It all starts at High Noon in Atlanta. The top 25 anticipated matchups are the most anticipated games in week 1. With Georgia favored by 13.5 points, Clemson is the biggest underdog they have been in 12 years. However, the Tigers have won 2 of its last 3 Games against ranked teams in the AP Poll and view these games as a barometer for the program.
Not many who turn on the TV Saturday to watch the game will pick Clemson but I disagree. If Clemson can hang around, keep it close, and keep the mistakes at a minimum, the Tigers have a chance. Besides they have nothing to lose. The pressure is on Georgia and I feel that the improvements on the Offensive line in the offseason are key. If Cade has time in the pocket and Phil Mafah can pick up 4 or more yards a carry on a first or second down, Clemson opens up the playbook to many possibilities.
On the other side, Georgia’s offensive line vs Clemson’s defensive line is also an important battle to watch. Georgia may have the best offensive line in the country. They have 4 out of 5 starters back from last season. The one new starter is Jared Wilson and the word is he is a freak of an Athlete. But don’t forget on Clemson’s defense we have Peter Woods and TJ Parker returning. Those are battles to watch! TJ Parker and Peter Woods are back for their second year and they were great as freshmen. Peter Woods is at 320 lbs and 6’4 and he’s got crazy speed for his size. He’s a beast and he should give Georgia some headaches Saturday and all they can handle upfront.
Georgia’s Defensive line is the biggest question mark of the game. Jordon Hall is hurt and Warren Brinson is banged up. Georgia will have to have guys to step up because Matt Luke the new Offensive Line Coordinator is leading the pack at Clemson and we saw significant improvement in the offensive line in the Gator Bowl Back in December.
QB battle Cade vs Carson. Cade didn’t have the season we expected last year but I’m confident he’s improved a lot over the offseason and he has so many more weapons this year. He has to be a better decision maker and he’s got to make the easy throws. Dabo has said he has taken many steps over the offseason for the good and he has won the team over with leadership which is key for a quarterback.
ESPN was referring to Georgia’s Carson Beck as a young Tom Brady and watching him I can see a similar style especially how he was able to plant his feet on a dime and execute a completion. According to the Georgia staff he has taken his offseason seriously and honed in on improving the long ball. He’s a real threat. Clemson’s defense needs to keep the pressure on the whole game and not let off the throttle if they want to rattle Carson. We can’t let him get comfortable or we could have trouble.
Clemson’s key to victory is they have to do the little things well. Make good punts, and make your field goals but by all means, have little to no turnovers. We know how bad that hurt us last year, especially during the opening game against Duke. We have a little margin of error here. We are playing the number one team in the nation. Phil Mafah has to have a huge game and open up the playbook with good 1st and 2nd down yardage. The offense was our biggest problem last year. We need to be the Clemson we have become over the offseason and I have faith in our Defense. We were good last year we are even better this year. I’m so excited for the season to get started. Spot the Ball and Go Tigers!
Written by: Josh Starnes
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