Georgia Tech heads into homecoming weekend at home against Boston College chasing its second ACC victory, and the staff split on how this one plays out.
A lot of the attention this week has centered on Mason McKenzie, the quarterback Brent Key singled out for praise. Key drew a comparison between McKenzie and Haynes King, pointing to the way he can run, extend plays and keep the offense moving. Georgia Tech is expected to see plenty of that on Saturday, and the challenge gets even trickier if Tawfiq Thomas is unable to play.
Thomas is described as the Yellow Jackets’ best run defender, and his absence would leave a real hole in the middle of the defense. That puts more pressure on Georgia Tech to be sharp early, handle the run game and force Boston College into obvious passing situations. Against McKenzie, the Jackets will need discipline on quarterback responsibilities and pass rush lanes, or the explosive plays could pile up.
Key had this to say about Boston College’s quarterback:
“It really starts with their quarterback (Mason McKenzie). You know, the quarterback's done a nice job for them.
He's a division two transfer from Saginaw. He reminds me a lot of the guy we had here last year in a lot of ways.
You know, he runs around, throws a good ball; you can tell he has command and leadership of the offense, and you know, obviously, so with them naming him as a captain, you know, just getting there. So he’s done a good job for him.
Extends plays, scrambles, avoids pressure; you throw on the run, but also is a designed runner, and the quarterback reads. We got to be sharp on defense as far as our quarterback responsibilities and our pass rush responsibilities, and make sure that we keep him contained in the pocket when we can and not allow the big explosives that hurt you with that.
The staff’s picks are split again after last week’s unanimous read on the Virginia Tech game proved correct. One side sees Boston College’s offense doing enough to leave Georgia Tech at 2-5, especially with the Eagles having kept games close against teams like SMU and Virginia Tech even if they have not been strong away from home. The other side believes Georgia Tech can still win despite Thomas’ likely absence.
That optimistic view leans on pressure defense and a home offense that has started to find itself. Mason McKenzie has been more turnover-prone, and if Georgia Tech can make him uncomfortable, the Yellow Jackets should be able to force mistakes. On offense, the return of Justice Haynes alongside Trelain Maddox gives the ground game a boost, and with that run threat feeding play-action, Georgia Tech could open up chances downfield.
One staff prediction sees the Yellow Jackets’ offense posting its biggest output of the season and putting 50 on Boston College.
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