Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky Prediction, TaxSlayer Bowl Preview

Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the TaxSlayer Bowl matchup between the Yellow Jackets and Wildcats.

Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky Game Preview

When: Saturday, December 31 – 11:00 p.m. ET
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
TV Broadcast: ESPN

The TaxSlayer Bowl matches up two teams that are coming off upsets of their rivals, with Georgia Tech defeated Georgia and Kentucky shocking Louisville.

The Yellow Jackets love to run the triple-option attack, while Kentucky features a balanced attack that leans on the legs of Boom Williams and Benny Snell Jr. It should be a game played heavily on the ground, so don’t switch the channel.

What To Know About Georgia Tech

Quarterback Justin Thomas can throw the ball, passing for 1,454 yards this season, but as always with a Paul Johnson coached-team, the triple-option attack will be how the Yellow Jackets move the ball. Running back Dedrick Mills, while missing four games this season, leadings the Jackets with 11 rushing touchdowns.

For the Jackets’ defense, shutting down the combination of Williams and Snell and putting pressure on Johnson in the pocket will be the top priority. Defensive lineman Patrick Gamble has been a beast this season, recording 8.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks.

What to Know About Kentucky

Quarterback Stephen Johnson has filled in well for starter Drew Barker, but he has help in the backfield with the running back duo of Boom Williams and Ben Snell Jr. The Wildcats must rely on those two to get the ball moving on the ground to both control the time of possession and keep Johnson from being under intense pressure.

The Wildcats will try and stop a Georgia Tech offense that relies on the run. Linebacker Josh Allen is a sack machine, racking up seven so far this season to lead Kentucky. His buddy, linebacker Jordan Jones, has made a splash on the SEC scene, recording 100 total tackles, with 70 being solo.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. Both will try to pound the ball against the opposing defense.

Defense: Georgia Tech. Gamble will have to be blocked by the Kentucky offensive line to give Johnson time.

Special Teams: Kentucky. Kicker Austin MacGinnis has made two game-winning field goals this season.

Coaching: Georgia Tech. Paul Johnson was on the hot seat entering the season, but responded with an eight-win season.

Intangibles: Kentucky. Playing in your first bowl game under Mark Stoops will get you amped up.

Matchup To Watch

Georgia Tech rush offense vs. Kentucky defense

The Yellow Jackets have a way of wearing opponents down with its triple-option attack. Can the Wildcats sustain for 60 minutes?

Georgia Tech vs. Kentucky Betting Odds

Spread: Not available at time of publication
Over/Under: Not available at time of publication.