Georgia Tech's Offensive Changes Create Uncertainty Ahead of Clemson Clash
Georgia Tech (2-7, 1-5 ACC) enters Death Valley Saturday on a three-game losing streak, having fallen to Boston College (49-27), Pittsburgh (34-11) and Louisville (44-17). Despite those struggles, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney cautioned against overlooking a Yellow Jackets team that defeated the Tigers last season.
"Obviously they've got some changes going on down there. That presents a little bit of some unknowns going into the game. As I said last night, I mean they're a better team than their record," Swinney said Tuesday.
Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key has reshuffled offensive game-planning responsibilities amid several staff firings while retaining offensive coordinator George Godsey and co-offensive coordinator Chris Weinke.
The changes come as the Yellow Jackets rank 97th nationally in scoring offense (23.9 points per game) and 90th in total offense (359.7 yards per game). Although Georgia Tech averages 241.2 passing yards, ranking 49th nationally, its rushing attack ranks 116th at 118.4 yards per game.
Third-down efficiency has been another concern, with the Yellow Jackets converting just 29.6% of their opportunities, ranking 137th nationally. They also rank 118th in red-zone efficiency (76.7%) and 113th in turnover margin (minus-five).
Still, Swinney sees enough offensive talent to challenge Clemson's defense.
"It's two of the best backs we've seen. I think they're really good players, 22 and one, and then they got good receivers. Little number four is a baller. Seven is a guy that's made some plays. 13 is a guy that's come on as of late, big bodied receiver for them."
Justice Haynes (No. 22) leads the Yellow Jackets with 635 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. He has also contributed 14 receptions for 83 yards and two scores. Trelain Maddox (No. 1) averages 6.0 yards per carry with 289 yards and five touchdowns.
At quarterback, Georgia Tech has Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and current Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Through eight games, Mendoza has completed 70.4% of his passes for 1,795 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Unlike former Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King, Mendoza is not a significant rushing threat, having totaled minus-34 yards on 43 attempts.
The Yellow Jackets have also rotated quarterbacks recently, with Grady Adamson completing 13 of 27 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. Adamson led Georgia Tech with 63 rushing yards against Pittsburgh, while Mendoza has thrown for just 81 and 148 yards in his last two outings.
Tight end Kevin Roche Jr. has been another reliable target, recording 35 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown, although his availability Saturday remains uncertain.
The receiving corps features 5-foot-9 Jordan Allen (No. 4), who leads the team with 46 receptions for 543 yards and a touchdown, while Dalen Penson (No. 7) has 28 catches for 434 yards and two scores, averaging 15.5 yards per reception.
Isaiah Fuhrmann (No. 13) has also emerged as a target in recent weeks, while Jaiven Plummer has contributed three touchdown receptions among his six catches for 94 yards.
Another familiar name will be on Georgia Tech's sideline Saturday.
Former Clemson standout DeAndre Hopkins, in his first season coaching following a lengthy NFL career, was elevated from assistant wide receivers coach to primary wide receivers coach as part of Key's staff restructuring.
Swinney was asked what it would be like to see Hopkins on the opposing sideline.
"That's kind of a crazy thing," he said. "I'm excited for him, if this is what he wants to do. If he wants to coach, he'll be a great one. There's no doubt about it. So look forward to seeing him."
Clemson will look to avenge last season's 24-21 loss at Bobby Dodd Stadium, where Aidan Birr's 55-yard field goal as time expired gave Georgia Tech its first win over the then-No. 12 Tigers since 2014, dropping Clemson to 1-2.
Much has changed for the Yellow Jackets, who lost King, who accounted for 314 yards (211 passing, 103 rushing) of Tech's 358 total yards, and offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, now at Florida.
Clemson (6-3, 4-2 ACC) has won nine of its last 10 meetings against Georgia Tech, including eight straight at Death Valley dating to 2010. A victory Saturday would extend those streaks to 10 wins in 11 meetings and nine consecutive home victories over the Yellow Jackets.
