?
+The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are currently favored to win the game by 7 points.
What is the weather forecast for the game?
+The weather forecast for the game is mostly sunny with a high of 65°F and a low of 45°F.
How can I watch the game?
+The game will be broadcast on NBC at 3:30 PM ET. You can also stream the game online through the NBC Sports app.
In conclusion, the matchup between Georgia Tech and Notre Dame is shaping up to be a thrilling affair. With both teams boasting talented players and coaches, it's anyone's game. However, if the Yellow Jackets can contain Ian Book and the Notre Dame passing attack, and get their option offense going, they could be in good shape to pull off the upset. On the other hand, if the Fighting Irish can contain TaQuon Marshall and the Georgia Tech option attack, and get Tony Jones Jr. going on the ground, they could be in good shape to win the game. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is sure to be an exciting one.