The 2024 college football season kicks off internationally with an exciting ACC showdown between the Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Who will claim victory in this transatlantic matchup?
As the game approaches, we provide the latest betting odds and a Georgia Tech vs. Florida State prediction.
Georgia Tech vs Florida State Betting and DFS Preview
All Georgia Tech vs. Florida State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Looking to calculate the return on your investment? The CFN Betting Odds Calculator takes the hard work out of calculating your potential winnings.
- Spread
Florida State -10.5 - Moneyline
Florida State -425, Georgia Tech +380 - Over/Under
55.5 points - Game time
Noon ET - Location
Aviva Stadium – Dublin, Ireland - Predicted Weather at Kick
67 degrees, light rain possible - How to Watch
ESPN
Georgia Tech is returning to Dublin, where they defeated Boston College 17-13 in 2016. This marks Florida State’s first game outside the United States in school history in college football.
In the 2023 Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish dominated Navy with a commanding 42-3 victory.
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The 2024 edition features an emerging ACC contender in the Yellow Jackets and the favorite to repeat as champions, the Seminoles.
The matchup will be the 27th time the ACC competitors have collided, with the Seminoles emerging victorious the last time the two teams met (2022). Florida State also holds a 15-11-1 overall record, which might factor into your betting choices in Week 0.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State
- RB Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech
- WR Malik Benson, Florida State
- WR Eric Singleton Jr., Georgia Tech
- RB Roydell Williams, Florida State
The key for Uiagalelei settling in is his offensive line, keeping the pocket clean and traffic out of his face. When he has time, he’s displayed just how dangerous he can be.
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When Uiagalelei gets sped up, his decision-making can get clouded, and he starts taking chances. With his pass catchers on the outside, like Malik Benson and Jalen Brown, Uiagalelei has an opportunity to be among the top DFS plays for Week 0.
If they want to stay in this one, the Yellow Jackets will have to control the clock and possess the ball. That means establishing the run and plenty of carries for Jamal Haynes. If he can get into the end zone, he’s an excellent DFS option.
Prediction for Georgia Tech vs. Florida State
Georgia Tech exceeded expectations in its first season under head coach Brent Key, ranking third in the ACC in total offense in 2023.
They return four of their five starting offensive linemen and quarterback Haynes King, who finished ranked 11th nationally in total fantasy points in college football and deserves serious consideration as a Week 0 DFS play in this robust Yellow Jacket offense.
Georgia Tech led the ACC in rushing offense last season, ranking 12th nationally with an average of 203.8 yards per game and nearly 5.5 yards per carry. Haynes, who rushed for 1,059 yards, is back along with the team’s top two wide receivers and starting tight end Brett Seither.
While the offense appears strong, the defense needs improvement in 2024. New defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci will implement his own system, although many of the same personnel who struggled last year return to the fold.
The Seminoles face the challenge of replacing a wealth of talent from last year’s undefeated regular-season team. Key departures include starting quarterback Jordan Travis, leading rusher Trey Benson, and standout wide receivers Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, all of whom have moved on to the NFL and will contribute in the professional ranks.
Head coach Mike Norvell will hand the offense over to Uiagalelei, an Oregon State grad transfer who brings extensive starting experience with the Beavers and Clemson. Uiagalelei has played in 48 CFB games, starting 40, with a career record of 30-10. He’s amassed over 8,000 passing yards and 57 touchdowns over four seasons.
Uiagalelei will try to replace Travis as one of the most productive quarterbacks in the nation. The now-New York Jets QB ranked 49th in the country in fantasy points despite his season-ending injury last year.
The main concern in this matchup is Georgia Tech’s defense, specifically how it will slow down Florida State’s rushing attack. While we still have many questions on the Seminoles’ offensive side of the ball, Norvell will assemble an offensive unit capable of running the football.
Will Georgia Tech be able to control time of possession and give their defense a chance? I believe so. I’m buying what Key is building in Atlanta, and I think they’ll keep this game manageable.
While Florida State will have one of the most formidable defenses in the ACC, King is an experienced decision-maker and understands how to limit mistakes. If the Jackets can protect the football, this will be a one-score game in the fourth quarter.
This number has been bet down from 13.5 to 10.5 over the last three weeks. And while a full possession is a massive line movement, anything above +10 feels okay on Georgia Tech.
Prediction: Florida State 31, Georgia Tech 23
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