Happy Halloween and welcome to Week 9 Game 6. This week the Fightin’ Irish head to some warm weather in Atlanta Georgia. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will be hosting the Fightin’ Irish at Bobby Dodd Stadium instead of Mercedes Benz Stadium. This is the second road trip for the Fightin’ Irish in as many weeks. They will be looking to build on their blow out win against Pitt. The Irish will be without one of the star players, Braden Lenzy.
This article is dedicated to Darrin Post. I recently found out Darrin passed away suddenly May 8, 2018. Darrin and I met through a Facebook Page and I had the opportunity to go with him and his friends to my first ND game. I was absolutely upset when I learned of his passing when I went to message him this week. I was cleaning out some boxes and I found the discs he sent me from that weekend. Coincidentally it was from our GT game. I know Darrin was speaking to me as ND plays GT this weekend. So Darrin this is for you. Godspeed and enjoy the game from the best seat in the house. God bless his family and friends.
Recent History
The last time these two teams met was September 19, 2015. That just happened to be my first in-person game at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won that day 30-22. ND dominates the series with a 28-6-1 record over GT. Brian Kelly is 1-0 against GT.
Injuries
We learned Thursday October 29, that Braden Lenzy is out for two-four weeks with a hamstring. We also learned that Freshman Jordan Johnson will be on the varsity roster. When he sees action he will be in the (X) position and not in the (W) position.
Everyone knows that Kevin Austin is done for the season with the re-aggravation of his previously broken foot.
Let’s Talk Stats
GT Yellow Jackets
This season GT is 2-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play. They have been outscored 247-137. Below is a breakdown by quarter for the Yellow Jackets.
| 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd quarter | 4th Quarter | Total | |
| GT | 21 | 41 | 33 | 42 | 137 |
| Opp | 72 | 96 | 37 | 42 | 247 |
Offense
GT is 14-21 or 67% in the Redzone, opponents are 25-28 or 89%. Players to watch on offense Jalen Camp, Malachi Carter, Jahmyr Gibbs. GT has been using multiple QBs as well. Jeff Sims a true Freshman has been getting most of the reps this season, GT is very young at QB as of their QBs are true Freshman, one Red Shirt Freshman, and two RED Shirt Sophomores. Also, Changing from a triple option to a pro style offense just isn’t easy.
Defense
The defense has obviously had struggles stopping their opponents based upon the chart above. Defensive players to watch for are Zamari Walton, Quez Jackson, David Carry, and Junayeh Thomas.
ND Fightin’ Irish
Offensively and defensively the Fighting Irish are playing very steadily and with a mission. That is reflected in the score by quarter table below. The best stat is the Fightin’ Irish defense in the fourth quarter.
| 1st Quarter | 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter | Total | |
| ND | 41 | 73 | 47 | 17 | 178 |
| Opponent | 23 | 6 | 20 | 0 | 49 |
Offense
The Irish offense had a tremendous game last week against Pitt. The offense put some great numbers. Led by Ian Book, here were the Irish numbers. Ben Skowronek had a huge day, 2 TDS (34 yards and 73 yards). The offense had 434 Total Yards, 115 Yards Rushing, 319 Pass Yards, T.O.P. 40:59. The Irish will need to use the same laser focus on the aerial and ground attack to crisp up their game next week.
Defense
Nick McCloud, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Bo Bauer 1 INT each, allowed 162 Total Yards, 53 Plays for a T.O.P of 19:01, 6 Fumbles Caused, Myron Tagovailoa Amosa and Isaiah Pryor 1 Sack each, Isaiah Foskey and Ovie Oghoufo each .5 Sack. The defense is relentless in ball pursuit. The defense has been doing a much better job penalty wise. They are not extending the opponents possessions by unneeded penalties.
The Guy’s Picks
Ben’s Pick
“Georgia Tech has upgraded from the triple option to playing a regular offense. First actual big city game, going South. Weather is going to be better than it is up North. GT is not to be taken lightly. They make me nervous because historically ND plays down to their opponents. This a big away game. GT gets dominated by the offense. Because ND needs to take care of business. This can go one of two ways, ND dominates and wins or GT beats ND by a field goal late in the game.”
Score 24-10 ND
George’s Pick
Halloween in Georgia. GT was number 14 in offense and the number 10 defense. It was Coach Collins first season and you kinda give a pass to going under a new coach and changing things up. With that said, improvement should come in year two. ND cannot overlook GT because Clemson is next on the schedule. This is can be a trap game for ND if they are caught looking ahead to Clemson. Discipline is a must in this game and I am sure Coach Kelly will emphasize that the entire week of prep for GT.
Score 35-6 ND
The Wrap Up
Remember what we wrote earlier this week W.I.N., What’s Important Now, What’s Important Next. What’s Important Now is, BEAT GT, What’s Important Next, have a great practice week and prepare for Clemson. The Fightin’ Irish just need to have laser focus and dominate. Pay attention to detail and just play in the moment, that is the key. The Now is just as important as What’s Important Next. And dealing with Clemson is next after GT on Saturday.
Game Day Information
💻 Click Here
📻 Notre Dame Radio Network
SiriusXM (Channel 129)
96.1 FM, 101.5 FM & 960 AM (South Bend)
Paul Burmeister (play-by-play)
Ryan Harris (analyst)
Jack Nolan (reporter)
📺 ABC 3:30 PM EST
Dave Pasch (play-by-play)
Mike Golic (analyst)
Marty Smith (reporter)
Cheers and Go Irish! ☘🏈🌩
