The Colorado Buffaloes will travel to Atlanta to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
Both teams enter the season with significant roster turnover and new faces at key positions.
After suffering a disappointing 3-9 season last year, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders seeks a crucial road victory to begin his bounce-back campaign.
Conversely, Georgia Tech hopes to build on its nine-win season from last year despite facing coordinator and roster changes.
The primary focus for both programs centers on the starting quarterback positions.
Sophomore Julian Lewis will lead the Colorado offense under the guidance of a new offensive coordinator.
For the Yellow Jackets, Indiana transfer Alberto Mendoza has been named the starter while Grady Adamson won the backup job.
Analyzing the offensive capabilities of the host team, writers cautioned that observers should “take the released depth charts with a grain of salt,” per Sports Illustrated.
The Georgia Tech staff listed three running backs as starters, though former Michigan standout Justice Haynes is expected to get the first reps.
Colorado countered their opponent’s rushing options by signing Danny Scudero, who led the country with 1,297 yards at Sacramento State.
Defensively, the Yellow Jackets boast greater continuity with five returning starters compared to only one returning starter for the Buffaloes.
Assessing the potential for high-scoring action in this non-conference matchup, commentators admitted they “don’t really trust either defense in this matchup,” according to CBS Sports.
Georgia Tech will also rely on special teams consistency with standout kicker Aidan Birr and transfer punter Alex Bacchetta.
A victory is critical for both teams to avoid early season pressure and challenging upcoming matchups.