In a thrilling offshore start to the ACC conference season, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are gearing up to face off against the Florida State Seminoles at Aviva Stadium. This marks the fifth-ever college football game to be played in the historic stadium, with previous matchups averaging an impressive 48.8 points per game since 2012.

The Seminoles enter the 2024 season with high hopes, fresh off an undefeated regular season. Their offensive line boasts an impressive record, having retained over 91% of their snaps and nearly 200 starts. With the addition of transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, protection on the field will be key for the Seminoles' success. However, Uiagalelei has shown a tendency for turnover-worthy plays and a significant drop in adjusted completion rate when faced with a crowded pocket.

The Seminoles can rely on the experience and talent of blindside tackle Darius Washington, who enters his senior season with an impressive 2,378 career snaps under his belt. Last season, Washington ranked as the 12th-best pass-blocking tackle in the FBS. Additionally, center Maurice Smith, a former third-team and honorable-mention All-ACC team member, adds to the strength of the offensive line.

Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is preparing to unveil a new defensive coordinator, Tyler Santucci, who will be calling the plays for the first time in this highly anticipated matchup. Santucci, previously a coach under Mike Elko at Texas A&M and Duke, is known for his aggressive 4-2-5 defensive scheme. It remains to be seen how this new defensive strategy will fare against Florida State's formidable offensive line.

The Yellow Jackets have made strategic moves in the transfer portal to bolster their defensive front seven. With the aim of eliminating explosive passes, Tech has acquired three Power Four transfers to complement interior players Makius Scott and Zeek Biggers. However, none of the defensive front players have graded above average in pass rush, posing a potential challenge against the Seminoles.

In terms of betting odds, the Action Network's Betting Power Ratings currently place Florida State as favorites at -19.5 in Aviva Stadium. However, there has been some movement in the market with the line shifting downwards to +11 for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. This adjustment may entice a comeback on the Seminoles, who were initially favored by +14 earlier this summer.

Despite these fluctuations, the Seminoles hold a significant advantage in the trenches and are expected to dominate the game. However, factors such as injuries and potential disciplinary first-half suspensions could impact the outcome and potentially shift the market. For now, Florida State remains a strong favorite and is likely to be a valued bet at -11 or better.

As the stage is set for an electrifying ACC clash in Ireland, football fans eagerly anticipate the kickoff at Aviva Stadium. The battle between Georgia Tech's revamped defense and Florida State's experienced offensive line promises an exciting and action-packed matchup that could provide a valuable opportunity for fans and bettors alike to witness high-stakes football at its best.