The buzz is back in Atlanta—and it’s loud. 🐝
No. 16 Georgia Tech is quickly climbing back into national relevance, and this weekend’s road trip to Wake Forest could take the Yellow Jackets to a place they haven’t been in over a decade. A win in Winston-Salem would give Tech a 5-0 start for the first time since 2014—the same year they played in the ACC Championship Game and capped the season with 11 wins and a New Year’s Six bowl appearance.
For head coach Brent Key, this isn’t just about a hot start. It’s about proving Georgia Tech belongs back in the conversation among the ACC’s elite.
“We’re going to get 100 percent from every team we face. We don’t have margin to let up, at all,” Key said. “Every week is a challenge. I love it. To be in this environment at Georgia Tech, this is something that we’ve really craved for a long time.”
Haynes King Leads High-Flying Offense
A big reason for Tech’s rise? Quarterback Haynes King.
The dual-threat playmaker has been electric, guiding an offense that averages 38.8 points and nearly 500 yards per game. In just three contests, King has thrown for 515 yards and two touchdowns while adding 274 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.
He’s not just managing the offense—he’s becoming one of the early favorites for ACC Player of the Year.
Wake Forest Looking to Break Streaks
Meanwhile, Wake Forest (2-1, 0-1 ACC) has had plenty of time to prepare. The Demon Deacons last took the field on September 11 in a 34-24 loss to NC State. After holding a 14-0 lead early, things unraveled, and they’ve been itching for another chance ever since.
Head coach Jake Dickert, in his first season at Wake Forest, admitted the long break has been tough.
“Watching college football one Saturday is OK. Twice gets me really antsy,” Dickert said. “Four straight home games to start a season is unique, but what an opportunity. I’m really excited about getting our guys back out there and showing the work we’ve had against a nationally-ranked opponent.”
The challenge, however, is steep. Wake hasn’t beaten a ranked team since 2022 (a win over No. 23 Florida State) and hasn’t defeated Georgia Tech since the 2006 ACC Championship Game.
Players to Watch
- Robby Ashford (QB, Wake Forest): The Auburn/South Carolina transfer has yet to find his rhythm, throwing just one touchdown in three games.
- Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest): The bright spot for the Deacs. He’s averaging 82.3 rushing yards per game after a 1,000-yard season last year.
- Georgia Tech’s Defensive Front: With Daniels leading the Jackets’ offense, the defense has quietly grown into a hard-nosed unit, living up to the “physical and tough” label that Dickert himself praised.
The Bottom Line
This matchup is more than just another ACC clash—it’s a statement game. Georgia Tech has a chance to hit 5-0 for the first time in 11 years and keep itself firmly in the College Football Playoff conversation.
For Wake Forest, it’s about seizing the moment. A win over a ranked opponent would give Dickert his first signature victory and send shockwaves through the conference.
But as of now, all signs point to a Georgia Tech team that is rolling with confidence, identity, and purpose. The Jackets are not just winning games—they’re building momentum that feels awfully familiar to 2014.
The question is simple: can they keep it going in Winston-Salem?
