College GameDay was in Dublin, Ireland today for the big Week 0 matchup between Georgia Tech and Florida State, and the GameDay crew, including the greatest college football coach of all time, Nick Saban, gave their predictions for today's game.
Only WWE Superstar and today's guest picker, Sheamus, predicted a Georgia Tech win, while Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit, Nick Saban and Desmond Howard all predicted a win for the Seminoles.
Here's how to watch, listen or live stream Saturday's game:
Television: ESPN
• Play-by-play: Joe Tessitore
• Analyst: Jesse Palmer
• Sideline reporter: Katie George
• Mobile App: ESPN
• Online: WatchESPN.com
Radio: Georgia Tech Sports Network
• Commentary: Andy Demetra
• Analyst: Joe Hamilton
• Sideline reporter: Chris Mooneyham
• Atlanta: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan
• Across Georgia: Visit RamblinWreck.com for a list of stations
• Satellite: SiriusXM 108 or 193
• Mobile Apps: GT Yellow Jackets, 680 The Fan, SiriusXM, TuneIn
• Online: RamblinWreck.com, 680TheFan.com
Betting odds from Caesars Sportsbook: Florida State -10.5; Over/Under 55.0; Moneyline: Florida State -480, Georgia Tech +360
There are a lot of factors that go into this game, but I think the winner of the matchup between Georgia Tech's defensive line and Florida State's offensive line may be the winner. Georgia Tech has had one of the worst defenses in the country, especially when it comes to stopping the run, but Mike Norvell's teams are usually very strong on the ground. The Seminoles have deep running backs and a strong offensive line, which may be a defining feature of their offense this year.
Brent Key overhauled the defense in the offseason and focused on strengthening it through the transfer portal. Key spoke highly of the defense throughout fall camp and it deserves better guidance. Former Duke defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci now directs the Yellow Jackets defense, which had a chance to play Florida State last year and held Florida to 420 yards of total offense.
In his one season at Duke (2023), Santucci led the ACC's top-ranked scoring defense, allowing just 19.0 points per game, good for 16th in the nation. The Blue Devils also ranked in the top 50 nationally in rush defense, pass defense, total defense, tackles for a loss, third-down defense, fourth-down defense and red zone defense. Duke allowed just 10 points combined in two wins against teams that finished the season in the top 25 (#20 Clemson (28-7) and #21 North Carolina State (24-3)) and finished the season with an 8-5 record overall, including a 17-10 win over Troy in the 2023 Birmingham Bowl.
If Florida State can run the ball at will, it won't matter what their passing game is like. If Georgia Tech can get success on early downs and force Uiagalelei into obvious passing situations, they'll be able to win the game.
Game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and needs help, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
