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No. 1 Georgia Faces No. 14 Clemson in Atlanta Opener

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a contest on tap as Clemson and Georgia will both be trying to pick up a win.

(Photo by Getty Images) Carson Beck

Clemson (0-0) at Georgia (0-0)

  • When: Aug 31 2024, 12:00 PM
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
  • Where to watch: ABC

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Clemson (#14) @ Georgia (#1)
Point Spread

Clemson (#14)   11.0 (-105)
Georgia (#1)   -11.0 (-115)

Clemson (#14) @ Georgia (#1)
Total

Over   48.5 (-115)
Under   48.5 (-105)

Clemson (#14) @ Georgia (#1)
Moneyline

Clemson (#14)   +375
Georgia (#1)   -525

Passing Team Leaders:
Clemson: Cade Klubnik 2844 Yds
Georgia: Carson Beck 3941 Yds

Team Stats

Tigers   Bulldogs
0-0 Record 0-0
0-0 Away & Home 0-0
Last 10
Streak

Last Matchup:
Georgia 10-3, September 4th, 2021

Game Preview

When top-ranked Georgia takes on No. 14 Clemson in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta this Saturday, it’s a matchup of two college football powerhouses heading in different directions, each looking to make a statement in their season opener.

Georgia, with 39 straight regular-season wins under its belt, had its streak of national championships halted by Alabama in last year’s SEC Championship Game.

Clemson, on the other hand, has been absent from the College Football Playoff for three consecutive years and failed to achieve a 10-win season for the first time since 2010.

Boasting a roster filled with ex-five-star recruits and potential NFL talent, Georgia holds positional advantages across the board. However, Bulldogs’ coach Kirby Smart maintains a high regard for Clemson and Coach Dabo Swinney, acknowledging their two national titles in the past eight years.

“There’s a tremendous amount of respect for what Dabo has built at Clemson," Smart commented. "He’s created a strong culture and we expect an electric atmosphere this Saturday."

Georgia, coming off a 13-1 season, is set to unveil both familiar faces and new talent in their lineup.

Carson Beck, a fifth-year senior, returns as Georgia’s quarterback after throwing for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. However, the identity of Georgia’s starting running back remains in question.

Initially, Florida transfer Trevor Etienne was poised to lead the Bulldogs’ backfield after compiling 1,472 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns over two seasons at Florida. His status for the opener is uncertain following a DUI arrest, which was later dismissed in July.

Adding to the uncertainty is the toe injury of sophomore Roderick Robinson II, who impressed in last season’s Orange Bowl but is currently recovering from surgery.

"I’m optimistic about our running back group," Smart said. "They’ve shown a lot of growth. Rod is still dealing with his toe, and we’re taking it week by week."

Clemson is looking to reclaim its top-tier status and shake up the college football rankings with a strong performance against Georgia.

The Tigers finished last season 9-4, with an offense that often faltered. They return with junior quarterback Cade Klubnik, who passed for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns but also struggled with turnovers.

“Cade showed significant progress last year, and we’re expecting him to take a big step forward this season,” Swinney noted.

As college football enters the era of a 12-team playoff, Clemson sees an expanded pathway back to prominence, despite starting the season with its lowest preseason rank since 2014.

Swinney emphasized the season’s length, saying, "Whether you start unranked or highly ranked, what truly matters is where you stand in November and December."

Handicappers Picks – Join for Free

NCAA Football Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Georgia 30-17
The Pick: Georgia -11 (-115) & Under 48½ (-105)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $365

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