Georgia Tech heads into its road trip to Clemson with a few moving parts that could swing the game either way. The Yellow Jackets beat the Tigers 24-21 last season in dramatic fashion, and now they’ll need another sharp performance if they want to pull off another win.
One of the biggest questions sits under center. Georgia Tech has been using multiple quarterbacks lately, and last week Alberto Mendoza and Grady Adamson rotated from series to series.
If that continues on Saturday, the Jackets will have to be careful doing it against a Clemson defense that can really get after you. The Tigers also bring a strong secondary with Elliot Washington, Corey Myrick, and Ashton Hampton.
Georgia Tech’s offense hasn’t found much rhythm lately, and it has gone more than a few weeks without topping 20 points. Clemson’s defense is built to challenge that group, especially through the air, where it can force turnovers and turn mistakes into problems. Mendoza and Adamson have both been inconsistent, and the Jackets will need to change some things if they’re going to have any real success.
“We’ll see both those guys. um you know not necessarily you know, by series you but [clears throat] how we feel like we the those guys can get in and execute what they do uh the best to help give us a chance to win. This is a really good defense we’re going against on the road.
It’s a loud stadium, so some continuity matters in that regard as well. But both of them have things that they do well … and we can benefit the team with.
Both those guys are ready to play, and I would imagine we’d see both of them on Saturday,” said Key.
Clemson’s offense has its own young quarterback story with true freshman Tait Reynolds, who has had the usual ups and downs that come with being a first-year player. But the Tigers also have two dangerous targets in T.J.
Moore and Bryant Wesco. Wesco has been the more productive of the two, leading Clemson with 44 catches, 511 receiving yards, and the team’s longest reception this season at 55 yards.
Moore is right behind him with 37 catches, 368 yards, and a touchdown.
That puts pressure on a Georgia Tech secondary that has already given up some big passing plays. The Jackets are also dealing with injuries at cornerback, with Trae Stevenson Jr. and Jaedyn Terry out.
Jaylen Mbakwe is expected to be one of the starters, while Daiquan White’s health remains a question. Who lines up back there will be worth watching closely.
“I can say this is what we live for. This is what defensive backs live for.
It's going to be a great matchup though. TJ Moore, Brian Wesco, uh, those guys are great.
Explosive offense all around. So it’s a good matchup,” said Mbakwe
Special teams could also become a factor, and Georgia Tech is thin there too. Chad Alexander is out for Saturday, Rahkeem Smith is questionable, Shane Marshall is banged up, and Kevin Roche Jr. is another key piece who matters both as a starting tight end and on special teams, where he has a field goal block this season. The Jackets will need backup players to handle those roles if those absences hold.
“Chad being out, he's the guy that uh was the opposite receiver and also was able to get in when Rock went out a few weeks ago. So you know, we’ve got plenty of guys that can continue to get back there and catch the ball.
That’s as long as we got 11 on the field and can catch it cleanly. Uh, catch it in the proper spot, whether you're in the end zone or not in the end zone when to bring it out.
So be very [clears throat] very exact with that part of it, depending on or regardless of who’s back there,” said Key.
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The bigger concern, though, is getting the whole operation back on track after the recent losing streak and shoring up an offensive line that has not been consistent enough. Key also said several players are dealing with injuries and remain questionable, adding another layer of uncertainty as Georgia Tech heads into one of its toughest matchups of the season. [Read more 🡒]