The 2024 college football season is set to begin on Saturday with a highly anticipated matchup featuring a top-10 team, as No. 10 Florida State faces Georgia Tech in the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, Ireland. This game not only marks the start of the season but also signals a new era in ACC football, following the league’s expansion to 17 full-time members with the recent additions of Cal, Stanford, and SMU.
It’s fitting that the reigning ACC champions kick off their quest for another title in such a distinctive venue. Ireland’s Aviva Stadium, which also serves as the home ground for the country’s national teams in rugby and soccer, has hosted games for the past two seasons and has plans for future events in 2025 and 2027. While the international experience is exciting for players, coaches, and fans alike, it has necessitated a more condensed fall camp schedule to accommodate travel.
Both teams aim to build on their successes from the previous season. Florida State is focused on securing another ACC title and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff after falling short last year. On the other hand, Georgia Tech has a strong roster returning from a team that tied for fourth in the ACC and participated in a bowl game for the first time since 2018. For both teams, a victory on Saturday would be crucial as it brings an added sense of urgency to the early season match-up.
Fans can follow live updates from the season opener between No. 10 Florida State and Georgia Tech in Ireland.
Viewers can watch the game as follows:
Date: Saturday, August 24 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Broadcast: ESPN | Live stream: fubo (Trial available)
Key insights for Florida State vs. Georgia Tech include:
DJ Uiagalelei is making his return to the ACC and debut with Florida State. Coach Mike Norvell has once again utilized the transfer portal to enhance the team’s roster, bringing in several notable newcomers, including some from last year’s SEC Championship team at Alabama. The standout player is quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who previously played for Clemson and had a productive year at Oregon State, posting career highs in passing yards and efficiency. With a solid offensive line and strong running back options, Florida State hopes that Uiagalelei can elevate the passing game to match last season’s dynamism.
Georgia Tech is aiming to bolster its defense after a strong offensive performance last season, which saw the team leading the ACC in rushing and ranking high nationally in total offense. With key players returning, including quarterback Haynes King and leading rusher Jamal Haynes, the primary focus for Georgia Tech will be improving a defense that struggled last season. New defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci, formerly of Duke, is tasked with enhancing defensive performance to ensure success in this matchup.
International challenges have historically led to competitive games. While last year’s clash between Notre Dame and Navy ended in a decisive victory, previous games played in Ireland have produced close outcomes. Notable instances include Northwestern’s comeback against Nebraska and Georgia Tech’s narrow win over Boston College.
As for predictions, the match-up presents an opportunity for both teams to face off against their respective strengths and weaknesses. Florida State may lean on its running game, while Georgia Tech’s offense could struggle against a formidable Florida State pass rush. The forecast suggests a low-scoring game.