No. 12 Notre Dame (5-1) visits Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the first time on Saturday to take on high-flying Georgia Tech (5-2). The Fighting Irish are on a four-game winning streak and are looking to protect their College Football Playoff aspirations. The Yellow Jackets are searching for their second win over a Top 25 team after defeating then No. 10 Florida State in their season opener in Dublin, Ireland. Saturday’s game marks the 38th meeting between the two programs. Notre Dame leads the all-time series record 30-6-1 and is 13-2-1 when playing Georgia Tech on the road.
Irish Offense Gaining Momentum
Notre Dame’s offense has been steadily improving throughout the season. Quarterback Riley Leonard has played a pivotal role in the resurgence. Leonard has grown in recent weeks, showing improved accuracy, decision-making, and poise under pressure. His ability to extend plays with his legs has opened the offense for both the running and passing game. In the dominating win against Stanford, Leonard was the only Power 4 quarterback that weekend, who, in regulation, passed for at least 225 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions and a rushing touchdown. To boot, he did all of that in just three quarters. Luke Altmyer of Illinois achieved the feat in overtime. If Leonard continues his development, the Irish’s offense could become a formidable force in the second half of the season.
“I feel like offensively, it is starting to kick in and click,” offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said of the Irish’s offense at his press conference this week ahead of facing Georgia Tech. “Consistency has gotten a lot better. Obviously, everything starts with the quarterback because he touches the ball every snap. I think his [Leonard] comfort level continues to grow. And everybody around him continues to grow. It’s moving in a positive direction.”
Notre Dame, Georgia Tech at a Glance
Georgia Tech is one win away from becoming bowl-eligible in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2013 and 2014. The Yellow Jackets are the only Atlantic Coast Conference team that ranks in the top 25 nationally in both rushing defense (24th – 103.7 yards per game) and rushing offense (25th – 204.4 yards per game). Notre Dame ranks 45th in the nation in rushing defense, allowing 121.3 rushing yards per game. The Fighting Irish’s rushing offense ranks 16th in the country with 216.5 yards per game.
Al Golden’s stout Irish defense will need to slow Georgia Tech’s running game, which has racked up 616 yards in the last two games. Spearheading the Georgia Tech rushing attack is running back Jamal Haynes. He has rushed for 536 yards (just over five-and-a-half average) and seven touchdowns this season.
Notre Dame’s defense suffered a serious blow this week, losing one of the top defensive players in the country. All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison will miss the rest of the season due to a hip injury suffered in last week’s 49-7 win over Stanford. Morrison has already undergone surgery. Freshmen Leonard Moore and Karson Hobbs will likely see action in Morrison’s absence. Nickel back Jordan Clark could also offer support at cornerback for the Irish. Notre Dame’s defense was dominant last week against Stanford. The unit was the only FBS program last weekend to hold an opposing offense to 87 or fewer passing yards and also 200 or fewer offensive yards in the same game.
Status Uncertain for Georgia Tech QB Haynes King
Offensive-minded Georgia Tech ranks 59th in the nation in passing offense with 240.1 yards per game. Notre Dame ranks sixth in passing defense, giving up just 148.7 yards per game. Georgia Tech’s aerial attack is led by junior quarterback Haynes King, who is questionable for the game. In 2023, King, a converted wide receiver, threw for 2,756 yards and 26 touchdowns. The dual-threat signal caller tacked on 648 rushing yards with nine scores on the ground.
So far this season, King is 136-of-191 for 1,568 yards. He has thrown eight touchdowns to one interception. In last week’s win over North Carolina, King rushed for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns on 11 carries. However, King left the game in the fourth quarter due to a right arm or shoulder injury and did not return. Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key said this week that King is day-to-day. If King is unable to go against Notre Dame, Zach Pyron will likely get the start for Georgia Tech. Pyron started two games for Georgia Tech in 2022. He led the Yellow Jackets to a road win over Virginia Tech. The following week, the Yellow Jackets fell to Miami with Pyron under center. Pyron has played in every game this season and is often utilized as a short-yardage runner. He has gained 64 yards and scored one touchdown this season. Filling in for King last weekend, he was one-for-one passing for seven yards.
What to Expect
King’s versatility has been key to Georgia Tech’s success this season. If King plays, he could present Notre Dame with match-up issues, especially with Morrison missing from the secondary. With King’s status for the game uncertain, Notre Dame could have a prime opportunity to seize control early. A dominant defensive performance, coupled with an improved offense led by Leonard and anchored by running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, should set the tone for another victory. If the Irish can avoid a slow break from the gate and execute their game plan effectively, they should record another convincing win on Saturday en route to a spot in the CFP at season’s end.
Marcus Freeman Named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award Watch List
It was announced this week that Freeman has been named to the watch list for the 2024 Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award. With the Irish’s two victories over ranked teams in the Associated Press Top 25 this season, Freeman has nine wins over ranked opponents. That is the second-most of any Notre Dame football coach throughout their first three seasons. His seven ranked victories in his first two seasons lead all Notre Dame coaches. In total, 27 college football coaches have been named to the watch list. The award honors contributions that demonstrate a winning approach to coaching and life—both on and off the field.
