Clemson’s hopes for an offensive turnaround will have to wait at least another week after a disappointing performance against top-ranked Georgia. The No. 14 Tigers managed only 188 total yards, averaging a mere 3.6 yards per play, and suffered a 34-3 defeat. In the first half, they spent just two snaps in Georgia’s territory, one resulting in a loss and the other in a penalty. Clemson’s only points came from a 26-yard field goal in the third quarter, while Georgia had already established a 13-0 lead. The Bulldogs quickly responded to Clemson’s field goal with a touchdown, quashing any momentum the Tigers had hoped to gain.
After narrowly missing the College Football Playoff last season, Georgia looks formidable and on track for a third national championship in four years. For Clemson, even minor gains felt like victories, and any significant gain was viewed as a stroke of luck.
Quarterback Cade Klubnik had a tough outing, completing 18 of 29 passes for 142 yards and an interception, averaging just 4.9 yards per attempt. The receiving corps struggled against Georgia’s secondary, and the offensive line could do little to facilitate the run game, totaling just 46 rushing yards on 23 carries. This lackluster performance has become a familiar pattern over the past three seasons as Clemson has struggled to maintain its place among the national elite.
Georgia, not only dominant defensively but also potent offensively, had quarterback Carson Beck throw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his Heisman Trophy candidacy. The Bulldogs’ formidable run game combined for 163 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
Georgia’s thorough domination of the game highlights the significant gap between the Tigers and true title contenders. When these teams clashed in 2021, Clemson appeared close to Georgia, but that gap has now widened drastically.
In Week 1 of the 2024 season, Georgia emerges as the biggest winner while Clemson faces serious questions.
Among the winners:
Penn State: The No. 9 Nittany Lions showcased their new offensive strategy with 457 yards and a 34-12 victory over West Virginia. Quarterback Drew Allar threw for 216 yards and three touchdowns, reinforcing the decision to hire offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, known for his success at Kansas.
Dylan Raiola: Nebraska’s true freshman quarterback had an impressive debut, completing 19 of 28 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-7 victory over Texas-El Paso. His performance marks a promising start for the Cornhuskers under head coach Matt Rhule.
Tennessee: The No. 15 Volunteers routed Chattanooga 69-3, with redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava shining. He completed 22 of 28 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns, setting a program record for most passing yards in a half.
Ohio State and Texas: Both teams started strong, with Ohio State defeating Akron 52-6 and Texas overpowering Colorado State 52-0. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard amassed 246 total yards while Texas’s Arch Manning threw for his first career touchdown.
Ashton Jeanty: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty was stellar in a high-scoring 56-45 victory over Georgia Southern, setting a program record with 267 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Alabama: The No. 5 Crimson Tide demolished Western Kentucky 63-0 in coach Kalen DeBoer’s debut, with the offense displaying significant firepower.
Notre Dame: No. 7 Notre Dame secured a 23-13 win at No. 20 Texas A&M, led by quarterback Riley Leonard’s solid performance, who contributed 221 yards of offense.
On the other hand, the losers include:
Florida: The Gators faced a harsh reality with a 41-17 loss to Miami, raising doubts about head coach Billy Napier’s future as the team struggles in a challenging schedule.
Virginia Tech: A disappointing overtime loss to Vanderbilt has dashed the Hokies’ early-season optimism, eliminating them from the Top 25 conversation.
ACC: The conference had a rough start, with Clemson’s defeat, Virginia Tech’s loss, and North Carolina State’s narrow win over Western Carolina, exacerbating concerns about the conference’s competitiveness.
Rice: The Owls’ aspirations for bowl eligibility took a hit, as they lost 34-14 to Sam Houston State, which ran for 178 yards and forced two turnovers.