UNC vs Georgia Tech Odds, Prediction: Can Defenses Step Up?

The North Carolina Tar Heels look to get back on track as they head to Atlanta to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mack Brown's club got off to a hot start but was derailed a bit last week in an upset loss to Virginia.

However, North Carolina will have a prime spot to succeed against Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets are 2-2 in conference play and have proven to be much more competitive than many thought they'd be prior to the season.

The Tar Heels come into the game as a -11.5 favorite, while the total comes in at 65.5.

So, let's dive into the matchup and make a North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech prediction.

The Tar Heels' ascension in the ACC has been spurred by their juggernaut offense. North Carolina is averaging 35.9 points per game, which is good for 10th in the nation.

While they have a balanced offensive scheme, it's no secret that all eyes will be on quarterback Drake Maye. The projected top-10 pick has looked phenomenal this season and should continue to thrive in this matchup.

The Yellow Jackets are 101st in Passing Success Rate Allowed, which stems from them ranking 109 in yards per pass allowed. However, they are 24th in PFF's coverage grading, so if they can limit the vertical passes, they may get some stops on third down.

That being said, getting to third down may be a problem as the Tar Heels have a massive edge on the ground. Georgia Tech is 126th in yards per rush allowed and will be slightly outmatched in the trenches.

The Yellow Jackets may struggle to keep up in this one because their defense will put them in a hole and they may not be able to pass out of any deficit that's created.

Georgia Tech also runs a balanced offense, but the game script will likely put this one in the hands of quarterback Haynes King. King has made great strides this season since transferring from Texas A&M, but the Tar Heels' secondary will be his toughest test so far this season.

North Carolina ranks 29th in Passing Success Rate Allowed. That success stems from tremendous coverage, as the Tar Heels are tied with Georgia Tech at 24th in PFF's coverage grading.

While the script may not be in their favor, the Yellow Jackets project to have success on the ground with a massive edge in the trenches. Georgia Tech outranks UNC 39th to 105th in Line Yards.

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Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how North Carolina and Georgia Tech match up statistically:

North Carolina Offense vs. Georgia Tech Defense

	Offense	Defense	Edge
Rush Success	31	106
Line Yards	78	86
Pass Success	44	101
Havoc	18	71
Finishing Drives	71	61
Quality Drives	8	114

Georgia Tech Offense vs. North Carolina Defense

	Offense	Defense	Edge
Rush Success	111	87
Line Yards	39	105
Pass Success	54	29
Havoc	65	43
Finishing Drives	41	17
Quality Drives	40	52

Pace of Play / Other

PFF Tackling	36	46
PFF Coverage	24	24
Special Teams SP+	63	103
Middle 8	15	55
Seconds per Play	23.6 (13)	25.1 (33)
Rush Rate	51.7% (86)	50.3% (96)

All signs in this matchup point to another stellar performance from North Carolina's offense, but it may come in a different fashion. UNC will be able to pound the rock on the ground, which will lead to more long, methodical drives.

The Tar Heels should dominate the time of possession while putting up points in this matchup. However, that will limit Georgia Tech's ability to punch back, as it'll have less time with the ball and be forced to pass against a solid secondary.

Take the under to 62.5.