Running the vaunted triple option requires a signal-caller with next-level vision, breakneck speed and elite decision-making abilities. The Yellow Jackets have found just that in Justin Thomas.
In 2014, Thomas led Georgia Tech to an 11-3 record, including a ACC Coastal division title and a 49-34 Orange Bowl victory against Mississippi State. Thomas concluded his redshirt sophomore season with 1,719 passing and 1,086 rushing yards to go along with 26 total touchdowns. Expect those numbers, and the Yellow Jacket offense, to improve in 2015 with Thomas back for his junior campaign.
If the Yellow Jackets want to repeat as division champions, they must do it without six starters from last year’s offense. Luckily for Georgia Tech, four of the five returning starters are offensive linemen, and the other is Thomas. The Yellow Jackets will have to replace their backs and receivers, but Broderick Snoddy and Stanford transfer Patrick Skov should be able to handle the duties as starting backs. The loss of receiver Deandre Smelter, last year’s leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, will also be felt, but the Yellow Jacket attack should be just fine.
Defensively, Georgia Tech was not great in 2014, allowing 25.7 points per game, a number that jumped to 38.7 in its three losses. But the Yellow Jackets do not have to compete against the nation’s best offenses in the ACC Coastal, making Georgia Tech the favorite to win the division.
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