Dublin Ireland 12 pm kickoff EST
My long-time girlfriend was born there although she moved here at the age of 3, we like to see bits and pieces of Ireland and plan to go in the next year or two. Bucket list for me, any hoo -
FSU has 8 returning starters, 4 on each side and production, 56% on offense, 60% defense. 7th rated transfers, ten 4 star players including QB DJ Ugialelei.
GATECH has 12 returning starters, 8 on offense, 4 defense. 83% of offensive production and 49% on defense.16 incoming transfers including 13 on defense. New DC Tyler Santucci comes over from Duke, he did a good job there, best Duke defense I'd seen in years and previously did a great job at Texas A&M. I think he'll get the defense turned around, how soon is the question.
I have to wonder about Florida State and any residual effect from the end of last season, could not have ended any worse and while it's a new season, 8 months is not that long ago. The good news, their transfers, and they have some good ones, don't care. Still, chemistry with a lot of key new players will be something to watch, especially early on.
GATECH won the Gasparilla Bowl here in Tampa over UCF to finish 7-6, big improvement over the previous season. QB Haynes King and RB Jamal Haynes (the Haynes brothers?), stepped up and proved to be good players going into their junior years now. The Wreck return their top 2 receivers and 4 starting O-linemen as well. May be one of the more productive offenses in the conference.
Conference opener in a strange place, I don't believe it's an advantage one way or another. Weather forecast looks good, maybe a little breezy though. I do think there is some carryover from last season, GATECH feeling pretty good about themselves and the Noles may still have lingering "pain" from the end of last season, losing out in the playoffs then getting demolished by Georgia, I felt that and have no ties there. So if there is an emotional advantage, GATECH gets the nod.
Noles fans will be anxiously watching DJ in his ACC return. He is 2-0 vs GATECH when he was with Clemson. He never overwhelmed me TBH, he's serviceable but a clear step down from Jordan Travis, who was a stud at QB. Meanwhile I saw enough of GATECH last season to appreciate their offense, they'll do some damage this season but their defense was porous, 30 PPG. Still, with Santucci they'll be better.
I like taking points early on, especially in a conference game. Noles will likely win, but I expect a scrappy, energetic effort from the Rambling Wreck. 1st game posts have historically been good for me, let's hope it continues.
GATECH + 11.5, -110
As always good luck to all this season!
Mr Russo has spoken, and I agree whole heartedly! GL this Season 
season 
@mrusso
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