Georgia Tech Hosts NC State For ESPN Thursday Night Football

By Don Stone, Football Atlanta, GeorgiaTechExpress.com

  Georgia Tech is still riding the high from their last home game, a thrilling (28-23) upset of then undefeated and #4 ranked Miami.

  They’ve had a nice 12 day rest since then with a Thursday night matchup coming at Bobby Dodd Stadium against NC State.

   The Yellow Jackets hold a record of 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They are looking to become the first Tech team in 25 years to go undefeated at home.

   Quarterback Haynes King has been effective, throwing for 1,600 yards this season with nine touchdowns and just one interception. The Tech running game is spearheaded by Jamal Haynes, who has rushed for 681 yards and nine touchdowns. Wide receivers Malik Rutherford and Eric Singleton, Jr. provide additional firepower.

The Wolfpack sits at 5-5 overall and 2-4 in the conference.

  NC State is looking to bounce back after a recent loss to Duke (29-19). The Pack’s offense is led by freshman quarterback CJ Bailey, who has thrown for 1,794 yards this season with 12 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

   Running back Jordan Waters has been a key player as well, accumulating 400 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

   With a balanced attack, NC State needs just one win in the final two games to become bowl eligible.

   The battle between the Wolfpack’s passing offense and Jackets’ strong defensive unit will be crucial.

   Lots of stuff going on before the game as fans are invited to make their way to the Tech Green area in the heart of Tech’s campus for a live edition of ESPN SportsCenter from 2-3 p.m.

   Helluva Block Party, Georgia Tech football’s official pregame tailgate party, will move from its traditional location on North Avenue to the same Tech Green. HBP’s food, music and fun begins at 3:30 p.m., four hours ahead of kickoff.

   At 6:45 p.m. (45 minutes prior to kickoff), the Georgia Tech Marching Band will close Helluva Block Party with a pregame performance.

   Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.