Brent Key started last season 9-1 before losing three straight games to close out a strong season for a Georgia Tech program that hasn't had a lot of 9-win seasons as of late. Key faced lofty expectations this season after such a good season, but things have gone about as poorly as possible for Tech. The Yellow Jackets only have one FBS win this season, and they haven't been very competitive in most of their losses. Key will have to find a way to motivate his team as they enter the toughest stretch of their schedule.
The gamble of bringing in a backup quarterback to be your starter has worked well for Louisville. It has not gone well for Georgia Tech. Alberto Mendoza was the backup to his Heisman Trophy winning brother Fernando last season at Indiana. He entered the portal after the season, even though it would seem that he would be the next man up for the Hoosiers. That was not the case, as they went after the top quarterbacks in the portal and Brent Key made the choice to bring in Mendoza.
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The Junior has been average with 10 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He does have a high completion percentage this year at 70%, but his 222 yards per game leaves a lot to be desired. Mendoza also has 7 fumbles this year, with a lot of them coming from poor ball handling in the pocket. There have been some good moments as he has looked good throwing the ball down the field, as well as scrambling to avoid pressure. But overall, he has not done enough to unlock the potential of this offense.
Running back is a position that had high hopes going into this season with the addition of Justice Haynes from Michigan. Haynes has been solid with 78 yards rushing per game, but it is a lot of tough yardage for him. He is averaging 4.9 yards per carry as there has not been a lot of room for him to run. Haynes has the talent to be a problem for an inconsistent Louisville run defense, as he runs very hard and can break a long run if he gets into the open field.
Trelain Maddox leads the Yellow Jackets in touchdown runs this season as the change of pace back for this team. Maddox has good speed in the open field while also showing the ability to make people miss. Maddox and Malachi Hosely could be factors in this game if they are both healthy. Tech will look to sustain drives to keep Louisville's offense on the sidelines. That will take a good effort from these running backs.
Former Louisville commit, Jordan Allen as emerged as the top receiver for Tech this year. The speedy sophomore has shown that he has genuine playmaking ability as a slot receiver as well as a returner. Allen has 46 catches on the season, but his lack of explosive plays are part of the reason the offense is struggling. Allen has one touchdown this year, and his longest catch is for 46 yards. What is really shocking to me is that they have not used him on jet sweeps or other handoffs. He only has one carry this year.
Dalen Penson and Kevin Roche are the other top targets for this Tech offense. Pinson is an outside receiver who is the most likely player to be utilized for deep shots down the field. However, he can make plays at all three levels of the offense and the offense does a good job of finding situations where he wins. Roche is a 6-9 tight end who is always open. Mendoza has done a good job of putting the ball in spots where Roche can use his height. He is not the fastest player, but he can run well enough to get open down the field. Look for him to be the top option in the red zone.
Key's teams have been known for their very good offensive lines, but losing Geep Wade as the position coach appears to be a very big deal for this team. The Tech offensive line is among the worst in the country per PFF, and they don't pass the eye test either. Pass rushers have had a field day getting home with any sort of pressure approach. Mendoza has not helped himself, but if your line can't handle any blitz, you are not going to have a lot of time to throw the ball. Throw in their inability to open up rushing lanes for the backs, and this line has been a true letdown for this offense.
