Florida State Set to Face Georgia Tech in Dublin Season Opener in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic
College Football is finally here for the 2024 season. It kicks off this Saturday with what looks like a good one in the ACC. The Florida State Seminoles, fresh off an impressive 13-1 season in 2023, are gearing up to open their 2024 campaign against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The highly anticipated matchup on August 24, 2024, marks the start of the college football season, with both teams eager to make a statement.
The Seminoles, who narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff despite their stellar record, are determined to start strong against a Yellow Jackets team that finished 7-6 last year and secured its first bowl victory in seven years. You can catch all the action on ESPN at 12 noon EST.
Recap of 2023 College Football Season for Florida State
The Seminoles’ 2023 season ended on a disappointing note with a heavy loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, where they struggled both in the air and on the ground. Quarterback Brock Glenn had a tough outing, completing just 9 of 26 passes for 139 yards, throwing two interceptions, and ending with a low quarterback rating. The running game was equally ineffective, with Ja’khi Douglas leading the team with just 46 yards on eight carries.
Florida State managed only 209 total yards and was overwhelmed by Georgia’s defense, which allowed just 63 rushing yards. Defensively, the Seminoles gave up significant yardage, allowing over 300 yards through the air and over 370 on the ground.
Despite this rough ending, Florida State was a strong offensive team throughout the season. They averaged nearly 35 points per game and were a top-tier unit in accumulating yards and scoring, with a balanced attack that included both passing and rushing touchdowns. Their discipline and ball security were commendable, with minimal turnovers and solid production in gaining first downs.
On defense, the Seminoles were generally solid, especially against the pass, where they ranked among the nation’s best. However, their run defense showed some weakness, allowing over 150 yards per game on the ground. Overall, Florida State’s defense held opponents to just under 20 points per game, placing them as one of the stronger defensive units in the country, though they had room for improvement in stopping the run.
Georgia Tech’s 2023 College Football Performance
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had a season of ups and downs in 2023, finishing with a 7-6 record. However, they ended on a positive note with a victory over the UCF Knights, where running back Jamal Haynes led the way with a strong performance on the ground. Quarterback Haynes King also contributed, throwing for a touchdown, although he did have an interception. The defense held its own, giving up some yards but keeping the Knights in check overall.
Offensively, Georgia Tech was a solid team, capable of putting points on the board and gaining yards both through the air and on the ground. They showed good balance in their attack but were hampered by turnovers and penalties, which often stalled their momentum.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets had their struggles, particularly against the run, where they were often over-matched. While their pass defense was more effective, they still allowed too many points overall. Despite these challenges, the defense was opportunistic, forcing several turnovers throughout the season.
Intensified Preparations for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic
As game week approached, the atmosphere in Tallahassee intensified, with the Seminoles ramping up their preparations for the season opener. The team’s practices were highly competitive, with both the offense and defense making notable plays. The Seminoles are looking to prove they are back as a perennial power in college football.
Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, a transfer from Oregon State, showed promise but also some inconsistency, likely exacerbated by a few dropped passes from his receivers. Uiagalelei made several impressive throws, including a perfect pass to running back Lawrance Toafili and a deep connection with Jalen Brown.
Other offensive standouts included wide receiver Ja’khi Douglas, who made a difficult catch in practice, and Jalen Brown, who consistently caught passes and displayed excellent separation from defenders. Tight end Landen Thomas and running back Kam Davis also had strong performances, with Davis contributing both in the running game and as a blocker.
On the defensive side, Sione Lolohea made his presence felt early in practice with a tackle for loss and pressure on the quarterback. Marvin Jones Jr., set to make his debut for Florida State, also impressed with his explosiveness and strength. The defense continued to create turnovers, with Edwin Joseph and Cam Riley each recording interceptions in practice. Fentrell Cypress II and Darrell Jackson were also standouts, with Cypress breaking up a deep pass and Jackson using his long wingspan to stop a running back in his tracks.
Aer Lingus College Football Classic Odds at BetAnySports.eu
Overall, the matchup between Florida State and Georgia Tech promises to be an exciting start to the 2024 college football season. Both teams are looking to set the tone for the year ahead, with the Seminoles eager to prove their playoff credentials, and the Yellow Jackets aiming to build on their recent success. All eyes will be on Dublin as these two teams kick off the new season in what is sure to be a thrilling contest.
For those looking to add an extra level of excitement to the game, BetAnySports.eu is offering a special promotion: a 30% cash bonus up to $600 on your deposit. This is a great opportunity for fans and bettors alike to get involved in the action and potentially win big as they cheer on their favorite team in this much-anticipated season opener.
Spread: Florida State -10 ½ (-105) – Georgia Tech +10 ½ (-115)
Total: 55 Over -115
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