Georgia Tech Hosts In-State Rival Georgia State in Week 2
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (1-0) vs. Georgia State Panthers (0-0)**
Saturday, September 2, 2024 at 8:00 PM ET
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
TV: ACC Network
BetMGM College Football Odds Georgia Tech -21.5
Series History First meeting between the two schools
What’s at Stake
Georgia Tech looks to build on its stunning 24-21 upset of No. 10 Florida State in Week 1 and potentially crack the AP Top 25 with another win.
Georgia State opens its first season under new head coach Dell McGee, a former Georgia assistant who takes over after Shawn Elliott left for South Carolina. The Panthers will be eager to make a statement in their inaugural matchup against in-state foe Georgia Tech.
Despite being separated by just a couple miles, this will be the first ever meeting between Georgia State and Georgia Tech on the gridiron.
The Yellow Jackets are riding high after knocking off the Seminoles in Ireland last Saturday. Aidan Birr’s game-winning 44-yard field goal as time expired capped a 12-play, 6:33 drive to seal the upset. Tech is seeking its first 2-0 start since 2016.
Georgia State, meanwhile, embarks on the Dell McGee era. The Panthers are looking to build on last year’s 7-6 campaign and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory over Utah State. With 65 returners and 54 newcomers, including 48 transfers, the roster has undergone a major overhaul.
While Georgia Tech has dominated in-state opponents historically, going 39-4-2 all-time besides Georgia, the Panthers will be eager to make a statement in their first-ever meeting with the Yellow Jackets. Kickoff is set for 8 PM ET on the ACC Network.
Haynes King, the quarterback for Georgia Tech, will face off against Georgia State’s defense, which struggled last season, allowing over 30 points per game (ranking 101st nationally). King is capable of impacting the game with both his passing and running abilities. The Panthers’ secondary, which allowed an average of 279.5 passing yards per game—ranking among the bottom five in the nation—will likely be tested frequently by King and the Yellow Jackets.
Players to Watch
Georgia State Quarterbacks Christian Veilleux and Zach Gibson are both new to the team, with Veilleux transferring from Pittsburgh and Gibson moving from Georgia Tech. Both are in contention for the starting role, and whoever takes the first snap will have significant expectations to meet, as Darren Grainger, the previous starter, threw for 2,621 yards and 20 touchdowns last season, in addition to 736 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Georgia Tech Running back Jamal Haynes, who transitioned from receiver, had an impressive performance against Florida State, rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, along with two receptions for 16 yards. Last season, he became the Yellow Jackets’ first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, finishing with 1,059 rushing yards.
Facts & Figures
This matchup marks the first of two games between the city rivals, with Georgia Tech scheduled to visit Georgia State in 2026. The Yellow Jackets are aiming for their first 2-0 start since 2016.
Leave a Reply