Georgia
Way-Too-Early College Football Week Seven Preview: Georgia Tech vs North Carolina
After starting the month of October with a home game vs Duke, Georgia Tech heads back on the road for another ACC clash with North Carolina. The Yellow Jackets and the Tar Heels are plenty familiar with each other, but there is a new twist on this year’s matchup. Former Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins is now the defensive coordinator for Mack Brown’s team and he is hoping to turn around what has been one of the ACC’s worst defenses over the past few seasons. North Carolina is also losing quarterback Drake Maye, who was the No. 3 pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Even during the down years under Collins, Georgia Tech has had no problem beating North Carolina. The Yellow Jackets have won three straight vs UNC, five of the last six, and they have only lost four times to the Tar Heels since 2009. After not being able to take advantage of having a top-three pick at quarterback, North Carolina seems to have lost a little bit of momentum as a program, but they still have talent and can make noise in the ACC this year.
So how do these two teams matchup? Let’s take a really early look at how these two teams matchup.
Georgia Tech Offense vs North Carolina Defense
Georgia Tech is going to return the majority of what was one of the ACC’s best offenses last season and they had perhaps their best game of the year when they faced North Carolina in Atlanta. The Yellow Jackets offense racked up over 600 yards of total offense, including 348 on the ground. The offense was starting to really hit its stride towards the end of the season, but this might have been the peak for them last year.
Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King was one of only two players in the nation with at least 2,700 passing yards, 600 rushing yards, 25 touchdown passes, and five touchdown runs this season (joining LSU’s Jayden Daniels), and one of only six ACC players to achieve those numbers in a regular season since 2000. He led the ACC in touchdown passes and was fourth in passing yards. He is back for another season on The Flats and might be the best quarterback in the conference this year. One reason to buy into the Yellow Jackets is that they might have the best quarterback on the field against many of their opponents. As good as King was though, he had a problem with turnovers and that won’t cut it against some of the teams on Georgia Tech’s schedule, including Duke.
Jamal Haynes was such a great story last season. He made the change from wide receiver to running back during fall camp and that move paid dividends. Haynes earned all-ACC honors as a running back (third team) and was an honorable mention all-purpose performer. He led Georgia Tech with 1,059 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and six yards per carry ranked second on the team. Those numbers ranked fifth in the ACC in rushing yards and he was tied for sixth in the conference with seven rushing touchdowns and his 6.0 yards per carry ranked third in the league. Haynes had a strong bowl performance against UCF rushing for a game-high 128 yards on 18 carries. He also had a good outing against the Georgia Bulldogs rushing for 81 yards. Haynes was the second highest-rated player on the Yellow Jackets per Pro Football Focus with a 76.9 score and looks primed for another big season in 2024. I think he is in for a huge season and is not getting the recognition he has earned.
This is going to be one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the ACC and there are some newcomers who could bolster the group.
Eric Singleton Jr was the highest-rated player in the Yellow Jackets 2023 recruiting class according to 247Sports and he looked like he might be a potential superstar last season.
Singleton Jr. ranked fourth among all freshmen nationally (true or redshirt) in 2023 with 59.5 receiving yards per game and was tied for fourth among true freshmen nationally with six touchdown receptions. His 714 receiving yards and six touchdown catches both ranked among the top 10 overall in the Atlantic Coast Conference, while his six TD receptions were the second-most by a freshman in Georgia Tech history. Could he have an even better season in 2024? I think it is certainly possible and the chemistry between him and King was noticeable last year.
Singleton is not the only dangerous receiver for the Yellow Jackets.
Malik Rutherford was the second-leading receiver on Georgia Tech. He caught 46 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 10. 5 yards per catch. His biggest performance came in Georgia Tech’s big win over North Carolina. Rutherford caught six passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. He was a reliable player and can stretch the field with his speed and is also a player who can get the ball in a variety of ways.
Christian Leary was the fourth-leading receiver for Georgia Tech this season, catching 25 passes for 309 yards and two touchdowns, while also returning kickoffs.
Chase Lane had a good start to the year, but injuries cost him some time. I think he could have a really good 2024 season if he stays healthy. Duquesne transfer Abdul Janneh had six catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He will once again provide depth for Georgia Tech next year.
Leo Blackburn is one of the most physically impressive players on the Georgia Tech roster at 6’5 220 LBS and if he is able to stay healthy this season, he could add a whole new element to the Yellow Jackets offense.
The offensive line is going to be one of the best in the ACC as well.
In just one season, head coach Brent Key and first-year offensive line coach Geep Wade turned Georgia Tech’s offensive line from its biggest weakness to perhaps the best unit on the entire team. Georgia Tech went from one of the worst rushing teams in the ACC to leading the league in rushing. It was a pretty stunning turnaround if you had watched the line in 2022 and the good news for the Yellow Jackets is that the offensive line returns four of the five starters and added an All-Conference transfer this offseason.
North Carolina had a dreadful defense last season and they are losing linebacker Cedric Gray to the NFL as well. They still have some experienced players though, but they’ll have to prove they’re an improved unit.
On the defensive line, Desmond Evans, Kevin Hester, and Jahvaree Ritzie are all back. Evans had 33 tackles and three sacks last season, while Hester and Ritzie combined for 55 tackles. The Tar Heels also added Ole Miss transfer Joshua Harris through the transfer portal
The strength of the Tar Heels defense might be in the linebacker group, even with the loss of Gray. Kaimon Rucker was one of the best pass rushers in the ACC, finishing the year with 8. 5 sacks. Power Echols was second on the team last season with 102 tackles and he is back to be one of the leaders on this side of the ball. Amare Campbell might be one of the favorites to be the other starter at linebacker.
In the secondary, Alijah Huzzie and Marcus Allen are the favorites to start at cornerback, with the duo combining for four interceptions last season. Antavious Lane and De’Andre Boykins could be impact players and NC State transfer Jakeen Harris could grab a starting spot as well. This defense has a lot of work to do if they want to be a better unit, but they actually might have more questions on the offensive side of the ball. Georgia Tech’s offense should hold the advantage in this matchup.
Georgia Tech’s Defense vs North Carolina’s Offense
UNC has been one of the best offensive teams in the country over the past few seasons, but for the first time under Mack Brown, they have some questions at quarterback. After having Sam Howell and Drake Maye, UNC might be turning to Texas A&M/LSU transfer Max Johnson to lead the offense. Johnson has been a steady quarterback over the past four seasons, but lost his job at various times throughout his career at Texas A&M. He has plenty of experience though and that is what Brown might lean on.
Former Tar Heels quarterback Jacoby Criswell transferred to Arkansas, but is now back to compete for the job or at least provide experience and depth. Conner Harrell is the other name to know in the quarterback room.
The good thing for whoever starts at quarterback is that they get to hand the ball to Omarion Hampton, who ran for 1,504 yards last season and is one of the top running backs in the country. Hampton is likely going to be leaned on for much of this season and he should be up to the task. The depth is the question. USC transfer Darwin Barlowe and Caleb Hood should be the top backups.
At wide receiver, UNC is losing Tez Walker, but everyone else is back. J.J Jones led the team with 711 yards last season, former Georgia Tech receiver Nate McCollum returns after having 469 yards last season, and other names to know are Kobe Paysour and Gavin Blackwell. Tight end Bryson Nesbit had 585 yards last season.
The offensive line was the point of emphasis for UNC in the transfer portal. They brought in four transfers, former Yellow Jacket Jakiah Leftwich, Zach Greenberg, North Texas transfer Howard Sampson, and Georgia transfer Austin Blaske are all in to compete and provide depth up front. Jonathan Adorno, Willie Lampkin, and Trevyon Green are other names to know along the North Carolina offensive line.
Leo Blackburn is one of the most physically impressive players on the Georgia Tech roster at 6’5 220 LBS and if he is able to stay healthy this season, he could add a whole new element to the Yellow Jackets offense.
The offensive line is going to be one of the best in the ACC as well.
In just one season, head coach Brent Key and first-year offensive line coach Geep Wade turned Georgia Tech’s offensive line from its biggest weakness to perhaps the best unit on the entire team. Georgia Tech went from one of the worst rushing teams in the ACC to leading the league in rushing. It was a pretty stunning turnaround if you had watched the line in 2022 and the good news for the Yellow Jackets is that the offensive line returns four of the five starters and added an All-Conference transfer this offseason.
At linebacker, Kyle Efford is looking to lead a group that includes veteran starter Trenilyas Tatum, Georgia transfer E.J. Lightsey, Louisville transfer Jackson Hamilton, and freshman Tah’j Butler.
Georgia Tech is returning a strong duo at safety with LaMiles Brooks and Clayton Powell-Lee, while Ahmari Harvey could be ready for a breakout season in 2024. The biggest question in the secondary will be who starts at corner opposite of Harvey. Tennessee transfer Warren Burrell might be the favorite on the outside while Rhode Island transfer Syeed Gibbs and Rodney Shelley might be the guys at nickel.
Overview
I expect North Carolina to be a team that takes a step back this season. They had one of the best quarterbacks in the country for the past five seasons, but they no longer have that luxury. Hampton is a great player, but there are questions along the offensive line and there is no guarantee that the defense is going to be any better. Still, if they get better production from the quarterback than expected and the defense takes a leap, they could be a factor in the ACC race again. Those are big ifs though.
Georgia Tech is the better team in my opinion, but getting a road win against UNC and not looking ahead to next week’s game vs Notre Dame is going to be tough. Georgia Tech has had the Tar Heels number and they enter the 2024 season as the better team in my opinion.
Georgia
As Texas braces for messy Senate runoff, Georgia Republicans fear similar fate unless Trump endorses
ATLANTA — Georgia Republicans are getting antsy. As U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff dominates the nation in fundraising and makes his case to voters, three Republicans who want his spot are still competing among themselves for their party’s nomination.
This week’s election frenzy in Texas didn’t help. After President Donald Trump declined to help clear the field with an endorsement, Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton are primed for a bitter and expensive runoff that could sap resources needed in more competitive states.
Trump has since promised to choose between the two of them, but he hasn’t said when he’ll make an announcement or whom he’ll support. And there’s no sign that the president is ready to get involved in Georgia’s primary on May 19, meaning Republicans there could be on course for a similar predicament.
“I’d like to have as many days as I can to focus the public’s attention on the choice between our nominee and Sen. Ossoff,” said state party chair Josh McKoon. “Assuming that President Trump does not weigh in, it seems like it is more likely than not that we will have a runoff.”
Each of Georgia’s three main Republican contenders — Rep. Mike Collins, Rep. Buddy Carter and former football coach Derek Dooley — has positioned himself as the best person to help Trump in Washington. Trump could almost certainly anoint a winner if he wanted to use his influence.
“It is the gold standard of the party,” said Faith & Freedom Coalition chairman Ralph Reed. “It’s the strongest endorsement I’ve ever seen in my career.”
Ossoff sees political advantage in the competition for Trump’s support.
Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., speaks before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, Sept. 24, 2024, at the Johnny Mercer Theatre Civic Center, in Savannah, Ga. Credit: AP/Evan Vucci
“My opponents have already made clear they will be Donald Trump’s puppets,” Ossoff said in a speech this week at Georgia’s capitol.
The non-endorsement looms over race
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, warned in an interview with The Washington Examiner last month that the wide primary field could end in a general election loss in Georgia.
“We need to get it down to one candidate as soon as possible,” Scott said. “And if we are able to do so, we have a chance to be successful there. But as long as we have three candidates, it’s going to be tougher for us.”
Republican strategist and Collins ally Stephen Lawson warned that Ossoff “continues every day going unscathed.”
Derek Dooley, a Republican candidate for Senate in Georgia, attends an Atlanta Young Republicans campaign event, Feb. 12, 2026, in Atlanta. Credit: AP/Alyssa Pointer
“I do think there has to be some sense of urgency on settling on a candidate and clearing the field sooner rather than later,” he said.
Collins has a long list of endorsements in the state, and he’s backed by the Club for Growth, a nationally influential conservative advocacy group. He describes himself as the “America First MAGA candidate.”
However, he also facing an ethics complaint from a congressional watchdog accusing his policy adviser and former chief of staff of improperly hiring his girlfriend as an intern even though she didn’t complete assigned work. Collins has called the complaint “bogus.”
Carter said in an interview this week that “I’m the one without any baggage.”
A political fixture in southeast Georgia, Carter says he’s a “MAGA warrior.” He has called for expanded immigration enforcement in the state despite criticisms of aggressive tactics elsewhere.
As Republicans compete with each other, Ossoff has been boosting his cash advantage. The senator has over $25.5 million on hand. Meanwhile, Collins has $2.3 million, Dooley has $2.1 million, and Carter has $4.2 million, including many of his own dollars.
However, McKoon said he’s confident Republican donors will coalesce around a winner and help them catch up.
Trump ‘wants to win’
Trump has a mixed track record on endorsements, particularly in Georgia. In 2021, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler lost to Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock. In 2022, Warnock beat football star Herschel Walker.
Carter noted that Republicans have a narrow majority in the House, including Collins and himself, and guessed that Trump doesn’t want to jeopardize that.
“The president really is probably going to sit this one out,” Carter said.
Collins flattered Trump’s endorsement record, saying he has “always had the impeccable ability to put his name on someone at the right time to get the most bang for his buck.”
Candidates aren’t just trying to convince voters they align with Trump — they’re also trying to convince the president that they would come out on top in November. That’s what matters most to Trump, Reed said.
“The only thing that drives Trump more than finding candidates that are loyal both philosophically and personally is identifying and getting behind candidates that can win,” Reed said. “He wants to win.”
The value of Georgia products sold overseas surpassed $60 billion last year, state officials said.
Georgia was ninth in the U.S. for exports in 2025, propped up by its logistics infrastructure of the world’s busiest airport, an extensive railroad network and the ports of Brunswick and Savannah (pictured). (Courtesy of Georgia Ports Authority 2024)
Despite a barrage of new tariffs imposed across the globe, Georgia saw another record year for international trade in 2025.
Total trade last year reached nearly $211 billion, up almost 6% from 2024. Imports, subject to many tariffs enacted by the Trump administration, made up most of that activity, growing about 3% to more than $150 billion, according to a state report released Thursday.
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Georgia’s top exported product in 2025 was civilian aircraft and ancillary parts, such as Gulfstream’s G500 and G600 aircraft seen on the assembly line in Savannah in December. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
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Amy Wenk is the consumer brands reporter for the AJC.
Cal entered tonight’s matchup against a destitute Georgia Tech side dusting themselves off from an unexpected loss to a middle of the road Pitt team. The Golden Bears were looking to stay on the bubble of the NCAA tournament, while Tech, who finished last in ACC play, were simply trying to finish out their season with pride. This game marked the beginning of what will prove to be a long road trip for the boys from Berkeley.
Tech came out red hot from 3, thanks to forward Kowacie Reeves, who went 5-8 from behind the arc in the first half, while the entire Cal team was 0-12. His 19 points provided the difference in a first half with long stretches where neither team could put the ball in the basket.
Cal were frustrated early offensively, with Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames held scoreless in the first half. Lee Dort proved his offensive value, as the highest scorer for the Bears in the first half, particularly finding success in the paint, and they started the second half off feeding him early inside with some success.
The Bears opened the second half strong, finding ways to run their sets and get more players looks around the basket. Simultaneously, Camden began to find his shot from three, and things began to fall into place for a Cal side that was already having a decent night on the boards.
Georgia Tech could not keep pace once Cal’s offense found a rythm, though they would have to do so without any scoring contributions from Justin Pippen, who went 0-7 from the field, but closed out the night with eight assists and two rebounds.
Ultimately, Tech’s 18 turnovers, and Cal’s persistence gave way to a Bears lead that wouldn’t be overcome. The Yellow Jackets did not have an answer for Lee Dort’s efforts in the paint, and when Dai Dai Ames found his footing on offense, eventually the game was all but finished. Despite a valiant effort, the Yellow Jackets could not maintain an offensive pace or defensive effort to keep up with Cal, who face Wake Forest this Saturday in another must win.
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