Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Clemson Tigers Picks and Predictions September 13th 2025

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Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs Clemson Tigers Picks and Predictions

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets look to end a nine-game losing streak when they host the Clemson Tigers in Saturday’s ACC opener. Clemson enters at No. 12 but has shown cracks after a slow start, while Georgia Tech rides confidence from a 2-0 beginning and is seeking its first win in the rivalry since 2014.

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Clemson: Searching for Rhythm

The Tigers began the year ranked No. 4 but have slipped after a 17-10 loss to LSU and a shaky 27-16 win over Troy. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, once considered a Heisman hopeful, has averaged just 213 passing yards per game. Clemson’s offense is producing only 288.5 yards per outing, a steep drop for a program used to explosive play.

Coach Dabo Swinney emphasized the need for rhythm and efficiency, pointing out that the unit finally clicked late against Troy but still hasn’t put together a complete performance. Clemson’s defense remains strong, but the offense has yet to match that intensity.

Clemson Snapshot

CategoryStatKey Note
Record1-1Loss vs LSU, win vs Troy
QB Cade Klubnik426 yds, 2 TDsNeeds consistency
Offense Avg.288.5 yds/gameBelow expectations
Head CoachDabo SwinneyEntering 16th season

Georgia Tech: A Confident Start

The Yellow Jackets earned 78 votes in the latest AP poll and sit just outside the Top 25. They opened with a road rally over Colorado and followed with a 59-12 dismantling of Gardner-Webb. Coach Brent Key’s squad has flashed balance on both sides of the ball, but the quarterback situation remains the headline.

Haynes King, voted second in ACC Preseason Player of the Year voting, missed the Gardner-Webb game with a lower-body injury. Freshman Aaron Philo stepped in and threw for 373 yards, earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors. Key expects King to practice this week but stressed the decision will come down to medical clearance.

Georgia Tech Snapshot

CategoryStatKey Note
Record2-0Wins vs Colorado, Gardner-Webb
QB Haynes KingDay-to-dayPreseason ACC standout
QB Aaron Philo373 pass yds vs GWURookie of the Week
All-Time Series50-36-2 GTFirst meeting in 2 years

Key Matchups to Watch

Clemson’s front seven against Georgia Tech’s offensive line will be decisive. If Klubnik continues to struggle, the Tigers will need to lean on their run game and defense. Georgia Tech’s quarterback decision — whether King returns or Philo gets another start — adds intrigue. If Philo plays, Clemson’s defense will try to rattle the freshman early. If King returns, his dual-threat ability could give the Jackets the edge in tempo.

Series History and Rivalry Stakes

Georgia Tech still leads the all-time series 50-36-2, but Clemson has dominated since 2015, winning nine straight matchups with an average margin of victory above two touchdowns. The Tigers know an ACC loss this early would derail playoff hopes, while the Yellow Jackets view this as their best chance in a decade to reclaim momentum in the rivalry.

Picks and Predictions

Clemson enters as the ranked favorite, but their early offensive struggles make this a potential upset spot. Georgia Tech’s defense has looked sharp, and whether it’s King or Philo at quarterback, the Jackets have shown an ability to move the ball.

Projection: Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 21. The Tigers’ defense may be just enough to extend the winning streak, but the Yellow Jackets are well-positioned to cover. Bettors can check the latest college football odds and track expert calls on the NCAAF picks page. For betting strategies, the Expert NFL Betting Guide offers deeper insights.