VMI (0-2) takes on Georgia Tech (2-1) on Saturday, September 14th at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen live on ESPN+ and ACC Network Extra. Georgia Tech is a massive 42.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 56.5.
Here's my VMI vs Georgia Tech prediction and pick.
VMI vs Georgia Tech Odds, Pick
| VMI Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+45 -115 | 54 -112 / -108 | N/A |
| Georgia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-45 -105 | 54 -112 / -108 | N/A |
- VMI vs Georgia Tech Point Spread: VMI +45 (-115) · Georgia Tech -45 (-105)
- VMI vs Georgia Tech Total: Over/Under 54
- VMI vs Georgia Tech Pick: Over 56.5
VMI vs Georgia Tech Preview
VMI comes into this matchup with Georgia Tech following a close home loss against Bucknell. VMI couldn't contain the Bucknell passing attack as Ralph Rucker IV was 28-of-37 passing for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
The Keydets surrendered quite a few big plays through the air against the Bison as they couldn't cover Eric Weatherly or TJ Cadden.
Defensively, VMI registered three sacks and several tackles for loss in the game, something they were unable to do against William & Mary.
Offensively for the Keydets, the bright spot has been running back Hunter Rice, who has run for 247 yards and three touchdowns through two games this season. Getting the running game going against Georgia Tech will be critical for VMI to have success in this matchup as the passing game has been weak. Quarterback Collin Shannon is 29-for-51 passing on the season with 181 yards through two games. VMI has actually used multiple quarterbacks in each game.
VMI is regarded as a bottom-tier team in the Southern Conference. Their defense is undersized and the Keydets have been shredded through two data points. They are surrendering 450 yards and 38 points per game, and those numbers should only get worse after they take on Georgia Tech.
Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is coming off a close conference loss on the road at Syracuse. The Yellow Jackets could not get off the field on third and fourth down and couldn't stop the passing attack. Kyle McCord was highly efficient in a 32-for-46 effort with 381 yards and four passing scores. Tech gave up explosive pass plays and couldn't stuff the run when the game was on the line.
Momentum changed when Georgia Tech missed a field goal to end the first half and went three and out to start the second half. Syracuse controlled the rest of the half outside of a late Tech surge that made the final score closer than the game was.
While Georgia Tech has played well in its first couple of games, there is cause for concern defensively. Georgia State flubbed two opportunities in the first half with first and goal inside the 3-yard line and couldn't punch it in. In the late stages, Georgia State had another first and goal opportunity and did not score.
Offensively, the Yellow Jackets have been very consistent. They have a balanced attack that has averaged 404 yards per game. The run game has been solid and is averaging 176 yards per game on 5.6 yards per carry. Haynes King has also been extremely solid, completing 76% of his passes while throwing for 687 yards.
Running back Jamal Haynes and wide receiver Malik Rutherford have also performed well. I'm fully confident that Georgia Tech will be able to score early and often in this contest against an overmatched foe.
Defensively, Georgia Tech played lights out against Florida State in Week 0, but has allowed plenty of explosiveness in the past two weeks. I'm not sold on the stop unit being able to completely shut down VMI, especially late in the second half.
VMI vs Georgia Tech Prediction
My play for this game is on the over. Georgia Tech is 1-3 ATS in their past four games hosting FCS competition, and in each instance, Georgia Tech surrendered multiple touchdowns to each opponent.
Georgia Tech has a massive revenge spot on deck at Louisville and I'd suspect the Yellow Jackets will work in some prep this week for the Cardinals, in addition to the Keydets. This is an exhale spot and I wouldn't be surprised to see VMI find the endzone a couple of times as Georgia Tech works deep into its roster on the defensive side.
Offensively, Georgia Tech should completely control the line of scrimmage and dominate in the run game. I would also expect easy completions to wide open receivers and very minimal resistance from the Keydets' back seven. Anything less than 52 points scored by Georgia Tech here would be surprising.
Pick: Over 56.5 (Play to 59)
How to Watch VMI vs Georgia Tech Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 14 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ACC Network Extra |
VMI vs Georgia Tech Betting Trends
- 57% of the bets are on Georgia Tech ATS while 53% of the money is on the same side.
