Pittsburgh Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are the Pittsburgh Panthers’ first conference game of the season. While it is a road game, the Panthers should squeak out a victory here.

The Yellow Jackets are masters of the Triple Option offense behind head coach Paul Johnson, but they’ve yet to beat the Panthers over the past two seasons. Pittsburgh has won the past two games by a combined six points.

Georgia Tech still had an interesting 2016 season despite losing 37-34 to Pittsburgh. After losing three straight conference games, they won three of their last four games including a tough 30-20 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Sophomore running back Dedrick Mills is expected to have a breakout season after a strong campaign as a true freshman. He is currently on the 2017 Maxwell Award watch list after rushing for 771 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

The Yellow Jackets will see how quarterback Matthew Jordan fares in his first full season as starter, replacing Justin Thomas. Jordan ran for 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season against the Hokies in his lone start.

With four starters out of the lineup, Jordan led the Yellow Jackets to tough victory on the road last season. This season, he has a chance to put his leadership skills on full display.

The Panthers should be able to contain Jordan and Mills, but expect another close game in the end.

Final: Georgia Tech 21, Pittsburgh 24 (2-2, 1-0 ACC)