David Pollack Makes Prediction For "Best" Week 1 College Football Matchup

Week 1 college football is upon us, and with it comes an intriguing slate of marquee matchups.

No. 8 Penn State at West Virginia, No. 19 Miami at Florida, No. 7 Notre Dame at Texas A&M – you don't have to search long for some prime football. But for college football analyst and former "College GameDay" host, David Pollack, a top-15 matchup in Atlanta is "by far the best" of the weekend slate.

No. 1 Georgia and No. 14 Clemson will meet in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the first time the two perennial powers have met since 2021. Kirby Smart's Bulldogs edged Dabo Swinney and the Tigers 10-3 in a defensive battle.

While Georgia enters the game as the favorite to make the College Football Playoff and play for a third national title in the last four years, Clemson is aiming to get back on track following an uncharacteristic 9-4 season.

For Pollack, he sees a clear winner for the noon feature on ABC.

The former Georgia defensive end recalled the Bulldogs' win in 2021 as a barometer for how this game will play out.

"Clemson got overwhelmed on the offensive line…," Pollack said on David Pollack College Football." "I think the same thing in this game. I don’t think they’re good enough to hold up in the trenches."

Both programs have recruited well since they last met, but Georgia pulled in the No. 1 class in 2024 and returns two blue-chip starters on the interior defensive line in Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson.

On the offensive side, the Bulldogs return three starters on a front that is expected to compete as one of the best in the nation. Left tackle Earnest Greene, left guard Dylan Fairchild and right guard Tate Ratledge will likely be NFL draft picks next spring.

"Georgia’s made a living off being a bully...," Pollack continued. "I think Georgia’s too much of a complete team and will overwhelm Clemson."

The Tigers have what it takes to put up a fight, though, with Collin Sadler, Blake Miller and Walker Parks returning as experienced members of a tough offensive front. Defensively is where Clemson excels, especially up front with Peter Woods and TJ Parker headlining the group.

If this game does come down to play on the line of scrimmage, it will be one of the most physical games of the weekend.

The Bulldogs are considered 12.5-point favorites, per FanDuel. Kickoff is set for noon ET on ABC.

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