Birmingham Bowl Preview: Georgia Tech (7-5) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6), December 27 at 3:30 p.m. EST.

Current Odds: Georgia Tech favored by 2.5 points.

**KEY MATCHUP**

The Yellow Jackets have an average of 240.3 passing yards per game, placing them 49th in the FBS rankings. Conversely, the Commodores have allowed an average of 238.3 passing yards per game, putting them at 100th in college football. Vanderbilt’s offense has struggled, averaging just 319.4 yards per game, which ranks them 123rd in the FBS. They will face off against Georgia Tech’s 46th-ranked defense that permits only 345.9 yards per contest.

**LAST GAME RECAP**

Georgia Tech encountered a tough loss against Georgia, finishing at 44-42. Quarterback Haynes King had a standout performance, throwing for 303 yards on 26-of-36 completions (72.2%), achieving two touchdowns without any interceptions. He also made significant contributions on the ground, rushing 24 times for 110 yards and three touchdowns. Jamal Haynes additionally shined with 91 rushing yards on 13 carries while catching two passes for three yards and a touchdown. Eric Singleton Jr. contributed with 86 yards on eight receptions, including one touchdown.

Vanderbilt also faced defeat, losing to Tennessee by a score of 36-23. Quarterback Diego Pavia passed for 104 yards on 8-of-17 attempts (47.1%), throwing one touchdown and one interception, while scrambling for 45 yards across 11 carries. Sedrick Alexander led the rushing attack with 60 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown. Richie Hoskins caught one pass for 31 yards and also accounted for a touchdown.

**PLAYERS TO WATCH**

For Georgia Tech, Haynes King stands out, amassing 1,910 passing yards (191 yards per game) while completing 72.5% of his passes (171 out of 236 attempts), with a remarkable 11 touchdowns and just one interception. He has added 564 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 56.4 yards per game on the ground. Jamal Haynes has also been noteworthy, with 151 carries for 808 rushing yards (67.3 per game) and nine touchdowns, in addition to 22 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Eric Singleton Jr. makes his mark with 56 receptions tallying 754 yards (62.8 per game) along with three touchdowns.

Vanderbilt’s key player Diego Pavia has recorded 2,133 passing yards (177.8 per game) and completed 59.2% of his passes (164 out of 277), notching 17 touchdowns against four interceptions. On the ground, he has compiled 716 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, averaging 59.7 yards per game. Eli Stowers is another player to watch, contributing 583 receiving yards (48.6 per game) on 45 catches with four touchdowns to his name.

**FACTS & FIGURES**

This season, Georgia Tech has managed to edge out opponents by an average of 4.3 points per game, with Vanderbilt following closely, outscoring their competition by an average of 3.6 points. In terms of offensive performance, Georgia Tech stands at 49th for passing offense, accumulating 240.3 yards per game, and ranks 82nd in pass defense, allowing 225.8 yards per game. Vanderbilt ranks 75th in scoring with an average of 26.7 points per game while holding the 48th position for points allowed, giving up 23.1 points per game.