Florida State (0-0) at Georgia Tech (0-0)
- When: Aug 24 2024, 12:00 PM
- Where: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Where to watch: ESPN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Florida State (#10) @ Georgia Tech
Point Spread
Florida State (#10) -10.5 (-115)
Georgia Tech 10.5 (-105)
Florida State (#10) @ Georgia Tech
Total
Over 55.5 (-110)
Under 55.5 (-110)
Florida State (#10) @ Georgia Tech
Moneyline
Florida State (#10) -480
Georgia Tech +350
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Passing Team Leaders:
Florida State: DJ Uiagalelei 2638 Yds
Georgia Tech: Haynes King 2842 Yds
Team Stats
| Seminoles | Yellow Jackets | |
| 0-0 | Record | 0-0 |
| 0-0 | Away & Home | 0-0 |
| – | Last 10 | – |
| – | Streak | – |
Last Matchup:
Florida State 41-16, October 29th, 2022
Game Preview
After 229 days of anticipation, college football is finally back, with No. 10 Florida State eager to make its mark. The Seminoles will kick off the 2024 season against Georgia Tech on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland, marking the ninth college football game to take place in the country.
Having reached the College Football Playoff as a bridesmaid last December, Florida State returns a wealth of talent from its 13-1 conference championship team. The Seminoles boast 73 returning players, including nine All-ACC selections—an impressive feat in today’s transfer-heavy environment.
In the backfield, fifth-year senior Lawrance Toafili leads the charge after rushing for 463 yards in 2023 while backing up Trey Benson. Toafili was named MVP of last year’s ACC Championship Game and now enters the season as the Seminoles’ leading returning player in both rushing and all-purpose yards.
The receiving corps also remains strong, featuring nine players who combined for 86 receptions, 1,195 yards, and five touchdowns. Although Florida State lost Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, and Jaheim Bell to the NFL Draft, tight end Kyle Morlock (19 receptions, 255 yards in 2023) and Ja’Khi Douglas (14 receptions, 243 yards) are expected to anchor the group.
A crucial addition to the roster is fifth-year transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who steps in for Jordan Travis, the 2023 ACC Player of the Year. Travis’s season-ending knee injury last year shifted the team’s dynamics. Uiagalelei had a rocky stint at Clemson from 2020-2022 but thrived at Oregon State in 2023, throwing for 2,638 yards and accounting for 27 total touchdowns.
Returning to the ACC, Uiagalelei is viewed as key to Florida State’s ambitions for its first College Football Playoff appearance in a decade. Coach Mike Norvell praised his experience: "DJ has played in a lot of football games. He’s been through the highs and lows. I couldn’t be more pleased with his progress since he arrived in January."
In front of Uiagalelei, the Seminoles have all-conference offensive linemen Darius Washington and Maurice Smith protecting him. Florida State’s past struggles with injuries at the quarterback position contributed to their playoff exclusion last season, but the team has a strong 23-4 record over the last two years.
On the other side, Georgia Tech enters the season following its first winning record since 2018 and its first bowl victory since 2016. Head coach Brent Key is optimistic about the program’s potential, but the Seminoles have historically dominated the matchup, leading the series 13-4 in regular-season ACC contests.
The Yellow Jackets will rely on dual-threat quarterback Haynes King, who threw for 2,842 yards and 27 touchdowns while rushing for 737 yards and 10 scores in 2023. Key has high expectations for King, stating, "He has every skill and every bit of ability to be the best quarterback in the country."
Georgia Tech’s leading rusher from last year, Jamal Haynes, also returns after amassing 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns.
While Florida State’s offense garners significant attention, defensive back Azareye’h Thomas emphasized the need for the defense to prepare well: "They have speed, speed, speed. Our defense will have to mind our Ps and Qs."
Key has revamped a defense that struggled last season, hiring Duke’s former defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci, who helped the Blue Devils allow just 19 points per game—best in the ACC. "Stop people, create takeaways … get the ball back to the offense," Santucci stated. "That’s our job."
Georgia Tech will be competing internationally for the second time, having previously won against Boston College in the inaugural Aer Lingus Classic in 2016. "It’s a great opportunity for Georgia Tech," Key said. "It’ll be great for people to see the GT on a worldwide stage."
NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Florida State 33-20
The Pick: Florida State -10½ & Under 55½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $364
- NCAAF Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
