COMMENTARY: Look for an angry bunch of Yellowjackets Saturday night

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There is a good chance of thunderstorms in Atlanta Saturday night.

That might be the easiest thing the Tennessee football team will have to deal with.

More than a week ago, Georgia Tech got humiliated on its home field by a very average Colorado team.

The Yellowjackets will be out for revenge when they take on the Volunteers on ESPN at 7.

This is a Georgia Tech team that won 10 games a year ago. It’s rare when the bottom can fall out in the course of an offseason. 

The Yellowjackets have a new quarterback. Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza was making his first collegiate start. And Georgia Tech’s offensive line was playing its first game together, accounting for some of the problems that impacted offensive efficiency.

Georgia Tech coach Brent Key used a little gamesmanship with a message his players likely got loud and clear. He kinda chuckled when he was asked about Tennessee coach saying he always has physical teams.

Key asked if Heupel said that before or after the Colorado game. When he was told “after,” he said that was a case of Heupel being kind.

Suffice it to say, the Yellowjackets will come out with a chip on their shoulder.

Tennessee, meanwhile, will have to have its ground game working, If the Vols can run the ball effectively, then set up the pass, they should be in good shape.

Tennessee 30, Georgia Tech 21

CALEB JARREAU: Tennessee 45, Georgia Tech 10 

This one could get out of hand fairly quickly after the Week 1 performance Georgia Tech showed. 

TREVOR MCGEE Tennessee 34, Georgia Tech 20 

I don't see Georgia Tech rebounding from a miserable performance a week ago. While Alberto Mendoza will provide a stronger test for Jim Knowles' unit, the Vols' defense will remain stingy.  I think Faizon Brandon will keep the offense rolling with Mike Matthews and Ethan Davis returning to their hometowns. Kicker Cooper Ranvier will also connect on his first two field goals of the season. 

JACK GLENNON Tennessee – 23, Georgia Tech – 14

It is imperative that Tennessee takes advantage of a lackluster Georgia Tech run defense on Saturday. If the Vols win the turnover battle, they win the game.

THEO COLLI Tennessee 31, Georgia Tech 23

Tennessee football had an easy week one, but can it replicate that success against its first Power Four matchup of the season, Georgia Tech? These two teams last met in 2017, when the Vols grabbed a one-point win. Saturday will be another close contest, with true freshman Faizon Brandon showing some growing pains before ultimately grabbing the win in Atlanta.

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