Pete Thamel Projects Georgia Starter To Miss Clemson Season Opener

The No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs may be without their starting running back when they meet No. 14 Clemson in Atlanta on Saturday.

Junior tailback Trevor Etienne, who transferred from Florida over the offseason, worked his way to the top of the depth chart through spring and fall practices. But an offseason DUI arrest has put his status in doubt ahead of the season opener.

ESPN's Pete Thamel expects Etienne to miss the game entirely.

“The headline is that Trevor Etienne is facing a one game suspension,” he said on "College Football Live." “He got arrested in March on DUI charges. Under Georgia Athletic Department policy, he’s expected to miss one game.”

Head coach Kirby Smart was asked about any potential suspensions during a media period on Monday. He declined to share any details.

"I don't talk about those things," Smart said.

Georgia already faces a challenge at the position with sophomore Roderick Robinson II, the leading returning rusher, recovering from toe surgery. He is also doubtful against the Tigers.

Where does UGA turn to fill the void?

Walk-on junior Cash Jones is provides the most experience with 27 games under his belt, though he has totaled just 25 carries over his three seasons in Athens. Jones recorded 22 of those attempts last season for 161 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 11 passed for 92 yards and two scores.

Additionally, redshirt sophomore Branson Robinson is healthy after recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2023 season in fall camp. The Bulldogs traditionally progress cases like Robinson's as the season plays out, so it's unclear what role the former four-star recruit will play. Georgia will benefit if he is able to carry the load, though, as Robinson impressed with 68 carries for 330 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman in 2022.

There is also a true freshman that has stood out in fall camp in former four-star Nate Frazier. The Compton, California native signed with UGA as the No. 2 running back in the 2024 class, per 247Sports.

It should be noted that Georgia's offensive identity extends beyond the backfield. Heisman Trophy contender Carson Beck returns as a senior and is protected by one of the top returning offensive lines in the sport. UGA fans can find some solace within that group despite the questions at tailback.

Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is slated for noon ET (ABC). The Bulldogs are favored by 13.5 points, according to FanDuel.

Related: College Football Fans Stunned By Connor Stalions Documentary