Georgia Tech Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

The Georgia Tech football team returns in 2017 looking to have an even better season than it had a year ago.

The 2016 college football season was an interesting test for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. While the defense improved, the offense took some strides in the opposite direction, particularly in ACC play.

The Yellow Jackets went 9-4 overall but 4-4 in conference play last season under head coach Paul Johnson. It was better overall than their 2015 performance but still, the team came up short with their conference schedule.

In 2017, they have an opportunity to start all over on offense. Quarterback Justin Thomas is gone, which gives junior quarterback an opportunity to show coaches what he can do. He made an appearance as a starter last season against the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Jordan ran for 121 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 30-20 upset of the Hokies in Blacksburg last season. He’s shown he has the potential to lead an offense for at least a game. This season, he’ll get a chance to lead for a whole year.

The Yellow Jackets defense returns eight players from last year’s squad. They allowed just 24.5 points per game on defense (39th in the FBS) as a unit. They’ll need to improve overall this season on yards allowed, but with experience returning there’s no need for panic yet.

Paul Johnson and the Yellow Jackets should have another strong season overall in the 9-10 win range. Although, in ACC play, things could get a become another struggle for them if they can’t run the ball efficiently.