Georgia Tigers

Clemson

We are looking forward to Clemson vs. Georgia Week 1 2024. The last time these teams matched up, Georgia won 10-3. They rode their strong defense. It saw them undefeated and start their run to back-to-back championships. Yet we find Clemson wondering what its identity is and if its run as a top program is over.

Swinney

In 2019, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was at the top of the world. He was coming off his second championship, beating rival Nick Saban for the second time in four years. Swinney’s name was now mentioned among top coaches. He was the frontrunner to succeed Saban in Alabama, where he started playing and coaching.

Struggling

Since 2020, the Tigers must still adjust to advance to another championship. They failed even to make the playoffs in the last three years. With the new 12-team playoff and an ACC that is up for grabs, Swinney has run out of excuses. Despite Clemson’s success as a program, no coach is more tied to star power than Swinney. Swinney’s successful teams are most notably tied to his quarterbacks. Boyd, Deshaun Watson, and Trevor Lawerence lead Swinney’s championship team. Since Lawrence, the quarterback pipeline and Swinney’s success have gone dry. For Clemson, the x factor in this game will be quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Klubnik

Klubnik, like Swinney, started his career at Clemson hot. In 2022, Klubnik was one of the top quarterbacks in his recruiting class. He was expected to sit behind former starter DJ Uiagalelei. On October 22, in a game against Syracuse, everything changed. Clemson and Syracuse remained undefeated in late October. They went into a game that could decide the conference. Syracuse got a strong start, up as much as 14 points until the third quarter. Uiagalelei was struggling already, throwing two interceptions through three quarters.

The Change

It was time for Swinney to change, so he put in backup quarterback Klubnik. Based on statistics, Klubnik could have had a better game. He seemed more confident. His speed opened up more rushing lanes for running back Will Shipley. Most of all, he was able to spark the Tigers’ offense. The Tigers rallied from the 14-point deficit. Syracuse has never recovered since that second half.

Uiagalelei’s time at Clemson

This game signaled the end of Uiagalelei’s time at Clemson. After that game, Uiagalelei remained the starter, but his leash was shortened. Uiagalelei was unconfident. Every mistake meant there was a possibility his backup could be warming up on the sidelines. There was no room for error; both quarterbacks were highly touted from high school.

Developing Trust

The same trust Swinney had for Uiagalelei he was beginning to develop with Klubnik. He trusted Klubnik, in the most significant game, would lead the team in their biggest moments. There was the ACC championship game against North Carolina. After another poor Uiagalelei performance, Klubnik was again thrown into the wolves. Klubnik had the best game of his career, 279 yards and two touchdowns.

Klubnik’s Team

This was now Klubnik’s team. He had his first start in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee. Then Uiagalelei entered the portal. Last year, he was up and down in his first full year as a starter. Still, Swinney remained confident in his starting quarterback. Georgia’s defense has regressed since the last time the two teams played in 2021. Even still, this will be Klubnik’s biggest test.

What Could Happen

Clemson no longer has Will Shipley and Beaux Collins. Klubnik must rely on veteran tight end Jake Briningstool and running back Phil Mafah. Enter the young receivers Antonio Williams, Adam Randall, and Troy Stellato. One of them would also have to emerge. If the passing game reemerges, Clemson could rebound. He could lead the team to represent the ACC in the new 12-team college football playoff. Swinney could find himself looking for a new QB and job if they don’t. It would happen in a College Football landscape wanting change and feeding on those struggling to adjust.

Beating Expectations

Georgia also faces the challenge of beating expectations. The difference is that they have two of the most equipped guys to handle the challenge. In 2016, Alabama beat Clemson in the championship. This created the perfect ending for longtime defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. Smart was on his way to becoming Georgia’s head coach. He spent years behind Nick Saban, learning to field top defenses and recruit.

Showing What He Knows

It was time, and Smart wanted to show what he had learned. In one game, Smart could see the potential of his new job. Opposing quarterback Deshaun Watson would be in the Championship game. He was born in Gainesville, Georgia. Watson could have been his quarterback if Smart had had the job a few years earlier. Smart’s first season at Georgia had eight wins. That was down from 10 the previous season, and the SEC championship game was missed. For the season, Smart missed one SEC championship game and lost 11 games, with four losses coming to Saban. Saban retired, and the college football playoffs expanded. After that, Georgia remains in the perfect position to continue its dominant run. Smart has one of the best players in the country to continue their run, and surprisingly, he isn’t on defense.

Carson Beck

Carson Beck could be one of the top quarterbacks in the country and Georgia’s history. Beck doesn’t have the arm talent that Stafford had. He doesn’t have the longevity of Aaron Murray. Nor does he have the championship and story of Stetson Bennett. That notwithstanding, he is accurate. In his first year as a starter, Beck was fourth in the country in completion percentage, at .724. Only behind Bo Nix, Jacob Zeno, and Graham Mertz. These quarterbacks are more experienced and play in more collegiate offenses. This year’s numbers will take more work. That is especially true after losing top playmakers Brock Bowers, Ladd Mcconkey, Dajuan Edwards, and Kendall Milton. Pass catchers Oscar Delp, Dominic Lovett, Dillon Bell, and Arian Smith return for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs

In contrast to the Tigers, the Bulldogs also use the transfer portal. Additions to watch for include London Humphreys, Ben Yurosek, Colby Young, and Michael Jackson III. The running back room is still being determined. Roderick and Brandon Robinson came off injuries. New addition Trevor Etiene’s status is doubtful in the first game after two DUI charges. Walk-on Cash Jones and Freshman Nate Frazier are two running backs expected to step up.

What I Expect

I expect this game to be high-scoring, contrasting to their last matchup. For both teams, high expectations and changing their identity start next week. Find out who wins with University Foot-Ball.