NC State Wolfpack vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 21st 2024
Preview and Prediction
A duo of well-rested squads will clash on Thursday in Atlanta, as Georgia Tech welcomes North Carolina State for an Atlantic Coast Conference showdown.
Both teams have not taken the field since November 9th, with each coming off a bye week.
In their last game, Georgia Tech (6-4, 4-3 ACC) pulled off one of the most surprising upsets of the college football season, defeating then-No. 4 Miami 28-23 in Atlanta.
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This victory marked the program's first win against a top-five team since 2009 and secured their spot in a bowl game for the second consecutive year. This is the first time the Yellow Jackets have achieved this since their streak of 18 straight bowl appearances from 1997-2014.
Georgia Tech will look to continue their momentum on Thursday as they aim for their first win against North Carolina State since 2019.
Head coach Brent Key, who played for Georgia Tech from 1997-2000, emphasized the importance of Thursday night home games and the opportunity to create lasting memories for the seniors.
Quarterback Haynes King, who had two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in their upset over Miami, and running back Jamal Haynes, who rushed for 83 yards and a score, will lead the Yellow Jackets' offense. King has thrown for 1,600 yards and nine touchdowns this season, while also rushing for 446 yards and seven scores. Haynes has been the team's top rusher with 681 yards and nine touchdowns.
However, North Carolina State (5-5, 2-4) stands in their way of a successful senior night. The Wolfpack are looking to secure their fifth consecutive bowl appearance.
In their last game, they had their two-game winning streak snapped with a 29-19 loss to Duke. The Wolfpack were held to just 268 total yards, with true freshman quarterback CJ Bailey only throwing for 184 yards.
Despite a disappointing season, head coach Dave Doeren stressed the importance of finishing strong and making the most of their remaining two games.
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Bailey, who took over for injured starter Grayson McCall, leads the team with 1,794 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Sixth-year running back Jordan Waters has rushed for 400 yards and four scores.