The Miami Hurricanes (9-0) stand as the top team in the ACC, undefeated and controlling their path toward an ACC Championship Game appearance, which would be their first since 2017. Meanwhile, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-4) aim to secure back-to-back wins over Miami, adding some excitement to this ACC clash. Miami is motivated for both a victory and some payback, as a win would bring them one step closer to locking up a championship berth.
The matchup presents a classic storyline: the dominant, title-hungry team against an underdog looking to play spoiler and earn a key win.
Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.)
Date: Saturday – November 9 Time: 12:00 PM ET
Channel: ESPN Line: Miami -11.0, O/U: 63.5
Irish Breakdown made predictions for this big ACC contest.
BRYAN DRISKELL, OWNER
Prediction: Miami 35, Georgia Tech 27 (38-13 if Haynes King doesn’t play)
This matchup could either turn into a high-scoring thriller or end in a Miami blowout, and it largely hinges on the health of Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King. The Yellow Jackets have averaged 32.9 points per game with King under center, compared to just 9.5 points per game in the two games he missed. Miami’s defense, meanwhile, has allowed at least 31 points in four of its last five outings, indicating vulnerability. If Georgia Tech is healthy on offense, they could move the ball effectively and push the game toward a shootout, which would give them a real chance to stay competitive.
Georgia Tech likely brings the best defense Miami has faced this season, and if their offense finds a rhythm early, an upset could be within reach—but only if quarterback Haynes King is healthy and playing. Ultimately, while I expect the Yellow Jackets to keep this close, Miami’s balanced offense, led by Cam Ward, might prove just a bit too much for Georgia Tech to handle. If King had more time back on the field after his absence, the upset potential would be higher, but Miami still has the edge.
SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER
Prediction: Miami 48, Georgia Tech 30
Miami has had some close calls, but when you’re leading the nation in scoring, staying undefeated becomes a lot easier.
TREVOR TROWBRIDGE, STAFF WRITER
Prediction: Miami 42, Georgia Tech 30
Haynes King’s status remains uncertain as a game-time decision. This matchup should stay close through three quarters, much like other Miami games this season. However, Miami is expected to pull away in the final quarter and secure a double-digit victory.
NICK KREMER, RECRUITING ANALYST
Prediction: Miami 42, Georgia Tech 24
Miami has had some close calls this season, but there’s no question about Cam Ward’s impressive performance for the Hurricanes. With the stronger quarterback and a high-powered offense, Miami should prove too much for the Yellow Jackets to handle, leading to a comfortable Hurricanes victory.
ANDREW McDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR
Prediction: Miami 42, Georgia Tech 21
The Hurricanes come into this one tops in the nation in total offense and I expect them to be focused after getting a wake-up call against Duke last weekend. Georgia Tech is a program whose season is teetering on the edge. The Yellow Jackets haven’t won without QB Haynes King and also fired their special teams coordinator over the bye week. Even if King plays, it’s fair to suggest some rust, and I’m not confident that the Yellow Jackets’ defense can buy the offense enough time.
