The NC State football team travels to Atlanta, Georgia Thursday to take on Georgia Tech in the final road game of the season. Despite their poor record, the Yellow Jackets (2-8, 1-6 ACC) have competed under first-year head coach Geoff Collins, only losing by five points to ACC Coastal leader Virginia.
Secondary vs. Georgia Tech quarterback and receivers:
Previous head coach Paul Johnson utilized the flex spread-option offense, which rarely allowed the quarterback to throw the ball. Under a new regime, head coach Geoff Collins has reintroduced the forward pass as a part of the offense, utilizing freshman quarterback James Graham. Through nine games and six starts, Graham has thrown for 995 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The Yellow Jackets’ receiving corps is led by freshman Ahmarean Brown and sophomore Adonicas Sanders. Brown leads the team in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, with 365 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Despite Georgia Tech’s inexperience at the quarterback and wide receiver positions, the Wolfpack will likely have its hands full due to the secondary being gutted by injuries.
Linebackers vs. Georgia Tech running backs
In this transition year for Georgia Tech, the running game has been a crucial aspect of the offense. The running corps is led by sophomore Jordan Mason, who has amassed 765 yards and seven rushing touchdowns so far this season.
When healthy, the NC State linebackers have shown out. Led by junior Louis Acceus and redshirt freshman Payton Wilson, the two have combined for 97 tackles on the season, and Acceus is second on the team in sacks. Unfortunately, Wilson suffered a collarbone injury versus Clemson and is doubtful for Thursday, while Acceus has not played in a game since Wake Forest.
D-Line vs. Georgia Tech O-Line
Like every other facet of the defense, the defensive line has been ravaged by injuries. To make matters worse, sophomore defensive end Xavier Lyas left the program after the loss to Wake Forest; Lyas had 4 sacks and 2 forced fumbles on the season. Likewise, Georgia Tech’s offensive line has struggled nearly all season. Quarterback James Graham has been sacked 16 times this season, and even the sophomore backup Lucas Johnson has been sacked 4 times. If some key pieces return Thursday for the Wolfpack, it could be a big day for the defensive line.
