Virginia Football 2016 Opponent: Georgia Tech

The 2014 Orange Bowl champion Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets entered the 2015 season with high expectations. After opening the season with two straight wins, the Ramblin’ Wreck collapsed and ultimately ended up with a 3-9 overall record, head coach Paul Johnson’s worst season in eight seasons in Atlanta.

UVA defeated Georgia Tech last season in Scott Stadium, 27-21. This season’s matchup takes place in Bobby Dodd Stadium, where the Cavaliers have not won since the 2008 season.

Georgia Tech Peek

  • Head Coach (record at school): Paul Johnson (61-44)
  • 2015 Record:3-9
  • Offense 2015 Total Yards Game:378
  • Offense 2015 Points/Game:29.2
  • Defense 2015 Total Yards/Game:368
  • Defense 2015 Points/Game:25.8

What To Expect On Game Day

Offense:

Paul Johnson’s spread option offense averaged 256.2 rushing yards per game last season, down from 342 yards per game in 2014. While the run-game is its bread and butter, Georgia Tech needs balance from its passing attack.

In 2014, quarterback Justin Thomas completed over 50% of his passes while throwing for 1,719 yards with 18 touchdowns and six scores. Compare that to last year, when he completed only 41.7% of his passes while throwing for 1,345 yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Thomas’ rushing production also dipped from 1,086 yards in 2014 to just 488 in 2015. Now a senior, Thomas will need to regain his sophomore year form for Tech to be successful.

B-Back Marcus Marshall and A-Back Clinton Lynch, Georgia Tech’s leading rusher and third-leading rusher last season, return. Junior Ricky Jeune will be Georgia Tech’s top receiving threat. The 6’3″ wide receiver led the team in 24 receptions last year, averaging 21.7 yards per catch.

The offensive line faces some turnover but returns two mainstays on the interior in senior center Freddie Burden and junior right guard Shamire Devine. Sophomores Will Bryan and Trey Klock, who earned starts at other offensive line positions last seasons, are the listed opening day starters at left guard and right tackle. Bryan is looking to replace the departed Trey Braun, a 3-year starter. Junior Eason Fromayan is the new starting left tackle.

Defense:

Ted Roof’s defense, a 4-3 base set, returns three of four starting defensive lineman. Roof will have to find a replacement for standout defensive tackle Adam Gotsis, who is now with the Denver Broncos.

Senior outside linebacker P.J. Davis headlines a linebacker group that will have to replace two starters. There is heavy turnover in the secondary, which lost all four starters from a year ago. Two sophomores and two juniors are the projected starters for the season opener against Boston College.

Special Teams:

Georgia Tech’s starting placekicker Harrison Butker and punter Ryan Rodwell are back from last season. Butker made 7-of-11 field goals, including 2-of-4 from 50 yards and beyond, while Rodwell averaged 39.3 yards per punt.