Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: A Clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium will take center stage on October 19, 2024, as the No. 11 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) clash with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2) at 3:30 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated matchup promises a thrilling display of college football as both teams look to assert their dominance.
Recent Performances: A Tale of Two Teams
The Fighting Irish enter this showdown on a high note after their recent overwhelming victory against the Stanford Cardinal, securing a decisive 49-7 win. Quarterback Riley Leonard shone brightly in that matchup, throwing for 229 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, completing an impressive 72.7% of his passes (16-of-22). Leonard also made a mark on the ground, contributing six carries for 31 yards and a rushing touchdown. Running back Jeremiyah Love added another layer of offensive efficiency with six carries for 53 yards and a touchdown, showcasing a robust rushing attack. Beaux Collins stood out in the receiving game with four receptions for 85 yards, averaging 21.3 yards per catch.
On the flip side, the Yellow Jackets are riding a wave of momentum after a hard-fought win over the North Carolina Tar Heels, where they secured a nail-biting 41-34 victory. Georgia Tech’s Haynes King demonstrated versatility under pressure, throwing for 127 yards but showcasing his dual-threat ability with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 11 attempts. Jamal Haynes was instrumental in the ground game, accumulating 170 yards on 19 carries, demonstrating Georgia Tech’s powerful offensive capabilities.
Betting Odds and Insights
As the teams head into this electrifying matchup, betting analysts have positioned the Fighting Irish as 10-point favorites, with an over/under set at 50.5 points. Following the line of play in recent games, Notre Dame boasts a record of four wins against the spread out of their six games this season. However, they have been less favorable as a heavy favorite, managing just one win against the spread when favored by 10 or more points.
Georgia Tech, conversely, has covered the spread in four out of seven games this season, including a successful outing as an underdog. They present an intriguing challenge to the Irish, especially considering they have followed a consistent trend of exceeding expected point totals in several of their games.
Notre Dame and Georgia Tech: Leaders on the Field
Notre Dame Key Players
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Riley Leonard: The starting quarterback leads the way with 979 passing yards, maintaining an impressive 66.2% completion rate, alongside six touchdowns and two interceptions. His dual-threat capability is striking, having rushed 405 yards with eight touchdowns.
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Jeremiyah Love: The dynamic running back contributes significantly with 426 rushing yards and six touchdowns, marking an average of 71.0 yards per game.
- Beaux Collins: Touted as a reliable receiver, Collins totals 266 receiving yards with a touchdown across 21 receptions.
Defensively, Howard Cross III and Jack Kiser highlight the Irish’s strong defense, with Cross recording 12 tackles and four sacks.
Georgia Tech Key Players
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Haynes King: The standout quarterback for Georgia Tech has amassed 1,568 passing yards with a strong 71.2% completion rate, accounting for eight touchdowns. His ability to drive the ball downfield complements his rushing stats—343 yards and six touchdowns.
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Jamal Haynes: This running back has been a vital asset with 536 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging an impressive 76.6 yards per game.
- Malik Rutherford: Leading the receiving corps, Rutherford has accumulated 509 yards and two touchdowns on 40 receptions.
Georgia Tech’s defense will look to players like Kyle Efford and Ahmari Harvey to contain Notre Dame’s explosive offense.
Game Day Experience: What to Expect
Mark October 19 on your calendar, as fans can anticipate an exhilarating football experience unfolding at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the Fighting Irish and Yellow Jackets fighting for playoff positioning, the stage is set for a battle that promises high stakes and high drama.
Fans can catch all the action through ESPN and can also live stream the game on platforms like FuboTV.
Conclusion
This matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets stands out as a highlight of the college football season. With both teams well-prepared and displaying formidable talent, spectators and fans alike are bound to witness a game filled with passion, intensity, and sportsmanship. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this game is not to be missed.
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