Game Day Essentials: Game #8 at Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Head Coach: Josh Pastner
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Conference: ACC
Nickname: Yellow Jackets

Mascot: Buzz and Ramblin' Wreck

KenPom rank: 72

Previous history: Georgia Tech leads the all-time series 1-0. Nebraska lost their only matchup back in 1983 to Bobby Cremins and a GT squad with John Salley and Mark Price

Offensive Style: Give the ball to Michael Devoe 

Defensive Style: Continuous rotation of man, 1-3-1, and 2-3 zone as the situation dictates

Rotation Size: 7-8

Line:  Gerogia Tech by 8.5

Key Injuries: Starting point guard Jose Alverado is expected to miss this game with an ankle injury

Hoiberg Presser

Cheatham Presser

Players to watch:   Michael Devoe

The sophomore SG has been dynamite to start the season, currently leading the ACC in scoring at 23.4 points per game.  While he hasn't taken a ton of 3s, he's been hitting them at an unsustainable 65% clip. Expect Devoe to continuously slash to the hole and Nebraska having a hard time stopping him.

Players to watch:   James Banks

The 6'10" 250 lb senior center is blocking everything, averaging a ridiculous 5 blocks per game and unlike a lot of big men his size he's not going to come off the court for breathers or foul trouble. Nebraska will have to pick and choose their moments to attack the rim.

Roster points

With Alvardao out this game and USC transfer Jordan Usher not eligible until mid-semester, GT plays only 7-8 guys and as you can see, often times that will involve two players over 6'9" and 230#. In addition to Banks and Devoe we have

• VMI transfer Bubba Parham who was a dynamic 3pt shooter who hasn't yet gotten on track at GT
• Moses Wright is the rebounding complement to Banks. Highly efficient inside post scorer
• Khalid Moore is a slasher on offense
• 6'10" 225# Evan Cole is the backup 4/5 and an above average defender
• 6'5" freshman guard Asanti Price is a backup guard who can stroke from outside but hasn't made many of them yet (2-14)

The Skinny: I'm on the fence about this being a good or poor matchup for Nebraska.  On the good side, I think this is a team Nebraska can get to run with them and can generate points in transition or via turnover. Tech wants to drive inside and Nebraska has been effective at defending without fouling. Tech isn't a team that hunts for offensive rebounds.  On the poor side, Tech has two post players with the potential to dominate this poor rebounding Nebraska squad. When Nebraska isn't in transition, which is the majority of the time, the Huskers and their poor half court offense will face off against a stingy rotating defensive team. If Nebraska isn't hitting 3s tonight, this could get UGLY.

Beating Georgia Tech isn't a lost cause as an Arkansas team with no height to speak of came in and knocked off the Yellow Jackets at home on a night where both teams had trouble scoring. More than likely though we're looking at GT clamping down defensively at points to go on runs that the Huskers will hope they can counter.  The Huskers have been a roller coaster this year and it's probably one of the low points tonight in their first true road game.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 83- Nebraska 68