-
Georgia Tech's new interior starters Kevin Peay Jr., Jameson Riggs and Joseph Ionata struggled to establish the run against Colorado: Justice Haynes gained 64 yards on 19 carries, with seven runs for no gain or a loss and 70 yards credited after contact. The preview identifies that interior as a pressure point against Tennessee's defensive front, not evidence that Haynes lacks rushing ability.
-
George Godsey retained much of Georgia Tech's power-spread structure while using multiple formations and heavier personnel. Fullback-type player Trelain Maddox started the opener, and three tight ends logged 45, 29 and 11 snaps during a 57-play game, concrete usage beyond the earlier depth-chart indication of multiple packages.
-
Georgia Tech quarterback Alberto Mendoza was pressured on 30% of his opening-game dropbacks and took three sacks, with only two pass attempts traveling at least 20 yards downfield. His 5-of-7 intermediate and 9-of-11 short passing offer a more encouraging accuracy signal, but protection limited opportunities to test the deep passing game.
-
Slot receiver Jordan Allen led Georgia Tech with eight catches for 113 yards against Colorado, while converted defensive back Dalen Penson added three for 73, including a late 42-yard catch. The preview identifies Allen's work over the middle and Penson's open-field speed as specific challenges for the next opponent, rather than a broad claim that every receiving position is proven.
-
Tennessee generated sacks through Xavier Gilliam, Tyree Weathersby, Mariyon Dye and Edwin Spillman against Furman, but the preview cautions that its transfer-heavy secondary was barely tested. Secondary coach Anthony Poindexter expects Georgia Tech's multiple formations, shifts and motions to test pre-snap calls and communication against better receiving options, a different challenge from simply repeating the opening-game pass rush.