The start of the college football season is finally here. After a wild week zero, week one looks to bring even more excitement to a new season. For Clemson, the 2024 season starts with its toughest challenge as the Tigers play the Georgia Bulldogs in the Aflac Kickoff Game. The game is a neutral site game. It will take place in Mercede-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, giving the Bulldogs more of the hometown advantage.
During Fall camp, Clemson players and coaches alike have talked about the raised sense of urgency in these early practices to prepare for Georgia. They’ve talked about the starting offense and defense having more chances to compete against each other. More iron sharpening iron in different drills, and veteran players stepping up as leaders to get ready for week one. The chance to prove something against the number one team in the nation seems like motivation for this group.
Historic Matchup
This will be the 66th meeting between these two programs. Georgia holds the lead in the series with 43 wins while Clemson has 18. Four of these games ended in a tie. The Bulldogs have also won the last two meetings. The last game between these teams took place during the opening week of the 2021 season in Charlotte, NC. The defenses in that game shined as Georgia narrowly defeated the Tigers 10-3. In just three years the only thing that remains the same about these teams are their head coaches.
Offensive Growth
It is no secret that if Clemson wants a chance to pull off the upset, the offense has to be more consistent. This consistency starts with junior quarterback Cade Klubnik. His play through 2023 fluctuated quite a bit. Much of the problem was poor decision-making in critical situations and turnovers. Klubnik threw for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns, but also had nine interceptions. This offseason many have raved about Klubnik’s improvement, especially as a leader.
One thing that should aid that improvement is a wide receiver room that has also gotten better. Antonio Williams is healthy, and a player the Tigers have been expecting to be the head of that position group. Troy Stellato is healthy giving them a productive slot receiver. Tyler Brown is back after being the Tigers leading receiver in his freshman season last year. Brown was the only Clemson receiver with over 500 receiving yards. Lastly, Clemson added two five-star wide receiver commits in Bryant Wesco and TJ Moore who both have had a good Fall camp.
This along with what should be a strong running game with Phil Mafah back should see the offense grow. Garrett Riley will be in his second year as the Clemson offensive coordinator. This continuity should also aid in the offense improving from the last few seasons.
Defensive Expectations
This Clemson defense has been raved about all offseason for a reason. With the talent coming back, especially upfront, it is hard not to see the Clemson defense being one of the best in the FBS. The defense returns two freshmen All-Americans on the defensive line Peter Woods and TJ Parker. Barrett Carter returns for his senior season even though many believed he could’ve been taken in the NFL Draft had he declared. Next to him will be emerging linebacker Wade Woodaz and another five-star 2024 commit Sammy Brown. On the back end, more young playmakers such as Khalil Barnes and Avieon Terrell will be back for year two.
It is hard to find a weak spot on this Clemson defense. This unit will have to live up to expectations against the Bulldogs to get the win in Atlanta. Shutting down Trevor Etienne, brother of former Clemson running back Travis Etienne, will be key if he is available. Slowing down the run game will help to put more pressure on Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. If that can happen, the game will be within reach for Dabo Swinney’s squad.
