Georgia battled with Clemson for a half before flexing their offensive muscles in the second half, securing a 34-3 victory. This win marked the Bulldogs’ 40th consecutive regular-season victory, just five shy of the all-time record set by the 1936 Oklahoma team.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 23 of 33 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns, struggling at times in the first half but gaining momentum after the break. This victory also marked Georgia’s 11th consecutive win in their season opener, while head coach Kirby Smart has now won 21 straight games when having more than a week to prepare for an opponent, a streak that dates back to 2018.
A quick review of how Georgia’s players performed reveals rising stocks for some individuals. Junior Malaki Starks made a standout play with an impressive interception, reminiscent of his debut against Oregon in 2022. Starks transitioned smoothly to the Star position with Joenel Aguero unable to play.
Junior Jalon Walker showcased his versatility with a crucial stop on a third-and-1 in the third quarter and then followed up with a sack on fourth down. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo faced challenges with back Trevor Etienne and Rod Robinson unavailable, but he effectively allowed the offense to find its rhythm in the first half while cleverly planning plays for the second half.
London Humphreys used the field umpire to create space for a 40-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter and also made a vital 23-yard reception on third down. Tailback Nate Frazier impressed in his collegiate debut, demonstrating strong tackling breaks and vision, including a 40-yard run following his first touchdown.
Sophomore Peyton Woodring kicked a career-best 55-yard field goal after connecting on a 30-yarder to initiate scoring. True freshman KJ Bolden displayed the potential Smart mentioned, delivering a solid hit on Clemson’s standout tailback Phil Mafah.
Lawson Luckie had a productive performance with two catches for 37 yards, aiding the run game with key blocks. Arian Smith’s continuous improvement was evident in his performance, showing he could be a multifaceted threat as a dependable receiver.
Walk-on tailback Cash Jones made a memorable 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, providing a much-needed boost with the depth at running back affected by Etienne’s suspension and Robinson’s injury.
Carson Beck showcased moments of brilliance with impressive scrambles, including a nice touchdown pass to Colbie Young. However, he missed a critical third-down opportunity to Dominic Lovett, resulting in only a field goal when a touchdown was feasible. Furthermore, he took a third-down sack during another red zone attempt, reflecting the high expectations set for him as a fifth-year senior and projected top NFL draft pick.
On the defensive side, Georgia’s defensive line struggled against Clemson’s offense, raising concerns due to injuries to starting tackles Warren Brinson, Nazir Stackhouse, and Mykel Williams. Fortunately, Georgia faces Tennessee Tech next, potentially allowing these starters a much-needed week off to recover.