Georgia Tech’s triple-option poses threat to Tar Heel defense

Returning from a bye week, the No. 21 North Carolina football team will take on Georgia Tech at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. With two sizzling offenses going head to head, it looks like a shootout is brewing.

How do they play?

Georgia Tech runs a triple-option offense that aims to distract defenders with an abundance of movement.

Once a defender turns away, the Yellow Jackets strike — choosing who should run the ball based on where the holes lie in the moment. This way, rushers and receivers can skate by undetected.

That offense has translated to success on the ground, with the Yellow Jackets totaling 1,981 rushing yards this season. Only Clemson and Boston College held Georgia Tech to fewer than 200 yards. The Yellow Jackets catch teams by surprise in the passing game, too, averaging 18.5 yards per catch.

Georgia Tech ranks No. 40 in total defense, holding teams to 376.6 total yards per game. But the Yellow Jackets struggle to keep opponents out of the end zone, giving up an average of 23.5 points per game. And Georgia Tech has allowed over 30 points in three of the last four games.

Who stands out?

Redshirt senior quarterback Justin Thomas has captained the Yellow Jackets’ offense with ease. Thomas has racked up 1,024 yards through the air this season, but the redshirt senior also utilizes his speed. He is the team’s leading rusher, with 479 yards and five touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry.

Thomas alone is a challenge to contain. Supported by a stable of running backs that string together solid carries, Thomas is at the helm of an unpredictable attack.

What’s their biggest weakness?

Georgia Tech has struggled defensively as of late, giving up 559 yards to Duke and 407 to Pittsburgh. As the Yellow Jackets enter Saturday trying to recover from a defensive funk, UNC has the opportunity to capitalize on this slump and do some damage offensively.

With strong rushing and passing games, North Carolina’s offense poses a double threat that could exploit Georgia Tech’s defensive weaknesses. It helps the Yellow Jackets that UNC will be playing without star wide receiver Mack Hollins, who is out for the season after breaking his collarbone against Miami.

But between Mitch Trubisky, Elijah Hood, T.J. Logan and Ryan Switzer, the Tar Heels have enough offensive weapons to pressure Georgia Tech on Saturday.

Why could they win?

So far, Georgia Tech has obliterated defenses with the triple-option — averaging 458.5 yards per game on offense.

The Tar Heels are already trying to tackle weaknesses on defense. And if UNC’s defense cannot make key stops against the triple-option, capturing a win will fall on the offense’s shoulders.

Last year, North Carolina pulled away with a 38-31 win because the UNC offense answered Georgia Tech’s scoring. But if the Tar Heels cannot match the Yellow Jackets’ aggressive offensive pace this time, Georgia Tech could pull an upset on homecoming weekend.

@rblakerich_  

sports@dailytarheel.com