Miami ‘a real true test’ for Georgia Tech

September 9, 2017 Atlanta - Georgia Tech wide receiver Ricky Jeune (2) scores a touchdown after he made a touchdown catch in the second half of the Georgia Tech home opener at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Georgia Tech won 37-10 over the Jacksonville State. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

September 9, 2017 Atlanta - Georgia Tech wide receiver Ricky Jeune (2) scores a touchdown after he made a touchdown catch in the second half of the Georgia Tech home opener at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Georgia Tech won 37-10 over the Jacksonville State. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Saturday’s matchup with No. 11 Miami clearly has Georgia Tech’s full attention. After an open date last week, the Yellow Jackets spoke with enthusiasm Tuesday about the prospect of playing the Hurricanes in a nationally televised game.

“I’m really excited,” quarterback TaQuon Marshall said. “This is really going to be a big test for us – first away game, I think they’re ranked in the top 10 or something. They’re undefeated, so it’ll be a big game. I’m excited about it.”

In the Associated Top-25 poll, Tech is first among other teams receiving votes. A win over the Hurricanes would undoubtedly return the Jackets into the poll for the first time since the third week of the 2015 season.

“(Miami) had a huge win against Florida State, and I feel like if we get this win, we’ll get more attention,” A-back Clinton Lynch said.

After conference games against two teams likely headed for the bottom of the Coastal Division standings (Pitt and North Carolina), wide receiver Ricky Jeune sees Saturday’s game in Miami Gardens, Fla., as a barometer.

“We’re working hard and we’re looking forward to this game,” he said. “To me, this is our real true test to see what Georgia Tech football’s about.”