Georgia faced off against Clemson in a competitive first half before pulling away for a decisive 34-3 victory. This win marked the Bulldogs’ 40th consecutive regular-season victory, just five wins shy of the all-time record held by Oklahoma from 1936.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 23 of 33 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns during the game. While he struggled at times in the first half, he found his rhythm after halftime. This win also represented Georgia’s 11th consecutive season-opening victory, and coach Kirby Smart has now achieved 21 straight wins when given more than a week to prepare for an opponent since the 2018 season.
In terms of player performances, junior Malaki Starks impressed scouts with a remarkable interception reminiscent of his debut against Oregon in 2022. He transitioned smoothly to his role in the game due to Joenel Aguero being a surprise scratch.
Junior Jalon Walker showcased his versatility by registering a key third-and-1 stop in the third quarter, followed by a crucial sack on fourth down. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo faced challenges with injuries affecting key players but effectively executed a game plan that allowed the offense to settle in during the first half while setting up plays for the second half.
London Humphreys had a notable fourth-quarter touchdown catch, utilizing the field umpire to create separation. He also made a significant 23-yard reception on third down that contributed to a scoring drive.
Tailback Nate Frazier made a strong debut, displaying impressive vision and breaking tackles, including a 40-yard run after scoring his first touchdown on a one-yard rush. Sophomore Peyton Woodring connected on a career-long 55-yard field goal after previously hitting a 30-yarder for the first points of the game.
True freshman KJ Bolden exhibited the potential Coach Smart had highlighted, delivering a solid tackle on Clemson star tailback Phil Mafah and maintaining physical play at the safety position.
Stock evaluations revealed that Lawson Luckie had a solid performance with two catches for 37 yards, along with key run blocking. Arian Smith also shined with notable contributions, demonstrating his ability as an all-around receiver.
Walk-on tailback Cash Jones capped off a strong fourth-quarter performance with a 15-yard touchdown run after a tough game for the Bulldogs’ running back unit due to injuries.
Carson Beck did have some noteworthy plays, including impressive scrambles and a touchdown throw, although he also missed a key third-down attempt that could have affected the outcome of the game.
Concerns lingered for the Georgia defensive line, which struggled at times, and injuries to key starters raised questions heading into the next game against Tennessee Tech, which may provide an opportunity for players to recover.