Georgia Tech was ranked the 78th best team in college football by the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday.

After finishing last season with a 9-4 overall and 4-4 conference record, the Orlando Sentinel's Safid Deen writes the Yellow Jackets could be ACC Championship contenders if a strong starting quarterback can be identified.

Deen is optimistic about Georgia Tech this season because they finished the last six games of 2016 with a 5-1 record, rebounding from their three-win 2015 season.

Deen’s top returning starters for 2017 are headlined by running back Dedrick Mills— one of the Yellow Jackets top strengths— and the solid secondary of defensive backs Lance Austin, Corey Griffin, A.J. Gray and Lawrence Austin.

“Georgia Tech, looking to ride momentum from the end of its 2016 season, has a favorable schedule to start the 2017 campaign, highlighted by a matchup against Tennessee in Atlanta,” Deen wrote. “The Yellow Jackets will host Pitt and UNC, face Miami after a bye and has to travel to Clemson and Duke, but should have enough returning talent to compete for the Coastal Division crown this season.”

The rest of Deen's reasoning and the Orlando Sentinal's college football ranking list can be read on the Orlando Sentinal's website.

About the Author

Keep Reading

FILE - Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) runs after catching a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Credit: AP

Featured

Stacey Abrams speaks at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Georgia State University’s convocation center in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Abrams is at the center of speculation over whether she will mount a third campaign for governor. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC