Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit, MI): Georgia Tech (7-5) vs Minnesota (6-6)
How They Got Here: Georgia Tech
After finishing second in the ACC Coastal this year, in what was a decently successful season, Paul Johnson has decided that it is time to retire after 11 years at the helm in Atlanta. Geoff Collins has already been announced as Johnson’s replacement, but Johnson will coach this one last game. This may be a situation where we see a coach end his career on a high note.
This has been one of Johnson’s best GT teams at running the ball in his triple option offense. Leading the way here are TaQuon Marshall and Tobias Oliver. These two have spearheaded the offense this year and combined for over 1,700 rushing yards and will be key against Minnesota’s 114th ranked rush defense by yards per attempt (5.2).
How They Got Here: Minnesota
The Golden Gophers had a very tumultuous season. They were seemingly a different team every week as they simultaneously played like they were good enough to beat anyone (Fresno State, Wisconsin, played Ohio State close for three quarters) and also bad enough to lose to anyone (Illinois, Nebraska, Maryland). I have no idea what to expect from Minnesota in this game for that reason. PJ Fleck’s second season in the Twin Cities led to a bowl game, unlike the first, however, they will have to do without the players that were recently suspended due to violating team rules and two others sitting out to prepare for the draft.
This season, Zack Annexstad was named the starting quarterback, but since Tanner Morgan has taken over, he has provided a spark for this offense, passing for 1,269 yards and seven touchdowns in the six games he has started. Tyler Johnson leads the way with 1,112 receiving yards this year and 10 touchdowns. This connection will be key for the Gophers.
Player to Watch: Tyler Johnson
Like I said, Johnson is the main target for the Minnesota offense, with 74 receptions this year, and his success will largely determine what direction this game will go. If he gets shut down, Minnesota may have some trouble throwing the ball. If he breaks loose, he could have a big game and make the Yellow Jackets pay.
Gambling Stats
GT -6, O/U 57
Neither one of these teams has really developed a trend ATS this season, as both are right around .500. The only thing that stands out here is that GT is 7-4-1 on hitting the over this year, so take that for what it’s worth.
Prediction
I think Georgia Tech is a lock here. You don’t want a team to rally behind Paul Johnson because when they do, bad things happen to the opponents. This team loves their coach and will be going all out for him while Minnesota struggles to stop the run and is missing a lot of players. Georgia Tech -6 is a lock and I think the final score will end up at Georgia Tech 45-17.