Colorado opens the 2026 season as an underdog at Georgia Tech, but ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain took that idea a step further this week. Speaking on the "Gramlich and Mac Lain" podcast, Mac Lain predicted Georgia Tech will control the game physically and said the Yellow Jackets would run the ball 50 times against the Buffs. "Georgia Tech will run the football 50 times in that game," Mac Lain said. "They are going to pummel those boys at Colorado that look, honestly, like a JV team. They are about to get murdered in Atlanta." It is the kind of quote that will not need much help finding Colorado's locker room, with defensive tackle Dylan Manuel already chiming in. Georgia Tech is currently a seven-point favorite for the Sept. 3 matchup at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT on ESPN, with the over-under set at 50.5 points.
22 days😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂… https://t.co/Nhgr52b6sY — Dylan Manuel (@DylanManuel99_) August 12, 2026 The Yellow Jackets beat Colorado 27-20 in last year's season opener at Folsom Field and built much of that win on the ground. The rematch comes with different rosters and a different setting, but it remains an early test for a Colorado team looking to rebound from a 3-9 season. Deion Sanders and the Buffs have spent camp stressing toughness and a new offensive identity under Brennan Marion. They will get a direct chance to answer Mac Lain's prediction in Atlanta — particularly if they can hold up along the line of scrimmage, where the opener is likely to be decided. Follow James Carnes on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions. This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado receives blunt warning from analyst about Georgia Tech opener