College Football Previews #113 and #114 - Georgia Tech and Miami
Georgia Tech looks to breakthrough this season but knows it will be extremely difficult due to their overall Schedule which includes several difficult Non-Conference games. Head Coach Brent Key enters his 2nd season at the helm with moderate expectations. The Yellow Jackets need to get a few lucky breaks if they hope to become Bowl eligible again for the first time since 2018. Georgia Tech welcomes back five starters on Offense including four starters on the Offensive Line. The Wide Receiving Unit doesn't bring back any starters and will need several transfers to make an immediate impact including juniors Christian Leary (Alabama transfer) and Chase Lane (Texas A&M transfer). Sophomore Quarterback Haynes King (Texas A&M transfer) will need to hold off freshman Zach Pyron to be the Yellow Jackets' starting signal caller in 2023. Look for senior Running Back Dontae Smith and junior Trey Cooley (Louisville transfer) to form a potent rushing attack. Senior Tight End Dylan Leonard - the final returning starter on Offense - gives the Team another reliable option in the passing game. Georgia Tech returns six starters on Defense including three starters on the Defensive Line which will be anchored by junior Defensive Tackles D'Quan Douse and Makius Scott. The Linebacking Unit doesn't bring back any starters and will lean on several transfers - most notably senior Linebackers Andre White (Texas A&M transfer) and Braelen Oliver (Minnesota transfer). The Secondary welcomes back three starters and will be led by senior Cornerback Myles Sims and junior Safety LaMiles Brooks. The Special Teams Unit returns intact with junior Kicker Gavin Stewart and junior Punter David Shanahan both back. Georgia Tech fans and alumni feel the Yellow Jackets are back on track after a decent 5-7 campaign in 2022. A brutal schedule awaits the Yellow Jackets this season including a Non-Conference game at Ole Miss in Week 2 and road games at Wake Forest, at Miami, and at Clemson. Two-time defending National Champion Georgia visits Bobby Dodd Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend. I predict Georgia Tech to go 5-7 again and finish in 11th place in the ACC. There will be no Postseason play for the Yellow Jackets in 2023. It's tough to predict when Georgia Tech will become Bowl eligible again.
Miami Football is back yet again - hopefully. Head Coach Mario Cristobal enters his 2nd season at the helm with high expectations. The Hurricanes have a difficult schedule again including a marquee Non-Conference game against Texas A&M in mid September. Miami welcomes back five starters on Offense including two starters on the Offensive Line. The Wide Receiving Unit only brings back one starter in senior Frank Ladson Jr. and will need several experienced returnees to step up including juniors Xavier Restrepo and Colbie Young. Junior Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke - another returning starter - is a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Look for junior Running Back Henry Parrish Jr. - the final returning starter on Offense - to have a breakout season. Miami returns seven starters on Defense including three starters on the Defensive Line which will be anchored by junior Defensive Ends Jahfari Harvey and Akheem Mesidor. The Linebacking Unit only brings back one starter in junior Linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. The Secondary welcomes back three starters and will be led by junior Safeties Kamren Kinchens and James Williams. The Special Teams Unit will be carried by junior Kicker Andres Borregales while freshman Punter Dylan Joyce will handle the Punting duties. Miami should contend for the ACC Title this season if everything breaks right. The Hurricanes will need to beat both Clemson and Louisville if they want to qualify for the ACC Championship Game and they host both at Hard Rock Stadium in 2023. Miami also has extremely tough road contests at North Carolina and at Florida State. I predict Miami to go 9-4 this season and finish in 4th place in the ACC. The Hurricanes will win their Bowl Game to cap off an outstanding season. What will Year 3 under Mario Cristobal bring? Hurricane fans can't wait to find out.
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