ESPN's SP+ Computer Model Predicts Winner Of Georgia-Clemson Week 1 Matchup

The Georgia Bulldogs and Clemson Tigers have won national titles in the last ten years. Georgia won its recent titles in 2021 and 2022, while Clemson won two in 2016 and 2018. The two powerhouses get to face off in Week 1 of this season. The last time these programs met was in 2021, and the Bulldogs won 10-3 in a defensive battle.

Bill Connelly released ESPN's SP+ on Monday. It predicted the score, margin of victory and win probability for each Week 1 game.

The model predicted that Georgia would win the game by a score of 36-20. The model gives Georgia a 15.4 margin of victory. The Bulldogs are favored by 13.5 points heading into the game. According to the model, Georgia had an 83% chance of winning the game.

After not making the College Football Playoff last season, Georgia is hungry for a return to the national championship game. The Alabama Crimson Tide beat Georgia in the SEC Championship game to keep the Bulldogs out of the playoff.

The Bulldogs have quarterback Carson Beck, safety Malaki Starks, tight end Oscar Delp and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge returning this season. Georgia also added players like former Florida Gators running back Trevor Etienne, former Miami Hurricanes receiver Colbie Young and former Vanderbilt Commodores receiver London Humphreys from the portal.

For Clemson, the Tigers have not been to the playoff since 2020. Last season, Clemson finished at 9-4, which was its lowest number of wins under Dabo Swinney since 2010. The team went 6-7 that season. The last time Clemson won nine games in the Swinney era was in 2009.

Clemson is bringing back plenty of star power as well. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, linebacker Barrett Carter, defensive lineman Peter Woods and running back Phil Mafah are some of the stars back for Clemson in 2024.

However, Clemson is not without its losses. The Tigers lost players like safety Andrew Mukuba to the Texas Longhorns, WR Beaux Collins to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and cornerback Toriano Pride to the Missouri Tigers.

Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is at noon ET on Aug. 31 via ABC and ESPN+.

Related: Pete Thamel Reveals Prediction For SEC Championship Game