As anticipation builds for Georgia Tech’s marquee homecoming game, the undefeated No. 7 Yellow Jackets (7-0) prepare to host the Syracuse Orange (3-4) Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. This ACC matchup is another early noon kickoff spotlighting a pivotal moment in Georgia Tech’s strong 2025 campaign.

   It was 1966 the last time a Yellow Jacket team was 7-0 under head coach Bobby Dodd in his 22nd and final year with the team. Tech finished the regular season with a loss at Georgia, then lost in the Orange Bowl to the Florida Gators. They were ranked 8th in both final polls.

   Georgia Tech enters this game riding a wave of momentum, having dominated key opponents and positioned themselves atop the ACC standings. But, let’s be honest, a lot of things have gone their way in a lot of close games.

   Head coach Brent Key’s squad boasts one of the conference’s most potent rushing attacks, averaging over 228 rushing yards per game, and balanced offense capable of scoring 35 points per outing. Defensively, the Yellow Jackets have been solid, limiting opponents to around 20 points per game on average, showing particular strength in pass defense.

   The Jackets’ Haynes King was named ACC Quarterback of the Week. The R-Sr. accounted for 325 yards of total offense, rushing for 120, the third time this season, and his school-record seventh time as a Yellow Jacket, that he’s had at least 100 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game. On the other side of the ball, R-Jr. Jy Gilmore is ACC Defensive Back of the Week with 11 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss and a half sack.

   Syracuse, meanwhile, faces its own challenges. The Orange arrive with a 3-4 record coming off three losses (38-3) to Duke, (31-18) at SMU and 30-13 last week at home to Pitt. Cuse also picked up some hardware with DL Kevin Jobity Jr. earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors after a three-sack performance against the Panthers.

   Cuse has had a struggling offense hampered by turnovers and injuries, especially at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore Rickie Collins, despite recent interceptions, remains the starter as coach Fran Brown stays committed to him as the best option. Syracuse’s defense has shown flashes of effectiveness, particularly in fundamentals like tackling and gap responsibility, but will be tested by a Georgia Tech ground game ranked second in the ACC.

   The matchup carries high stakes for both teams. Georgia Tech looks to solidify its College Football Playoff hopes with an eighth consecutive win, while Syracuse aims to bounce back from that three-game losing streak and prove their resilience on the road. Analysts favor Georgia Tech heavily, with betting odds giving the Yellow Jackets a 17.5-point advantage and an expected 23-point margin of victory.

   Coach Brent Key highlighted the need for focus and execution ahead of the game: “We know Syracuse is a tough opponent, and they’ll bring a physical, disciplined style. It’s important for us to match their intensity and execute our game plan without mistakes.”

   Meanwhile, Syracuse’s Fran Brown emphasized resilience and preparation: “We all get to face adversity together. The best way to face adversity is head on. That’s what I’m trying to get our guys to understand.”

   With the homecoming crowd set to bring energy and excitement, this clash between ACC contenders promises to be a defining moment in Georgia Tech’s season and a test of Syracuse’s grit.

   “Homecoming games always bring a special energy, and we know Syracuse will come ready to compete,” said Key.

   Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.