Clemson Tigers (0-0) vs Georgia Bulldogs (0-0)
Game Info: Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 7:30 pm (Bank of America Stadium)
Betting Odds: Clemson Tigers -3.5 -- Over/Under: 52.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The 5th ranked Georgia Bulldogs and 3rd ranked Clemson Tigers will square off at Bank of America Stadium this Saturday in College Football action.
The 5th ranked Georgia Bulldogs finished last season with an overall record of 8-2 while finished 2nd in the SEC East after finishing conference play with a 7-2 record. Georgia didn’t make it to the CFB Playoffs after dropping regular season matchups to Alabama & Florida, however, the Bulldogs did end the season on a high note with an impressive 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Peach Bowl. Offensively, Georgia averaged 32.3 ppg on 424.1 total yards per game (249.9 passing yds/g; 174.2 rushing yds/g). The Georgia offense will be led by QB JT Daniels who in four games with he Bulldogs last season, completed 67.2% of his passes for 1,231 yards, 10 TD, & 2 INT. Georgia did suffer some tough news with a key injury to WR George Pickens who might miss the entire season, however, the Bulldogs still have some solid receiving threats in Kearis Jackson (36 rec, 514 yards, 3 TD), Jermaine Burton (27 rec, 404 yards, 3 TD), & Darnell Washington (7 rec, 166 yards). Georgia will have a talented backfield that will be led by Zamir White who had 779 yards & 11 TD’s on 144 carries.
Defensively, Georgia held their opponents to an average of 20.0 ppg on 321.0 total yards per game (248.7 passing yds/g; 72.3 rushing yds/g). Georgia will be led by their front seven led by Jordan Davis & LB Nakobe Dean.
The 3rd ranked Clemson Tigers finished last season with an impressive 10-2 record, however, the season ended in disappointment after being defeated by the Ohio State Buckeyes, 49-28, in the Sugar Bowl CPF Semifinal. Offensively, Clemson averaged 43.5 ppg on 502.3 total yards per game (348.5 passing yds/g; 153.8 rushing yds/g), however, the offensive will look much different this season with Trevor Lawrance & Travis Etienne now suiting up for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dabo Swinney will have QB D.J. Uiagalelei who completed 66.7% of his passes for 914 yards & 5 TD’s last season. Uiagalelei top receiving threats will be Justyn Loss, Joseph Ngata (7 rec, 81 yards), & Brendon Galloway (27 rec, 369 yards, 2 TD). Clemson will have some experience on the offensive line after returning three starters and will help that RB Lyn-J Dixon (42 att, 190 rushing yards, 2 TD) can take of the role of lead back with Etienne gone.
Defensively, Clemson held their opponents to an average of 20.2 ppg on 326.8 total yards per game (214.2 passing yds/g; 112.7 rushing yds/g). Clemson’s defense should be strong again as the Tigers return 9 starters included a stacked defensive line led by Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy, & Xavier Thomas.
The Bulldogs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the AAC conference and 14-0 straight up in their last 14 September games. The Tigers are 17-3 straight up in their last 20 games and 5-1 straight up in their last 6 games vs. SEC opponents.
Clemson comes into this game as a favorite but certainly has some question marks on the offensive end as this is going to be a tough matchup for D.J. Uiagalelei & Lyn-J Dixon, who despite talented, don’t have much experience. Georgia has a defense that can match Clemson’s and as I think JT Daniels & Zamir White will be able to put up some points on the board for the Bulldogs, I think the play here is to take Georgia and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Georgia Bulldogs +3
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05