ATLANTA – Geoff Collins realizes there is plenty of work remaining before Georgia Tech can contend in the ACC, but entering Saturday's home contest against The Citadel, the Yellow Jackets already have delivered their new coach his first victory. The Yellow Jackets played well in last week's 14-10 home triumph over South Florida, and Collins hopes after a rough season debut at top-ranked Clemson that some of last week's success provides a boost.
TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, FS South. LINE: Georgia Tech -27.5
Recommended Videos
The Yellow Jackets are running a traditional style offense for the first time in more than a decade, scrapping former coach Paul Johnson's triple-option rushing attack for more balance in what Collins labeled during Tuesday's press conference "a monumental transition." It will take time, which in part is why Collins has deployed three different quarterbacks through the opening eight quarters of the season. "I think the creativity, and just staying at it, with guys that have great attitudes and great work habits and playing together is really cool," Collins told reporters Tuesday. The Bulldogs trailed by two touchdowns going to the fourth quarter last week at Elon and tied the game before allowing the game-winning score in a 35-28 defeat.
ABOUT THE CITADEL (0-2)
Junior quarterback Brandon Rainey played a role in four touchdowns against Elon, rushing for 41 yards and three scores on 19 carries, and completing 4-of-8 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore running back Clay Harris added 44 yards rushing on 13 carries as the Bulldogs averaged just 3.1 yards per carry. Defensively, junior linebacker Willie Eubanks III recorded 13 tackles and senior linebacker Airan Reed added 10 stops.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (1-1)
The trio of sophomore Lucas Johnson, sophomore Tobias Oliver and redshirt freshman James Graham combined to go 14-for-21 passing for 76 yards and an interception last week, but sophomore running back Jordan Mason steadied the offense with 99 yards rushing and a touchdown. Oliver, who rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns in the triple-option last season, added 53 yards and a score on the ground in Week 2. Sophomore Charlie Thomas earned ACC linebacker of the week honors after recording nine tackles (seven solo) and two sacks.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Georgia Tech has committed just four penalties for 30 yards through two games, the fewest in the ACC and tied for third-fewest nationally.
2. The Yellow Jackets have recorded 15 tackles for loss and four sacks through two games, the program's highest two-game totals since 2008.
3. The Citadel sophomore LB Sean-Thomas Faulkner earned Southern Conference special teams player of the week after blocking two punts against Elon, both setting up Bulldogs touchdowns.
PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 41, The Citadel 13