The Florida State Seminoles and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets meet at Aviva Stadium on Saturday in Week 1 of college football. Here is a prediction for Georgia Tech vs. Florida State. This article contains picks for Georgia Tech vs. Florida State.

Betting preview for the Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles are entering their fifth year under coach Mike Norvell and are the favorites to win the ACC. FSU has won a combined 23 games over the past two seasons and big things are expected this year. Florida State brings in quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who rushed for over 8,000 yards and 57 touchdowns at Clemson and Oregon State. Florida State will need to find playmakers on the outside after losing its top three receivers, but running back Lawrance Toafili returns after averaging 6.7 yards per touch as a backup.

On defense, DJ Lundy returns after 54 tackles, Patrick Payton had 7 sacks and Conrad Hussey had 1 interception. Linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. also comes from Georgia and should thrive in an expanded role. Florida State has lost a lot of production to its defense, but the young players are there and the Seminoles have their quarterback. FSU is the team to beat in the ACC right now.

Betting Preview for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets won 7 games last year and could reach a bowl game in back-to-back years for the first time since 2013-14. Head coach Brent Key is entering his second season with the Yellow Jackets. Quarterback Haynes King returns after throwing for 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns and rushing for 737 yards and 10 scores. Georgia Tech has its top two receivers back in Eric Singleton Jr. and Malik Rutherford, while running back Jamal Haynes returns as a 1,000-yard rusher. Georgia Tech had the fourth-best scoring offense in the ACC last season, and all of the key players are back for an encore.

On defense, Kyle Efford returns after leading Georgia Tech with 81 tackles, Kevin Harris had 1 sack and Ahmari Harvey had 3 interceptions. Georgia Tech also picked up Ayobami Tifase from Florida State, EJ Lightsey from Georgia and Jordan van den Berg from Penn State. Georgia Tech has what it takes to surprise some people in the ACC as there is proven power on both sides of the ball.

Why the Florida State Seminoles will beat Georgia Tech

• Florida State has won each of its last 20 games against non-AP ranked teams.
• Georgia Tech has lost four of its last five season openers.
• Florida State has won the first half in nine of its last 12 games against conference opponents.

Facts about the total score

• In each of Florida State’s last seven games as a neutral-site favorite, the total points have been EXCEEDED.
• In each of Georgia Tech’s last five games against conference opponents, the point total has been EXCEEDED.

Facts about the game/league

• Georgia Tech ranked 14th among FBS teams in fourth-quarter winning percentage (.615) last season.
• Georgia Tech ranked 15th among FBS teams in Q4 points per game last season (9.6).
• Florida State ranked first among FBS teams in fourth-quarter points allowed per game last season (2.9).
• Florida State was one of only four FBS teams last season to win 4+ games despite trailing at halftime.

Prediction for Georgia Tech vs. Florida State

The Florida State Seminoles are obviously the more talented team and having an entire offseason to prepare gives them an even bigger advantage. However, Georgia Tech has a lot of players back from last year, especially on offense, and the Yellow Jackets should be able to move the ball with some success. We also have the travel we have in Dublin and the fact that they play rugby/soccer, which sometimes makes for a weird pitch and kicking issues. FSU has no experience at skill positions and is just breaking in a new quarterback, so it might take a week or two to really get going. Regardless, I’m happy with Georgia Tech’s value and points.