Mercer vs Georgia Tech Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 19, 2026

The Mercer Bears visit the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, with the opening kickoff at 12:00 PM ET and televised on ACC Network. The Bears are 2-1 and 0-1 in Southern Conference play after a 20-13 loss to Furman. The Yellow Jackets are 0-2 and 0-0 in ACC play after falling 45-24 to Tennessee. Mercer started the season with consecutive wins over East Texas A&M and Presbyterian, while Georgia Tech is still searching for its first victory. Here is a closer look at our free NCAAF picks.

Mercer Bears Trying to Rebound After Their First Loss

Mercer scored 85 points across victories over East Texas A&M and Presbyterian before being held to 13 points by Furman. Jaylen King has completed 47 of 80 passes for 621 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions. The Bears have also rushed for 660 yards at 6.2 yards per attempt. Zahmari Palode-Gary leads the ground attack with 231 yards on 28 carries, an average of 8.3 yards per attempt, while Devon Caldwell has gained 176 yards and scored once on 19 carries.

Brayden Smith has been Mercer’s leading receiver with 17 catches for 284 yards and one touchdown, while Travion Solomon has 11 receptions for 174 yards and a score. Mercer’s defense has recorded eight sacks and five interceptions. Jyarius Carter leads the Bears with 29 tackles and has added half a sack. Cameron Goggins and Justin Ferguson have two interceptions apiece, while Kehinde Akintunde has recorded 1.5 sacks. The Bears have several defenders capable of creating negative plays and turnovers.

Injuries: No injuries to report.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Searching for Their First Win

Georgia Tech has opened with consecutive home losses, falling 14-13 to Colorado before losing 45-24 against Tennessee. Alberto Mendoza has completed 43 of 63 passes for 458 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The Yellow Jackets have rushed for 186 yards at 3.0 yards per attempt. Justice Haynes has accounted for most of that production with 145 yards and one touchdown on 33 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. Malachi Hosley has added 54 yards on 12 carries.

Jordan Allen leads Georgia Tech with 12 receptions for 139 yards, while Dalen Penson has nine catches for 131 yards. Kevin Roche Jr. has caught 10 passes for 103 yards, and Haynes has the team’s only receiving touchdown. The Yellow Jackets have recorded two sacks without an interception. Kyle Efford leads the defense with 21 tackles and one sack, while E.J. Lightsey and Savion Riley have 17 tackles apiece. Georgia Tech needs more disruptive defensive plays after allowing 45 points against Tennessee.

Injuries: D. Collins and J. Plummer are questionable with undisclosed injuries.

Mercer vs Georgia Tech Key to the Game

Georgia Tech’s ability to slow Mercer’s rushing attack could decide whether this game stays close. The Bears have gained 660 rushing yards at 6.2 yards per attempt, with Palode-Gary averaging 8.3 and Caldwell averaging 9.3. Georgia Tech has only two sacks and no interceptions, so the Yellow Jackets need to put Mercer in difficult down-and-distance situations instead of allowing the Bears to stay balanced. If Mercer consistently creates productive early-down runs, King will have more manageable passing situations throughout the game.

Mercer vs Georgia Tech Game Pick

• Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is the pick at home despite opening the season with two losses. The Yellow Jackets faced Colorado and Tennessee, while Mercer’s victories came against East Texas A&M and Presbyterian before a 20-13 loss to Furman. Mendoza has completed 68.3% of his passes, and Haynes has rushed for 145 yards at 4.4 per attempt. Mercer has shown big-play ability, but King has already thrown four interceptions. Georgia Tech’s stronger level of competition and home setting make the Yellow Jackets the choice Saturday.

Mercer vs Georgia Tech Over/Under Pick

• Over

Over is the pick with both defenses showing areas that can be attacked. Georgia Tech allowed 45 points to Tennessee, while Mercer has produced 1,317 combined rushing and passing yards across three games. The Bears have scored 98 points, including 62 against Presbyterian, and their rushing attack is averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Georgia Tech has enough offensive production through Mendoza, Haynes, and its receiving group to contribute. With Mercer capable of creating explosive runs, both teams have the ability to put points on the board.