The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets arrive in Winston-Salem for their September 27, 2025 matchup against Wake Forest as a team trying to prove that their flashes of offensive explosiveness can translate into consistent results on the road, and this game offers both opportunity and challenge for Brent Key’s squad. Georgia Tech’s offensive identity has taken shape around its dual-threat quarterback, who has been the centerpiece of their system, combining mobility with arm talent to stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally. His ability to improvise outside the pocket has often bailed out the offense when protection breaks down, while his accuracy on short and intermediate throws has kept drives alive and allowed the Yellow Jackets to lean on a balanced passing attack. Surrounding him is a receiving corps that has quietly developed into a reliable group, capable of winning one-on-one matchups and generating chunk plays after the catch, while the running backs have provided complementary production behind an offensive line that has improved in pass protection but still struggles at times to open consistent rushing lanes. This offense has proven that it can score in bunches, but the defense remains the primary concern, as the Yellow Jackets have given up too many big plays in both the run and pass game, often collapsing on third downs and leaving their offense in must-score situations week after week.

Facing Wake Forest’s slow-mesh scheme will be one of the biggest tests of discipline they’ve encountered, because overpursuit or hesitation could result in wide open passing lanes or big gains on the ground, and Georgia Tech’s linebackers will need to stay disciplined in their reads while the secondary must avoid getting caught out of position on double moves or play-action fakes. To pull off a road win, the Jackets will need to create pressure up front without blitzing too often, as aggressive schemes can leave them vulnerable against a patient offensive system like Wake’s. On special teams, Georgia Tech will be looking for an edge, as hidden yardage in field position battles could be decisive in what projects to be a high-scoring game where possessions matter. Their record against the spread has been inconsistent, with covers coming when their offense dictates pace and struggles appearing when the defense fails to generate stops, but as an underdog they have a history of playing above expectations in conference matchups. The key for the Jackets will be limiting self-inflicted mistakes—penalties, missed tackles, and turnovers have haunted them in previous road games—and if they can protect the football, keep their quarterback upright, and find ways to finish drives in the red zone rather than settling for field goals, they have the offensive talent to turn this into a shootout that favors their playmaking ability. Georgia Tech may not be viewed as the favorite, but their athleticism, speed, and versatility give them a path to compete, and if their defense can deliver just a handful of timely stops, the Yellow Jackets have every chance to emerge from Winston-Salem with an ACC road win that would signal progress in a season still very much up for grabs.