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No. 1 Georgia Faces No. 14 Clemson in Highly Anticipated Season Opener
When top-ranked Georgia takes on No. 14 Clemson in the Aflac Kickoff Game on Saturday in Atlanta, two storied programs with different recent histories will look to make a statement as they kick off their seasons.
It’s 𝑮𝑨𝑴𝑬𝑫𝑨𝒀 in the 🅰️
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) August 31, 2024
📍: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
📺: ABC
🕛: Noon ET#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/oRuz07NqKC
Georgia’s Reign and Questions in the Backfield
Georgia, the reigning powerhouse in college football, is coming off a remarkable run with 39 consecutive regular-season victories. Their 13-1 season last year was only blemished by a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, ending their bid for a third straight national title. Despite their dominance, the Bulldogs face some uncertainty as they begin this new season.
The roster is loaded with talent, featuring former five-star recruits and future NFL prospects. Carson Beck, a fifth-year senior, returns as the starting quarterback after throwing for 3,941 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. However, the big question mark for the Bulldogs lies in the backfield.
Initially, Florida transfer Trevor Etienne seemed poised to be Georgia’s lead running back after an impressive two seasons with the Gators, where he rushed for 1,472 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, his availability for the opener is now uncertain following a DUI arrest in March, despite the charges being dismissed in July. Adding to the mix, sophomore Roderick Robinson II, who made a mark with 70 rushing yards in the Orange Bowl, is dealing with a toe injury that required surgery, making his status week-to-week.
“I’m really excited about the backs we’ve got,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “The guys have worked really hard. They continue to grow and get better. Rod’s toe is still an issue for him, and he did have surgery. … He’ll probably be week to week.”
Smart remained tight-lipped about Etienne’s status, keeping fans and analysts guessing as the Bulldogs prepare to face the Tigers.
Clemson’s Quest for Redemption
On the other side, Clemson is hungry to reclaim its spot among college football’s elite after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the third consecutive year. The Tigers finished last season with a 9-4 record, missing the 10-win mark for the first time since 2010, and enter this season ranked No. 14—their lowest preseason ranking since 2014.
Head coach Dabo Swinney is determined to bring Clemson back to national prominence, starting with this tough opener against Georgia. The Tigers bring back junior quarterback Cade Klubnik, who threw for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns last season but will need to improve his ball security after throwing nine interceptions and losing five fumbles. Running back Phil Mafah, who led Clemson with 965 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, will be a key player as the Tigers aim to pull off an upset.
“You saw a lot of growth from him throughout the season,” Swinney said of Klubnik. “He was a first-year starter, and now you want to see a big jump.”
Clemson’s blend of experience and potential makes them a dangerous opponent. With the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, the Tigers have a better shot at making a return to the sport’s biggest stage.
“In my experience, we’ve been unranked and won the league, we’ve been ranked 12th and went all the way to the national championship, and we’ve been ranked high and didn’t finish as well,” Swinney said. “In college football, it’s all about where you are in November and December, not July and August.”
Game Outlook
As Georgia looks to continue their reign and Clemson seeks redemption, Saturday’s showdown in Atlanta is set to be one of the season’s most exciting matchups. The Bulldogs will lean on their depth and talent, even with the questions in their backfield, while the Tigers hope to leverage their experience and return to form. With both programs eager to make a statement, this season opener promises to be an intense and closely fought battle.
