Georgia battled Clemson closely for the first half before taking control in the second, ultimately securing a 34-3 victory.
This marks the Bulldogs’ 40th consecutive regular-season win, just five shy of the all-time record set by the 1936 Oklahoma team, which stands at 45.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 23 of 33 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns during the game, showcasing a rocky start in the first half but finding his rhythm in the latter stages.
With this win, Georgia extended its streak to 11 consecutive season-opening victories. Head coach Kirby Smart has now achieved 21 straight wins when given more than a week to prepare for an opponent, dating back to the 2018 season.
Here’s a quick overview of player performances based on the Georgia football “Stock Report”:
Stock soaring
Junior Malaki Starks impressed NFL scouts with a spectacular interception reminiscent of his debut against Oregon in 2022. He seamlessly transitioned to the Star position from safety due to Joenel Aguero being a surprise scratch.
Junior Jalon Walker showcased his versatility by stopping a critical third-and-1 in the third quarter and then recording a sack on fourth down.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo faced challenges with back Trevor Etienne and Rod Robinson unavailable, yet he executed a solid game plan that allowed the offense to settle in and set up for a successful second half.
London Humphreys strategically used the field umpire as a pick to catch a 40-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and also made a crucial 23-yard catch on third down that led to another score.
Tailback Nate Frazier had a notable debut, breaking tackles and demonstrating excellent vision. He recorded a 40-yard run following a 1-yard touchdown on a shotgun play.
Sophomore Peyton Woodring made a career-long 55-yard field goal, adding to his earlier 30-yard kick.
True freshman KJ Bolden lived up to Smart’s expectations with a perfect open-field tackle on Clemson tailback Phil Mafah and continued to play physically at safety.
Stock up
Lawson Luckie had a solid performance, catching two passes for 37 yards and providing key run blocking that benefited the run game in the second half.
Arian Smith’s dedication to becoming an all-around receiver paid off with significant contributions, proving he can excel in both short and deep routes.
Walk-on tailback Cash Jones delivered an inspiring 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, highlighting his efforts as the Bulldogs faced challenges with their running back lineup due to the absence of Trevor Etienne and Rod Robinson.
Stock Even
Carson Beck had some strong scrambles and a nice touchdown pass to Colbie Young but missed a crucial third-down throw to Dominic Lovett, which could have turned into more points. He also took a sack on another Red Zone opportunity. Expectations are high for Beck, a fifth-year senior, returning starter, and projected top NFL draft pick.
Stock down
The Georgia defensive line was frequently exposed, and injuries to starting tackles Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Mykel Williams raised concerns. The team may have a reprieve with Tennessee Tech next on the schedule, allowing the starters a potential week to recover.