College Football Odds, Picks, Predictions for Georgia Tech vs. Miami: Canes Have No Business as 10-Point Favorites
Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images. Pictured: Jeff Sims
- After two straight wins over ranked opponents, Miami (FL) hosts Georgia Tech at Hard Rock Stadium.
- Quarterback Jeff Sims and the Yellow Jackets have lost two games in a row and are 10-point underdogs.
- Doug Ziefel breaks down the ACC clash and provides his top prediction from a betting perspective.
Georgia Tech vs. Miami Odds
| Georgia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10 -110 | 63 -105o / -115u | +290 |
| Miami Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10 -110 | 63 -105o / -115u | -380 |
We have the potential for offensive fireworks at Hard Rock Stadium, as the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets travel to take on the Miami Hurricanes. The Yellow Jackets have the slight edge in the all-time series, as they have won 13 of 25 meetings.
The Hurricanes are poised to tie things up, though.
Georgia Tech comes into this game with two straight losses to the state of Virginia. Both the Cavaliers and the Hokies were able to present problems for the Yellow Jackets' defense.
Will the Hurricanes be able to do the same?
The U has seemingly found its groove over the past two weeks, as it has pulled off back-to-back upset victories over NC State and Pitt. This is all coming without multiple key offensive starters.
Can Miami keep the momentum going?
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Sims' Rushing Ability Sparks Offense
Since taking over the starting job in the second half against North Carolina, freshman Jeff Sims has yet to look back. His dual-threat ability has added a new dynamic to this offense.
Sims is the second-leading rusher on the team, and while he has been on and off through the air, his rushing remains a consistent factor. He will have to be accounted for or he could easily shred the Hurricanes' defense.
Alongside Sims, fellow freshman Jahmyr Gibbs has begun to emerge in the Yellow Jackets' backfield. Gibbs' last two performances have been tremendous, as he's rushed for 145 yards on 10.2 yards per carry. He'll now face a defense that is 91st in Rushing Success Rate allowed.
Both Sims and Gibbs could have the opportunity to establish the run.
Yellow Jacket Can't Fly?
The Georgia Tech defense has had its up and downs, but its downs have come against the pass. Facing the likes of Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell and Brennan Armstrong is no easy task, but they provided little resistance, and their overall numbers reflect that.
The Yellow Jackets are 114th in opponent completion percentage and yards per pass. Miami's new quarterback has shown the ability to stretch the field and this could spell trouble again for this secondary.
Miami Hurricanes
The Van Dyke Show
After D'Eriq King was lost to a season-ending injury, the Hurricanes were in search of a new leader. Thrust into the spotlight was freshman Tyler Van Dyke.
After struggling through his first few career starts, the freshman has played up to standard against big oppositions.
He led the Hurricanes to a narrow victory against the Wolfpack, tossing four touchdowns for 325 yards and committing no turnovers.
Last week, he went toe-to-toe with perhaps the nation's best quarterback in Pitt's Kenny Pickett. Van Dyke tossed three more touchdowns and topped his prior performance by throwing for 426 yards.
If he has truly found his groove, he could have a career day against the Yellow Jackets' secondary.
On the ground, another freshman has seized his opportunity to start and has created an explosive wrinkle to the Miami offense.
Jaylan Knighton has been getting it done, as he has emerged as the starter. Over the last three games, he has rushed for 255 yards and has reached paydirt four times.
Knighton has flashed in the passing game as well, catching 13 passes for 167 yards and two more scores during the same three-game span.
Missing: Turnover Chain
The Hurricanes' turnaround has raised eyebrows across the nation, though, a deeper look reveals just how much credit the offense deserves. In their last four games, the Hurricanes have surrendered and scored 139 points.
This defense has been fortunate, as it ranks 125 in defensive Finishing Drives and 106th in Big Plays allowed. The dual-threat ability of Sims could create multiple long gains if this defense does not adjust.
Georgia Tech vs. Miami Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Georgia Tech and Miami match up statistically:
Georgia Tech Offense vs. Miami Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 81 | 91 | |
| Line Yards | 63 | 53 | |
| Pass Success | 70 | 61 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 63 | 100 | |
| Big Play | 71 | 106 | |
| Havoc | 50 | 83 | |
| Finishing Drives | 62 | 125 | |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Miami Offense vs. Georgia Tech Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 105 | 93 | |
| Line Yards | 128 | 97 | |
| Pass Success | 47 | 95 | |
| Pass Blocking** | 13 | 89 | |
| Big Play | 38 | 66 | |
| Havoc | 107 | 112 | |
| Finishing Drives | 80 | 84 |  |
| ** Pass Blocking (Off.) vs. Pass Rush (Def.) | |||
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 66 | 129 |
| Coverage | 114 | 104 |
| Middle 8 | 41 | 67 |
| SP+ Special Teams | 91 | 39 |
| Plays per Minute | 32 | 10 |
| Rush Rate | 56.7% (52) | 48.8% (105) |
Data via College Football Data, FootballOutsiders, SP+, PFF and SportSource Analytics.
Georgia Tech vs. Miami Betting Pick
The Hurricanes' turnaround — led by their two freshmen — has been impressive and will be fun to watch in this game. The offense can certainly score behind them, but the issue is the defense.
This Miami team was a 10-point underdog to Pitt, whereas the Yellow Jackets were only 3.5-point underdogs. The Hurricanes have no business being 10-point favorites. Take the Yellow Jackets to keep this one close.
Pick: Georgia Tech + 10
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