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Georgia Tech has struggled recently, dropping seven of its last nine games against FBS opponents, with the lone wins including a narrow, last-second victory over Boston College last November. That win improved the Yellow Jackets to 9-1 and positioned them one victory away from the ACC Championship Game. This season, however, defeating Boston College would carry far less weight; it would merely be Georgia Tech's third win and move them halfway to bowl eligibility, a goal that may ultimately prove elusive.
This game likely represents the Yellow Jackets' final opportunity as favorites this season, and if they harbor any hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive bowl game, they must secure a win here. Below are three reasons Georgia Tech could emerge victorious, followed by three reasons they might falter.
Why Georgia Tech Might Win
1. They are the more talented team
While the gap between Georgia Tech and Boston College isn't as vast as, say, Ohio State and Rutgers, the Yellow Jackets clearly possess superior talent across most positions. The key question is whether they can put together four consistent quarters. If Georgia Tech performs like they did in the first half against Virginia Tech, they will lose to Boston College. But if they replicate their second-half performance and their showing the previous week against Duke, they should win. The challenge has been getting that talent to coalesce for a full game.
2. Boston College's offense is not very good
The Eagles' offense is more unique than it is effective. Georgia Tech has yet to face a true dual-threat quarterback, but that changes this week with Mason McKenzie, a Division II transfer who has thrown for over 1,200 yards and leads BC in rushing with 444 yards. However, Boston College has allowed 16 sacks and ranks 14th in the ACC in total yards per game, 15th in passing yards per game, and 12th in rushing yards per game.
3. Boston College is winless on the road
The Eagles' three wins—against Maine, Rutgers, and Pittsburgh—all came at home. Prior to this season, Georgia Tech had been a formidable home team, but they are just 2-2 at home this year, with wins over Mercer and Duke and losses to Colorado and Tennessee. The loss to Colorado stings the most, as Tennessee is a far superior team. Under Bill O'Brien, the Eagles have struggled on the road, winning just two road games total in two and a half seasons (at Florida State in 2024 and at Syracuse in 2025).
Why Georgia Tech Might Lose
1. Too inconsistent
There have been positive moments in each of Georgia Tech's games this season, even in losses, but the inconsistency is maddening. The turnovers and offensive performance in the first half against Virginia Tech exemplify this, followed by a complete 180 in the second half where Georgia Tech looked like the better team. If Boston College forces turnovers, disrupts Georgia Tech's offensive line, and controls the tempo, they can win.
2. Injuries remain a problem
Georgia Tech has battled injuries for most of the season, and while the availability report for this game is not yet known, it could be telling. Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley missed last week's game against Virginia Tech; offensive linemen Ethan Mackenny, Markell Samuel, and Josh Petty continue to miss time; defensive linemen Jordan Walker, A.J. Hoffler, Jordan Boyd, and Shymeik Jones have been out; and perhaps more importantly, Daiquan White has been absent from the secondary. Will the injury situation improve this week?
3. Boston College's unique challenge
While the Eagles' offense may not be very good, it presents a challenge unlike anything Georgia Tech has faced this season. It can be difficult if a defense is not disciplined and fails to maintain assignments. McKenzie and former Georgia Tech (and Liberty) running back Evan Dickens form a solid rushing duo, and wide receiver Landon Wright averages over 30 yards per catch. Georgia Tech did some good things defensively last week, recording five sacks and eight tackles for loss, and tackling improved in areas. However, the defense is not so dominant that Boston College cannot exploit it.