Georgia Tech returns to Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 6, for its home opener against Gardner-Webb, with the Yellow Jackets looking to build on momentum from a strong road win at Colorado. Head coach Brent Key’s group will face a Runnin’ Bulldogs team riding high after a thrilling comeback victory in their own season opener, making for an intriguing matchup in Atlanta.

    Gardner-Webb arrives with confidence after rallying from an early deficit to post a 52-45 victory over Western Carolina…the biggest comeback in school history. Graduate Quarterback Nate Hampton proved a dual threat, rushing for four touchdowns and passing for two more, supported by a run game boasting three backs with over 80 rushing yards each. The Bulldogs’ ability to score quickly and sustain drives makes them a potential test for the Tech defense.

   Hampton has been tabbed the Stats Perform FCS National Player of the Week as well as Big South/OVC Football Offensive Player of the Week, while teammate and redshirt-junior linebacker Jamari Young was named Big South/OVC Football Defensive Player of the Week 

   Haynes King picked up some hardware himself as the Atlantic Coast Conference picked him as the ACC Quarterback of the Week. Wednesday, he was also named the Maxwell National Player of the Week.

   King headlines Tech’s offense after rushing for three touchdowns and passing for 143 yards in week one, giving the Jackets both leadership and production at QB. The Yellow Jackets showcased a balanced attack, racking up 463 total yards including 320 on the ground, while overcoming early turnovers and penalties to notch their first win.

   Defensively, Georgia Tech held Colorado under 160 passing yards and limited big plays, but will aim for more takeaways against Gardner-Webb.

   Coach Key talked about Saturday’s opponent. “We didn’t play great to start by any means… now it’s time to correct those things and move forward to Gardner-Webb, a team that was down 35 to seven against Western Carolina, who was a ranked team last week and ended up [scoring] 52 points, almost 650 yards total offense.”

   He cautioned his team about facing a Bulldogs squad capable of explosive comebacks, adding, “You are looking at something that was a one, two percent chance of happening when you have that string of events… you are happy with how they overcame adversity, but that shows you have a good team. And if you want to have any opportunity or chance of having a great team, you cannot do those things. So we got a lot of work to do, started on Sunday when we were in here. And it’ll continue to go.”

   Preseason projections and analytics give Georgia Tech a clear edge, with ESPN’s FPI rating the Jackets as heavy favorites (98.5% chance to win). But Key has cautioned his team about underestimating any opponent, emphasizing, “Film doesn’t lie, and Gardner-Webb has made a lot of improvements year over year. They’ll be physical and disciplined, and we need to play our best football.”

   The matchup promises fast-paced offense, as both teams come off high-scoring performances, and will serve as a barometer for Georgia Tech’s progress in the second year under Key’s leadership. Fans can expect to see Tech play with energy as they aim to start their home campaign with a win, knowing Gardner-Webb is ready to test them on The Flats.

   Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. with the game available on ACC Network Extra.