The 2024 college football season kicks off in grand style as the No. 10 Florida State Seminoles take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. This Week 0 matchup not only opens the season but also brings two ACC rivals to the international stage, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
Florida State enters the 2024 season with a chip on its shoulder after a stellar 2023 campaign that saw them go undefeated in the regular season and win the ACC Championship. However, the Seminoles were controversially left out of the College Football Playoff, a decision that has fueled their determination to leave no doubt this year.
Despite losing their top quarterback, wide receiver, and running back from last season, the Seminoles remain a formidable force. The arrival of Oregon State graduate transfer DJ Uiagalelei has provided a much-needed boost. Uiagalelei brings with him a wealth of experience, having played in 48 college games with 40 starts. Over his career, he has accumulated more than 8,000 passing yards and 57 touchdowns, making him one of the most seasoned quarterbacks in college football. His leadership will be crucial as Florida State looks to maintain its dominance in the ACC.
Florida State’s defense, already one of the most respected units in the nation, will also be pivotal in this matchup. The Seminoles have consistently shut down opponents, and they aim to start their season strong against a Georgia Tech offense that, while talented, may struggle to find its rhythm early on.
On the other side of the field, Georgia Tech is looking to build on the momentum of their first winning season since 2018. The Yellow Jackets finished the 2023 season with a 7-6 record, a significant improvement from previous years. Head coach Brent Key, in his second full season, has infused new life into the program and is optimistic about taking another step forward in 2024.
The Yellow Jackets will lean heavily on the experience of quarterback Haynes King, who had a breakout season in 2023. King threw for 2,841 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions while adding 737 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat capability will be essential if Georgia Tech hopes to keep pace with Florida State’s potent offense.
Georgia Tech also returns key offensive weapons in running back Jamal Haynes and wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. Haynes, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, will be a focal point of the Yellow Jackets’ ground game. Singleton, meanwhile, will look to build on his solid sophomore season, where he tallied 716 receiving yards and six touchdowns. However, the Yellow Jackets’ success will hinge on their ability to improve a defense that struggled mightily last season, particularly against high-powered offenses like Florida State’s.
This matchup presents a fascinating contrast in styles. Florida State’s balanced and disciplined approach, combined with their defensive prowess, makes them the clear favorite. However, Georgia Tech’s explosive offense, led by King, could pose a challenge if they can execute and capitalize on any early-season jitters from the Seminoles.
The Seminoles are currently favored by 11.5 points, with the over/under set at 55.5 points. Florida State has a history of success in ACC matchups, having won 12 straight games against conference opponents. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech has struggled in recent season openers, winning just one of their last six.
As the two teams prepare to take the field in Dublin, the stakes are high. For Florida State, it’s about proving they belong in the national conversation and making a statement to the College Football Playoff committee. For Georgia Tech, it’s an opportunity to showcase their growth and take a significant step forward under Coach Key.
Kickoff is set for noon ET, and fans on both sides of the Atlantic will be eagerly watching to see who emerges victorious in this unique and exciting start to the 2024 college football season.
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