Around the ACC: Bowl Previews

Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Justin Thomas (5) rolls out of the pocket during the fourth quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Capital One Orange Bowl – December 30th – 8:00 PM – ESPN

#7 Mississippi State Bulldogs (10-2) vs. #12 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-3)

Breakdown – This game features another opportunity for the ACC to make some noise against the vaunted SEC. Georgia Tech comes into the Capital One Orange Bowl fresh off a disappointing loss in the ACC Championship game to Florida State while Mississippi State is dragging into bowl season after dropping two of it’s last three games after being ranked as high as No. 1.

Players to watch – Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott was key in the Bulldogs early-season ascention to the top spot in the rankings. The junior quarterback struggled mightily in the Bulldogs two losses and will need to have those mistakes corrected if he wants to lead the Bulldogs to victory. Justin Thomas the player to watch for the Yellow Jackets. The sophomore quarterback accounted for 22 TDs and will be relied on more now that his leading receiver DeAndre Smelter is out with a torn ACL.

Prediction – The Georgia Tech triple-option offense is much easier to prep for with 3 weeks, and I think that will be a huge problem for Georgia Tech already without a key player. Mississippi State 38, Georgia Tech 27