Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King will start against Miami

It’s been hinted at all week, but Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King has officially been cleared for today’s game against No. 4 Miami. King’s return greatly increases the Yellow Jackets’ chances of a surprise, although it will still take a huge game to pull it off. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that King has been cleared to start with the Yellow Jackets.

With King’s return, this offense should be able to score points again, something they failed to do against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. King adds a versatile element to the offense with his rushing ability, although it will be interesting to see how much Brent Key and Georgia Tech actually dominate him in this game

As the game begins, quarterback Haynes King and the entire Georgia Tech offense command the respect of Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.

“Haynes King and this offense are really good. Yards per play, they’re up there with some of the best in the country and they’re really good at generating big plays, they protect him really well and I think they’re either No. 1 or No. 2 in the country Pressure (allowed), they’re definitely doing a great job of getting rid of him too, he’s got a lot of explosive playmakers and watching a guy like that play, you have to understand that making them one dimensional isn’t necessarily the answer because he can also throw it around everywhere.

You just have to prepare for a lot and he’s surrounded by a great supporting staff, his offensive line is one of the most experienced in the country, I think most of them are seniors or redshirt juniors and the number of starts is… “They just play really good together, their line calls are on point and they don’t make any mistakes and they complete their blocks, they’re very mature up front on both sides.”

The all-time series between these two programs is tied at 14-14 and everyone still remembers how the game ended last year. Instead of kneeling the ball, Miami kept trying to run the ball and Don Chaney fumbled it, giving the ball back to Georgia Tech. Haynes King connected with Malik Rutherford to move the ball down the field and then found Christian Leary for the game-winning touchdown with one second left. It was one of the most memorable playoffs in college football history.

The Yellow Jackets’ defense played a great game against Virginia Tech, but they will face the best offense in the country with a Heisman contender at the quarterback position. Miami quarterback Cam Ward is having a phenomenal season and Georgia Tech has struggled the most on defense in pass defense. The pass rush has been a problem for the Yellow Jackets this season and they need to find a way to keep Ward off guard today.

Additional links

Georgia Tech Football: Yellow Jackets unveil jersey combination for Saturday vs. Miami

ACC Football: Predictions for every game of Week 11

Georgia Tech Basketball: Big takeaways from the Yellow Jackets’ season-opening win over West Georgia