Three Takeaways From Georgia Tech's 2024 Schedule

Biggest Takeaways From Georgia Tech Schedule Release

Author:
Najeh Wilkins
Publish date:
Jan 24, 2024 5:30 PM EST

In this story:

Georgia Tech's football schedule for the upcoming season is packed with intriguing matchups, including home games against Duke, Florida State (Dublin, Ireland), Miami (Fla.), and NC State, as well as challenging away games against Louisville, North Carolina, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech. The schedule also features non-conference clashes with Georgia State, VMI, and a marquee matchup against Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Here are three key takeaways from Georgia Tech's 2024 football schedule.

1. International Flavor: Playing Florida State in Dublin, Ireland

One of the most intriguing aspects Tech is opening the season overseas. The Yellow Jackets will face Florida State in Dublin, Ireland, ground. This unique matchup not only adds a touch of excitement to the schedule but also provides players and fans with an opportunity to experience football in an international setting. The game in Ireland adds a global dimension to the college football experience and showcases the sport's ability to transcend borders. This is the second appearance for the Yellow Jackets in the Aer Lingus Classic. Back in 2016, they defeated Boston College 17-14. For Florida State, this will mark the first international game in their storied history. Florida State went 13-1 last season under head coach Mike Norvell.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes at Florida State and Georgia Tech to expand the reach of ACC football and play in front of an international audience,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “We appreciate the flexibility of both Florida State and Georgia Tech, and thank our partners at Irish American Events, for making this game a reality. The ACC is recognized around the globe for the combination of outstanding athletics and academics at its member institutions. We look forward and are excited about showcasing these two teams and our incredible conference to the fans in Dublin.

“Georgia Tech is excited and grateful for the opportunity to return to Ireland and play ACC rival Florida State in the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. More than 12,000 Tech fans made the trip to Dublin to see the Yellow Jackets defeat Boston College in 2016, and we’re looking forward to a large contingent of Jacket fans crossing the pond once again to cheer on Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium,” said director of athletics J Batt. “As one of the world’s most renowned institutions and one of college football’s most recognizable programs, it’s a natural fit for the Yellow Jackets to be on the international stage, and we can’t wait for our student-athletes and fans to experience the culture of the Emerald Isle.”

2. Notre Dame Showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

Georgia Tech's clash with Notre Dame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 19 is undoubtedly a highlight of the schedule. Neutral-site games at iconic venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium create an electric atmosphere and draw attention from college football fans nationwide. The matchup against Notre Dame, a perennial powerhouse, will test the Yellow Jackets and serve as a measuring stick for their competitiveness on big stage. Notre Dame went 10-3 in 2023 and will look to contend for a College Football Playoff spot next year. Rivalry Games: Georgia and ACC OpponentsNotre Dame has a rich history of success in the college ranks and is an iconic brand known throughout the country. In its history, Notre Dame has won 13 national championships and had seven Heisman trophy winners come through the program. Whenever you play the Fighting Irish, the national spotlight will follow and Georgia Tech will get a chance on a neutral site to show who they are. This game could have significant implications for Georgia Tech's season.

3. Rivalry Games: Georgia and ACC Opponents

The schedule concludes with a highly anticipated matchup against in-state rival Georgia on November 30. The annual rivalry game against the Bulldogs is a longstanding tradition and holds immense importance for both teams and their fanbases. Georgia Tech will look to finish the season on a high note and potentially secure bragging rights in the state. The Yellow Jackets suffered a 31-23 loss to the Bulldogs in 2023 and it was one of the closest games against Georgia since 2016 when they won in Athens 28-27. Georgia leads the all-time series 71-39.

Miami will be a fun showdown, especially after the crazy ending that saw the Hurricanes turn the ball over late, opening the door for the Yellow Jackets. Quarterback Haynes King went on to throw a game-winning 44-yard touchdown pass to Christian Leary to lift Georgia Tech past the Hurricanes. It was perhaps one of the most head-scratching losses you will see, especially when all Miami had to do was kneel the ball. Miami will look to get their revenge against the Yellow Jackets this year in Atlanta.

The home game against North Carolina was perhaps the most thrilling game last season. Georgia Tech was featured Network and in primetime against the Tar Heels. It was a sell-out crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. North Carolina led throughout the game and was in full control. The Yellow Jackets went on a 22-7 run in the fourth quarter after trailing by 11 points. Dontae Smith and Jamal Haynes each had electric rushing touchdowns. Haynes King would throw the game’s final touchdown to Brett Seither and put a stamp on his performance. The win marked Georgia Tech’s second time of the season they defeated a ranked opponent in 2023. There was no better feeling than seeing the home crowd storm the field and celebrate one of the biggest wins in recent memory for the Yellow Jackets. Surely, the Tar Heels will look to defeat Georgia Tech next year in Chapel Hill in 2024.

Additionally, the Yellow Jackets will face ACC opponents such as Duke, Miami, NC State, and others, providing ample opportunities to make a statement within the conference.

Georgia Tech's 2024 football schedule promises a thrilling mix of international intrigue, high-stakes matchups, and traditional rivalries. The Yellow Jackets will need to navigate a challenging slate of games to position themselves for success. Whether it's facing off against Florida State in Ireland, taking on Notre Dame at a neutral site, or battling in-state rival Georgia, Georgia Tech's schedule brings all the stops. As the team prepares for the season next year, the excitement and anticipation will only build especially after securing their first winning season since 2018.