No. 15 Georgia Tech

Coach: Paul Johnson
Record: 9-4 at Georgia Tech; 126-43, 12 years overall
Last season: 9-4, 5-3 Atlantic Coast
Bowl game: Lost to LSU 38-3 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl
Overview: Paul Johnson is a throwback from an offensive standpoint because he prefers the option. Because few teams run that offense, opposing defenses are usually unprepared for it. The Yellow Jackets took advantage of that by averaging more than 270 yards a game on the ground and ranked fourth in the country in rushing offense.
Key returnees: QB Josh Nesbitt, Jr.; RB Jonathan Dwyer, Jr.; DE Derrick Morgan, Jr.; S Morgan Burnett, Jr.
Why Georgia Tech is dangerous: The Yellow Jackets run a hard-nosed offense based on the option. Running back Jonathan Dwyer rushed for 1,395 yards last season and quarterback Josh Nesbitt rushed for 693 yards. Both are juniors and with a year of running Paul Johnson’s offense, they should be even more effective.
Why Georgia Tech is vulnerable: The bowl game had to be an eye-opening experience for Georgia Tech. LSU, which struggled in the SEC last season because of a poor defense, manhandled the Yellow Jackets. Does playing in the ACC prepare teams for top-flight competition? Tech must replace two defensive tackles.
Prediction: Paul Johnson has proven himself to be an outstanding coach and he could make Georgia Tech into a power in the ACC. The Yellow Jackets face interesting road games against Miami on Sept. 17 and Florida State on Oct. 10. They also have home games against Virginia Tech and Georgia. Tech should at least match last season’s record.