(Photo: Bleacher Report)
Campus Clash
(14) Clemson Tigers at (1) Georgia Bulldog
Clemson: I enjoyed watching them during their glory days. When they were one of the top three teams in the country, Dabo Swinney was considered the best coach in the game not named Nick Saban and you knew when you played them, you would have to bring all you could because it would be a war. We can reflect all we want, but let’s also address a particular caveat. The Quarterback play back then was top notch and if you don’t have consistency at the most important position, you will not succeed in this sport and that’s just a fact. From 2015 to 2020, this was a team you automatically penciled in to make the College Football Playoff. Back then, the Clemson Tigers started quickly, kept their foot on the gas pedal, and never looked back. Now, they’re a fair opponent and you don’t fear them anymore because I know I don’t. Replacing Trevor Lawrence wouldn’t be easy, and those are some big shoes that I need to fill. There was much hype surrounding Quarterback Cade Klubnik as the next great Clemson Quarterback but to be honest, the jury is still out on him. I need to see more from him. One thing I know that will remain consistent with this program is their defensive prowess as they are still one of the best units in the country. There are certain teams that you identify a strength with and defense is the staple amongst this group. Week one is here and Dabo will lead his young men into a battle with the nation’s best on Saturday afternoon.
Georgia: If you want to see what dominance looks like, book a flight or drive and head down to Athens, Georgia. They have steamrolled through the regular season since 2021 and have lost as many games as they have won National Championships (which is two). I remember when Kirby Smart was hired as the next Head Coach and how people questioned it. I’d love to ask those people what they think now. He is the best coach in the country and it’s not even close at this point in my opinion. He learned from Nick Saban and has implemented what Nick taught him along with a few things his way. Here’s how good the Georgia Bulldogs have been: They have a 36-game winning streak in the regular season which is the longest in the nation currently and the two losses I mentioned earlier in the paragraph came against the Alabama Crimson Tide who has been their kryptonite over the years. Over the years, you heard me say this about Alabama and I can apply the same message to these Bulldogs. They will never rebuild and start from scratch, they will reload and get better. This will be a group that will once again dominate in the SEC, get to their conference title game and more than likely are the favorites to win the natty. They will kick off their season in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon against Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers.
Clemson X-Factor: DeMonte Capehart– I can admit that the Tigers’ Defensive Line lost some contributors such as Xavier Thomas, Justin Mascoll, Tyler Davis, and Ruke Orhorhoro which will be tough shoes to fill. However, they have many pieces looking to take that next step and DeMonte is one of them. He’s their most ferocious up front and I expect him to have more responsibility this year. DeMonte is that physical force up front that drew the attention of the fans immediately. I expect him to be a key piece this year for this defense.
Georgia X-Factor: Dillon Bell– As expected, Georgia went hunting in the transfer portal and came away with a few finds such as Trevor Etienne and Tight End, Benjamin Yurosek from Stanford. Tomorrow, I will be watching Dillon Bell. Last season, his role grew within the offense each week as he showed his ability to win his one-on-one battles, make those contested catches, and even carry the ball out of the backfield. Dillon displays that versatility that many would love to have on their team. He and Carson Beck began to develop a nice chemistry with one another. I’m ready to see what he does with added responsibility.
Final Thoughts: Well, here we are! Another college football season is here and I couldn’t be more excited to share my thoughts and perspectives with you all once again. These two programs met in 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina and, I always say that was the game that made me open my eyes a little more to the Georgia Bulldogs. It was a defensive struggle between the two and, I am expecting the same in Atlanta this time around. All eyes will be on Cade Klubnik who will need to deliver this year if Clemson wants to succeed and do much of anything. I see Georgia playing throughout the year with a chip on their shoulder after how their season ended last year. This defense will throw themselves at Cade early and often and the only way Clemson will stand a chance is to come away with points (six, not three). Georgia will look to establish themselves early and often. I’m picking Georgia to win this one tomorrow afternoon.
Prediction: Georgia 31, Clemson 14
