Georgia Southern Eagles vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Week 1

Georgia Tech held Hampton to 55 in its opener, and Georgia Southern makes the trip to Atlanta after beating Ball State with a 24-point night from Eltramon Smith and a double double from Dallas Gardner.

The Matchup

Both teams are 1-0. Georgia Southern beat Ball State 67-55. Georgia Tech beat Hampton 75-55. Last season Georgia Southern scored 80.9 points per game and allowed 79.7 on the way to 21 wins, while Georgia Tech scored 73.8 and allowed 77.4. The baselines point in opposite directions: Georgia Southern scored freely and gave it back, Georgia Tech scored less and gave back nearly as much, so both teams spent last season in shootouts neither fully controlled.

Georgia Southern's opener had two clear drivers. Eltramon Smith scored 24 points against Ball State, and Dallas Gardner added 13 points with 13 rebounds, a combination that can keep a road team competitive for long stretches. Georgia Tech spread its opener around. Colby Garland scored 16 points with 4 assists against Hampton, Kam Craft added 12 points, and Jackson Fields had 10 points and 6 rebounds.

McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta is Georgia Tech's floor, but this is an in-state game and Georgia Southern will treat it like one. The Eagles are used to being the hunter in this matchup.

Key Factors

Gardner's rebounding is Georgia Southern's best weapon against a bigger home team. Thirteen rebounds in the opener, on top of Smith's scoring, means Georgia Tech has to finish possessions cleanly or give the underdog the extra chances that eat a 16.5 point spread from the inside.

Georgia Tech's offense is the question for the favorite. The Yellow Jackets scored 75 against Hampton after scoring 73.8 per game last season, solid but not explosive. Georgia Southern scored 80.9 per game last season, so the Eagles have the scoring history to trade baskets if this opens up. The total is 154.5, which expects points, and points help the team getting them.

The honest counterpoint is Georgia Tech's defense at home. Holding Hampton to 55 after allowing 77.4 per game last season is a sharp opener, and if the Jackets defend Smith with length and keep Gardner off the glass, they can pull away in the second half.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.