Georgia faced off against Clemson in a tightly contested first half before unleashing a dominant performance in the second half, concluding the game with a decisive 34-3 victory.
This win marks the Bulldogs’ 40th consecutive regular-season triumph, bringing them within five victories of the all-time record held by Oklahoma in 1936, which stands at 45.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 23 of 33 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns, overcoming some early struggles to find his rhythm after halftime.
Additionally, this victory signifies the 11th consecutive season-opening win for the Georgia football team. Coach Kirby Smart has now achieved 21 straight wins when given more than a week to prepare for a rival since the 2018 season.
Here’s a brief overview of the players’ performances, based on the Georgia football “Stock Report”:
Stock soaring
Junior Malaki Starks caught the attention of NFL scouts with a spectacular interception, reminiscent of his debut against Oregon in 2022. Starks efficiently transitioned from his safety role to Star position in the absence of Joenel Aguero.
Junior Jalon Walker demonstrated remarkable versatility, making a crucial stop on a third-and-1 play and then recording a sack on a fourth down in the third quarter.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo faced challenges with key players Trevor Etienne and Rod Robinson unavailable, yet he successfully organized the offense during the first half while setting up effective plays for the second half.
London Humphreys utilized the field umpire strategically to free himself for a 40-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, contributing a vital 23-yard reception on third down that led to another score.
Tailback Nate Frazier had a notable debut, showcasing his ability to break tackles and display great field vision. He achieved a 40-yard run following his first Georgia touchdown, which came on a 1-yard rush.
Sophomore Peyton Woodring scored a career-best 55-yard field goal, having previously converted a 30-yarder to start the scoring.
Freshman KJ Bolden showcased his potential with a perfect tackle on Clemson’s star tailback Phil Mafah and continued to display physicality as a safety.
Stock up
Lawson Luckie had a solid performance, recording two receptions for 37 yards and playing a crucial role in run blocking which aided the rushing game in the second half.
Arian Smith’s efforts to become a reliable receiver paid off with a performance that included multiple catches. His elite speed and ability to catch both short passes and serve as a deep threat were evident.
Walk-on tailback Cash Jones had an inspiring 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, helping the Bulldogs manage their running back depth due to Trevor Etienne’s suspension and Rod Robinson’s turf toe injury.
Stock Even
While Carson Beck made some impressive plays, including stirring scrambles and a touchdown pass to Colbie Young, he also missed a critical third-down opportunity to Dominic Lovett, which would have potentially led to seven points. The expectations for Beck are high as he is a fifth-year senior and a projected top NFL draft prospect.
Stock down
Concerns arose as the Georgia defensive line struggled at times, compounded by injuries to starting defensive tackles Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Mykel Williams. Fortunately, with Tennessee Tech next on the schedule, the team has a chance to allow these key players a week to recover if necessary.