The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (4-0) are set to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-1) on September 27, 2025, at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Both teams are eager to make a statement in this early-season ACC matchup. If Key and company want to be a contender in the ACC Conference Championship this year, they must show up Saturday and show they know how to play a clean game for 4 quarters.
Offensive Matchup: Quarterbacks and Ground Games
Georgia Tech: Haynes King
Senior quarterback Haynes King leads Georgia Tech’s offense. Through four games, he has accumulated 515 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Additionally, King has contributed 274 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. What the Yellow Jackets need to show this weekend, is that King can be consistent. While the entire country knows he is more than capable of the short pass game and the run game, the question remains on his ability to be consistent with the deep ball. Being able to not miss the easy throws will be a key contributor to this teams success as the season progresses.
Wake Forest: Robby Ashford
Wake Forest’s offense is helmed by redshirt senior Robby Ashford, a transfer from South Carolina. Ashford has thrown for 697 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions this season. He has also added 129 rushing yards and three touchdowns, making him a significant dual-threat for the Demon Deacons. The key for the Yellow Jacket defense during this matchup will be showing the ability to pressure a QB while not giving up tons of yards on the edge.
Running Backs to Watch
Georgia Tech’s Jamal Haynes leads the team with 290 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne follows closely with 247 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Both running backs have been pivotal in their respective teams’ offensive schemes. The good thing for the Ramblin’ Wreck is that the RB room is where they truly excel. Tech also has Malachi Hosley who has rushed over 200 yards as well.
Defensive Standouts
Georgia Tech: Kyle Efford
Linebacker Kyle Efford leads Georgia Tech’s defense with 20 tackles. His ability to read plays and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm will be vital in containing Wake Forest’s offense.
Wake Forest: Nick Andersen
Safety Nick Andersen anchors Wake Forest’s defense with 23 tackles this season. His leadership in the secondary will be essential in limiting Georgia Tech’s passing attack. Haynes King will need to be elusive but patient in this game. Again, we know he can run, it would be nice to show some patience in letting the WR run their routes. Also, need the offensive line to look the veteran part that they are; provide King some time to shine.
Statistical Comparison
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Georgia Tech | Wake Forest |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 4-0 | 2-1 |
| Passing Yards | 972 | 739 |
| Rushing Yards | 997 | 462 |
| Total Yards | 1,969 | 1,201 |
| Total Yards Per Game | 492.3 | 400.3 |
| Leading Tackler | Kyle Efford (20) | Nick Andersen (23) |
| Leading Rusher | Jamal Haynes (290) | Demond Claiborne (247) |
Keys to Victory
- Control the Line of Scrimmage: Both teams boast strong running games. The team that establishes dominance in the trenches will have a significant advantage.
- Quarterback Efficiency: Minimizing turnovers and making timely throws will be crucial. Both King and Ashford must manage the game effectively to keep their offenses on schedule. Georgia Tech has been far from perfect in minimizing turnovers this season. We need to see some improvement starting this week.
- Defensive Discipline: Limiting big plays and maintaining gap integrity will be essential for both defenses. The team that can force the opposing offense into third-and-long situations will have a better chance of success. For Georgia Tech and the Yellow Jackets, this also means not giving up silly 4th down conversions. Contain the edge.
- Special Teams Impact: Field position can often be the difference in close games. Effective punting, kickoff coverage, and return units can swing momentum in favor of one team. Luckily for Key and the Jackets, we should have this area covered as well, with Marshal Nichols earning ACC Specialist of the week last week.
Prediction
While Wake Forest has shown resilience this season, Georgia Tech’s balanced offense and stout defense give them the edge in this matchup. Expect the Yellow Jackets to continue their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought victory.
Georgia Tech 31, Wake Forest 17