Live blog: Georgia Tech-Tennessee

ajc.com

Credit: Ken Sugiura

Credit: Ken Sugiura

Hope you’ll join us here for our in-game blog for the Georgia Tech-Tennessee season opener, beginning at 8 p.m. and televised on ESPN. Three observations as we get to kickoff:

1. I'll join the chorus of glowing reviews of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This is really a nice place. I really like how much natural light is let in, not just on the view to downtown, but circling the stadium.

2. A-back Clinton Lynch will not play, out with an unspecified injury. Lynch was a terrific playmaker last year for the Yellow Jackets, and his absence will be a factor. Among other things, this likely means more playing time for A-back Nathan Cottrell, who would normally be the No. 4 A-back but will now be a part of the rotation of A-backs shuttling in plays from the sideline.

3. A big key, as I see it, is how well Tech can stop Tennessee's running game. The Volunteers have size up front and tailback John Kelly has some speed and power. Which run game will assert itself could well decide it.

I'll be back throughout the game with updates. Hope you'll join us.