Clemson vs Georgia Preview

It's nearly here. The most anticipated opener in years for the Tigers will be Saturday night against Georgia. ESPN College Gameday will be in town for what is the biggest matchup of opening weekend. Two high powered offenses take to the field and the team with the ball last could be the winner.

Clemson's Offense vs Georgia's Defense

The Georgia defense provides inexperience Clemson can exploit. The Dawgs return only one starter in the secondary and are without safety Josh Harvey-Clemons who was expected to be an impact player. Tajh Boyd should be able to pick apart the defense; especially with the talent at receiver led by Sammy Watkins. The only question on offense for the Tigers, is if they can get consistency from their running backs. If so, it will be a very long night for the Georgia D.

Georgia's offense vs Clemson's Defense

The Georgia offense is talented. Expect Clemson to focus in slowing the best running back combo in the nation in Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. If the Tigers put a lot of emphasis on stopping the run, Aaron Murray will have plenty of opportunities to make plays with his arm. Clemson will have to pressure Murray in order to cause him to make mistakes. If not, the Tiger's inconsistent secondary will prove they are unable to stop a QB like Murray.

Special Teams

Special teams could be monumental in determining the outcome of this matchup. If the game comes down to kicking, the Tigers have the advantage. Chandler Catanzaro has been clutch in close games and proved it by hitting the game winning field goal in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl as time expired. He went 18 for 19 on field goal attempts last season. Georgia's kicker, Marshall Morgan, went 8 for 14 in field goals last season. The return game can be huge as well. Both have plenty of skill players capable of returning a kick for a touchdown.

X-Factor

Who can make a field goal at the end and who wins the turnover battle? The game should be close so one made or missed field goal could decide the outcome. Turnovers will be very critical. Both offenses are very good so a missed opportunity is another opportunity for the opposing offense to put points on the board.

Prediction

It's going to be a shootout. Plenty of firepower on both teams mean Gurley and Marshall can have big games as can Murray. Boyd to Watkins will be heard early and often. Bryant will give opportunities on a national stage as well. A close one but Clemson wins it. Prediction: Clemson wins 38-34.

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