Under 50 Maryland/Georgia Tech
Figured this number would be about 44-45 based on power numbers, so there seems to be some value in this total. The Yellow Jackets have only surpassed 50 points once this year, against BYU, while Maryland has gone over 50 just twice, against Akron and West Virginia. Both of these teams emphasize the run on offense and that shouldn’t change here and both teams have solid defenses that can stop the run and pass. Taking a look at Georgia Tech first offensively, they have a 246/165 run/pass ratio (60%). The NCAA average is 55%. Even with the loss of Tony Hollings against BYU, they are still emphasizing the run first. "You have to run the ball to win," coach Chan Gailey said (A-J Constitution). In Tech's four wins this season, it has out rushed its opponent each time, while in the Yellow Jackets' two losses, they were out gained on the ground each time. QB A.J. Suggs has struggled so it’s important to get the rushing game going before anything else. The Maryland offense was thought to take a big hit in the running game with the injury to Bruce Perry, but they have recovered nicely. The Terps rank 51st in rushing offense with 164 ypg and 4.25 ypc, compared to being ranked 83rd in passing, averaging 185 ypg and 7.3 ypa. Like the Yellow Jackets, Maryland has a high run/pass ratio of 61% (232-151). They have thrown the 22nd fewest passes in the country. They utilize two solid backs in Chris Downs (6 ypc) and Josh Allen (6.6 ypc). Both of the defenses have been pretty sturdy all season. Georgia Tech ranks 32nd overall, allowing 324 ypg and 4.6 ypp. Maryland comes in ranked 28th, allowing 320 ypg and 4.6 ypp. Each unit’s strength has been stopping the run, so the offenses, while stressing the run, will not be able to rush all over the other. Georgia Tech is allowing 121 ypg and 3.3 ypg while the Terps are allowing 138 ypg and 3.2 ypc. Maryland was able to shut down West Virginia’s running game two weeks ago, holding the Mountaineers to 179 yards under their normal output. Looking at yards per point, Georgia Tech has a 20.04-yppt ratio, while Maryland has a 19.03-yppt ratio. The national average is 14.09 showing that these defenses keep teams in check. The game plan for both will be run first, pass second, which obviously leads to a lot of clock eating and will keep the total under the posted number.