The ACC race reaches a critical juncture on Saturday, November 22, 2025, as the No. 23 Pittsburgh Panthers travel to Atlanta to challenge the No. 14 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 7 p.m. ET inside Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. With both teams still hunting for a spot in the ACC Championship Game, this showdown is as high-stakes as November football gets.

The Stakes

Both teams enter with clear—but narrow—paths to the ACC title game.

Georgia Tech (9–1, 6–1 ACC)

A win keeps the Yellow Jackets on pace for the ACC Championship Game and likely preserves their position in the New Year’s Six conversation. With one of the nation’s best offenses, Georgia Tech controls its destiny down the stretch.

Pittsburgh (7–3, 5–1 ACC)

Despite last week’s loss, the Panthers still have a direct route to the ACC Championship: win out. A victory in Atlanta gives Pitt a critical tiebreaker over Georgia Tech and keeps their postseason dreams alive.

Series History: Advantage Pittsburgh

Though Georgia Tech won the most recent meeting in 2022 (26–21), this series has largely belonged to Pitt.

• All-time series: Pitt leads 11–5

• Narduzzi vs. GT: 6–1 all-time

• Most recent GT win: 2022, snapping a four-game Pitt winning streak

The Panthers have consistently matched up well against the Yellow Jackets, although this 2025 Georgia Tech team is far more explosive than years past.

Key Matchup No. 1: Georgia Tech’s Elite Offense vs. Pitt’s Top-Tier Run Defense

This is strength-on-strength football of the highest order.

Georgia Tech Offense

• 1st in FBS in Total Offense (496.7 YPG)

• 36.0 PPG

• 224.6 rushing YPG (10th FBS)

The Yellow Jackets punish teams on the ground with a deep, physical running back room and a mobile quarterback who can extend plays.

Pittsburgh Run Defense

• Allows just 90.3 rushing YPG (9th FBS)

• 23.3 PPG allowed

• Dominates the line of scrimmage

If Pitt slows down GT’s run game, the entire Yellow Jackets offense changes shape. If they don’t, it could be a long night in Atlanta.

Key Matchup No. 2: Pitt’s Passing Attack vs. Georgia Tech’s Vulnerable Secondary

This is Pitt’s clearest advantage.

Pitt Offense

• 37.2 PPG (12th FBS)

• 287.5 passing YPG (14th FBS)

• 25 passing TDs

When Pitt gets rolling through the air, they can keep pace with any offense in the country.

Georgia Tech Pass Defense

• Allows 243.2 passing YPG (105th FBS)

• Struggles with explosive plays

• Gives up chunk yardage outside the numbers

If Pitt’s passing attack hits early, Georgia Tech could find itself in an unexpected shootout.

Coaching Matchup: Narduzzi’s Defense vs. Key’s Physical Identity

Pat Narduzzi — Pittsburgh

One of the nation’s top defensive minds, Narduzzi guided Pitt to the 2021 ACC title and consistently produces NFL-caliber talent—ranking second in the ACC in total draft picks from 2021–2024.

Brent Key — Georgia Tech

The former GT offensive lineman has revitalized the program with a blend of physicality and smart offensive design. Under Key, the Jackets have become a rugged, disciplined team that forces opponents into uncomfortable games.

This will be the first meeting between the two coaches, adding another layer of intrigue.

Spotlight Players

Pittsburgh

RB Desmond Reid – 790 rush yards, 8 total TDs A shifty runner who must capitalize on Georgia Tech’s inconsistent run defense to help Pitt balance its attack.

DB Javon McIntyre – 60 tackles, 3 INTs The cornerstone of Pitt’s secondary. He’ll play a major role against Georgia Tech’s deep passing concepts.

Georgia Tech

QB Haynes King – 2,600 pass yards, 20 total TDs A dynamic playmaker whose decision-making will determine the game’s tone.

RB Malachi Hosley – 900 rush yards, 12 TDs The bruising centerpiece of GT’s elite rushing attack; Pitt must contain him to stay competitive.

Top 4 Prop Bets for Pitt vs. Georgia Tech

Desmond Reid Over 72.5 Rushing Yards

GT’s defense has struggled against quality running backs. Pitt will need Reid involved early and often to keep Georgia Tech’s offense off the field.

Provider Pick: Reid Over 72.5 Rush Yards

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Reid over 72.5 RUSH YDS

• Reid needs to be involved
• Pitt needs strong ground arrack
• GT Defense struggles against the run

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Haynes King Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns

Pitt’s secondary is physical, but King thrives in the red zone and off play-action—two areas where GT’s offense excels.

Provider Pick: King Over 1.5 Pass TDs

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: King over 1.5 TDs

• King to play well
• Thrives in the red zone
• Dual threat

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Pitt Over 2.5 Touchdowns

With Pitt averaging 37+ points per game and Georgia Tech giving up consistent passing yards, three touchdowns is well within reach.

Provider Pick: Pitt Team Total Over 2.5 TDs

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Pitt team total over 2.5 TDs

• GT Defense inconsistent
• Pitt averages 37 points per game
• High Scoring Game

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First Half Over 27.5

Both teams score quickly, both have mismatches they can exploit, and both offenses are top-20 nationally. Expect fireworks early.

Provider Pick: 1H Over 27.5

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: 1st Half over 27.5 points

• King elite QB
• Two explosive offenses
• Average defenses

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Game Prediction

This matchup is a true ACC elimination game. Georgia Tech boasts the nation’s most explosive offense, but Pitt brings a defense built specifically to counter the Yellow Jackets’ strengths. The Panthers’ passing advantage is also significant, and if they protect the ball, they can keep pace for four quarters.

Georgia Tech, however, is playing at home, boasts the better overall resume, and has the matchup’s most dynamic player in Haynes King. Pitt’s run defense will keep the Panthers close, but Georgia Tech’s balance—particularly in the red zone—gives them a slight edge.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 34, Pittsburgh 30

A late Georgia Tech scoring drive and a defensive stand secure a massive ACC win.