• When: Friday, August 29, 2025 at 8 pm. ET
• Location: Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado
• TV: ESPN

This matchup marks the first time these two teams will face each other in their combined 200 years of history, which includes a shared National Championship in 1990. Both teams have encountered their fair share of challenges since then, but they are eager to make a strong impression in Week 1. 

When Georgia Tech takes the field on Friday night, it will be a classic battle of strength as the Yellow Jackets aim to dominate with their running game. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner will be looking for sustained drives that wear down the Colorado defense, keeping their offense off the field. Last season, Georgia Tech averaged 187 rushing yards per game, ranking 26th nationally. The challenge for the Colorado defense will be amplified by quarterback Haynes King, who excels at gaining tough yards. The Jackets effectively utilized counter plays last season, creating opportunities for big gains and allowing King to exploit defenses with both his arm and legs. King, a dual-threat quarterback, completed 73% of his passes in 2024 and was a key contributor on the ground, finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher. Colorado, which struggled against the run last season, will need to be on high alert. Running back Jamal Haynes is coming off a strong season with 944 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while the receiving corps, featuring returning talent like Malik Rutherford and explosive FIU transfer Eric Rivers, promises to keep defenses guessing. Tight end J.T. Byrne, who transferred from Cal, along with seasoned player Brett Seither, will play crucial roles in filling the gap left by NFL-bound Jackson Hawes. The offensive line sees the return of three starters, including standout guards Keylan Rutledge and Joe Fusile. However, with some fresh faces stepping into important roles, their performance against Colorado’s pass rush will be under scrutiny. 

On the defensive side, Georgia Tech is undergoing some changes, notably with a new coordinator. Former defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci has moved on to the Baltimore Ravens, making way for Blake Gideon, who previously coached safeties at Texas. Last season, the Yellow Jackets struggled to establish a strong pass rush, an area that needs significant improvement. Linebacker Kyle Efford returns after leading the team with 64 tackles, and defensive back Ahmari Harvey is back as well, having recorded 63 tackles. The team has also brought in promising talent through the transfer portal, including four-star recruit Akelo Stone, who will complement All-ACC interior lineman Jordan van den Berg. Georgia Tech excelled at stopping the run last season, allowing the fourth fewest yards per game in the ACC. With the influx of transfers and a new defensive coordinator, this could be the year the defense elevates its game to compete effectively in the ACC.

The Colorado Buffaloes are gearing up for the 2025 season, aiming to build on their 9-4 record from 2024, which marked their first top-25 finish since 2016. While Deion Sanders remains at the helm, the team has undergone significant changes, particularly with the departure of standout quarterback Shedeur Sanders. The Buffs are optimistic about their new quarterback, Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty who racked up nearly 6,000 passing yards and over 2,000 rushing yards with 21 touchdowns in the last three seasons. However, he’ll need to develop chemistry with a largely inexperienced group of receivers and a revamped offensive line, especially as they face a seasoned Georgia Tech secondary. To bolster the running game, which struggled last year, Marshall Faulk has joined the coaching staff to help improve the performance of the running backs. 

Defensively, Colorado may need to step up in 2025, but last year’s performance raises concerns. The Buffs allowed over 30 points in three of their four losses, with the exception being a 28-point outing against a lackluster Nebraska offense. The defensive line will see Jaheim Oatis stepping in for BJ Green, while Samuel Okunlola and Arden Walker will support UTSA transfer Martavius French in the linebacking corps. The secondary will look different without Travis Hunter and Shilo Sanders, but there’s still potential for a solid defense, anchored by Arden Walker, who is returning from injury. Newcomer Tavian Coleman from Texas State will also need to make an impact to help strengthen the unit.

This game is likely to come down to the performance of the quarterbacks and the battles at the line of scrimmage. Georgia Tech has the advantage in experience, particularly with their quarterback, running back, and offensive line. On the other hand, Colorado boasts impressive raw talent and the benefit of playing at home in Folsom Field, making this a thrilling Week 1 matchup. Expect a fast-paced, energetic matchup with significant national implications, possibly marking the start of something special for one of these teams. I see Georgia Tech as the better team in week 1, and I predict they’ll take the win on the road by a touchdown, finishing 31-24.