Showdown in Atlanta: Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech
On October 19, 2024, college football fans will converge at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, for an exhilarating matchup as the No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2) with kick-off set for 3:30 p.m. ET. The anticipation is palpable as both teams showcase impressive performances in the season so far, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Recent Performances
The Fighting Irish are riding high after an electrifying 49-7 victory over the Stanford Cardinal. Quarterback Riley Leonard exhibited a standout performance, throwing for 229 yards and three touchdowns without any interceptions on an astonishing 72.7% completion rate. Leonard also demonstrated his dual-threat capability, adding six carries for 31 yards and a rushing touchdown. On the ground, Jeremiyah Love contributed significantly with 53 yards on just six carries and a touchdown, while Beaux Collins made notable contributions in the receiving game with four catches for 85 yards.
Conversely, the Yellow Jackets recently triumphed over the North Carolina Tar Heels, winning 41-34 in a high-scoring affair. Quarterback Haynes King displayed versatility, passing for 127 yards without a touchdown while also shining on the ground with 11 rushing attempts for 107 yards and two touchdowns. Jamal Haynes was a focal point for Georgia Tech, rushing for an impressive 170 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that could pose a challenge for the Irish defense.
Betting Odds and Analysis
As the matchup nears, betting odds have placed Notre Dame as a 10-point favorite, reflecting their recent form and ranking. The over/under for the game is set at 50.5 points, indicating expectations for a competitive and potentially high-scoring game.
Recent statistics show that Notre Dame has a mixed record against the spread this season, with four wins in six games. Despite being a favored team, they have only managed a 1-2 record when favored by 10 points or more. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, has performed admirably as underdogs, covering the spread in all cases when they have been 10-point underdogs this season.
Team Leaders: Who to Watch
Leading the Fighting Irish is Riley Leonard, who has thrown for 979 yards at an average of 163.2 yards per game, accumulating six passing touchdowns alongside two interceptions. Additionally, his contributions on the ground have been critical, with 405 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
Other notable players for Notre Dame include:
- Jeremiyah Love: 426 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
- Beaux Collins: 21 receptions for 266 yards and one touchdown.
For Georgia Tech, Haynes King stands out with 1,568 passing yards, maintaining a completion rate of 71.2% while throwing eight touchdown passes. On the rushing front, King is complemented by Jamal Haynes, who boasts 536 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, making him a dynamic part of the Yellow Jackets’ offense.
Prominent defenders for both teams will also play a pivotal role, as the outcome of the game could rely heavily on defensive strategies and playmaking ability.
Game Day Information
- Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Broadcast: Televised live on ESPN with streaming available through platforms like Fubo.
This matchup not only promises an exciting afternoon of college football but also a showcase of some of the best talents in the sport. With both Notre Dame and Georgia Tech bringing compelling storylines and strategies to the field, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle that could have ramifications for their respective seasons.
Whether you’re rooting for the Fighting Irish or the Yellow Jackets, mark your calendars for this must-see college football showdown in Atlanta!
