Greg McElroy gives his stance on Georgia Tech at Duke

One of the more under-the-radar matchups of the week comes in the ACC. Two teams currently with 3-0 conference records, the Duke Blue Devils will play host to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. First place is on the line, and a win for either side continues the path to Charlotte without a blemish.

ESPN’s Greg McElroy went through his predictions this week, providing one for Duke-Georgia Tech. He is riding with the Blue Devils, citing a couple of areas where they might be a little more explosive.

“I’m taking Duke,” McElroy said via Always College Football. “I think they’re too disruptive on defense. I think their passing attack can cause some problems as well.”

Quarterback Darian Mensah was a big-time investment this offseason through the NCAA transfer portal. So far, dividends have paid off in a massive way. Through six games, Mensah has thrown for 1,838 yards, 15 touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 69.8% of his throws. All of those numbers are projected to smash his solid 2024 campaign with Tulane.

If there is one way Georgia Tech can take this one, McElroy points to their own defensive pressure. Duke’s offensive line has not been the most stable at times. Getting into the backfield is going to be important on the Yellow Jackets’ end to slow down Mensah.

“The offensive line, at times, has struggled in pass pro,” McElroy said. “He’s been sacked 12 times and that’s a vulnerability Georgia Tech is going to try to exploit… If Georgia Tech’s defense can consistently pressure Mensah, it might be the most important factor in slowing down the Blue Devils’ high-powered offense.”

Duke is looking to end a short skid in the series. Four straight have gone in favor of Georgia Tech, dating back to 2020. There was no matchup between them in 2023, ending a continuous streak dating back to 1933.

Of all the head-to-head matchups, this will be up there when it comes to what is on the line. Manny Diaz is in his second season in Durham, wanting to continue the positive trajectory of the program. The same can be said for Brent Key, who could help Georgia Tech receive a top-10 ranking for the first time since 2014 with a win.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET at Wallace Wade Stadium. McElroy is rolling with Duke, predicting them to start ACC play with an impressive 4-0 record.