Game Preview: 1. Georgia vs 14. Clemson
Intro: The first ranked matchup of the season kicks off in Atlanta this sunday. Georgia has won two out of the last three national titles, and are poised to win another as they open their season against Clemson. Clemson has won 2 national championships and have made the CFP six times, but they have fallen off a bit in recent years, with at least three losses in each of their last three seasons. Clemson has to prove that they are still a top team, and Georgia has to use this game as a baseline for another tough season.
Spread: -13.5 Georgia
Why Georgia will win:
Georgia is the number one team in the land and for good reason. They have a Heisman trophy contender in Carson Beck, seven returning starters on offense, and one of the country’s best O-lines. That offensive line should be able to give both Beck and a highly touted RB room plenty of room to operate. Georgia also returns a great D-line, with players like Nazir Stackhouse that should be able to heavily disrupt the Clemson offense.
Why Clemson will win:
Clemson brings back Cade Klubnick, who threw for 19 TD and 9 INT last year. They also have a talented receiving core that has been plagued with injuries for the past years, and should start entirely healthy. Clemson also had one of the best defenses in the country last year and is expected to be among the best again. Key players from the defense include Barrett Carter, who is projected to be one of the best linebackers in the country.
Prediction: Georgia 28-10. Clemson’s less than elite offense will have major difficulties against Georgia’s defensive unit. Georgia will be able to rush effectively against Clemson with their D-Line, stopping the run and giving Cade Klubnik a lot of trouble. Georgia will have trouble against Clemson’s defense, but ultimately prove too much for them as they will be able to score enough to pull away. During this game, Georgia will show why they are one of the best teams in the country.