Why double-digit underdog Clemson football believes it can beat the odds, No. 1 Georgia

CLEMSON — Clemson football linebacker Barrett Carter was annoyed during the closing moments of Tuesday's practice.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney played Georgia's fight song "Glory, Glory" for nearly 20 minutes during the special teams portion. It was to prepare No. 14 Clemson for its season opener against the No. 1 Bulldogs and an expected pro-Georgia environment in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 31 (noon, ABC).

Yet, for Carter, who is from Georgia, it was a stark reminder of what he heard growing up. The linebacker knows plenty of Bulldogs players and will get to face them for maybe the last time in college. He admitted there has been little banter between him and his friends leading up to Week 1 but recognized the challenge of going up against the No. 1 team in the country.

"Until someone beats the best, they're going to be proclaimed the best," Carter said.

What makes Clemson facing Georgia even sweeter for Carter is that it takes place in Atlanta, just 34 miles from his hometown Suwanee. He is among 23 players from Georgia, including two from Atlanta (cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive tackle Hevin Brown-Shuler) and one from Athens (safety Khalil Barnes), who are eager to return to their home state.

The Tigers have played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium once, defeating Georgia Tech 41-10 to open the 2022 season. Some of these Georgia natives grew up Atlanta Falcons fans who watched the team play its final game in the Georgia Dome in January 2017 before moving to Mercedes-Benz Stadium seven months later.

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Others played in the venue during high school state football championships.

"It's a great experience," said Terrell, who's older brother, former Clemson star player AJ Terrell , will be the Tigers' honorary captain for the game. "I'm in my city, we're in Georgia, so it's only right I put on a show in front of my crowd."

Clemson football's expectations vs. Georgia in Week 1

Clemson enters the matchup as a double-digit underdog across many sportsbooks. Georgia has been dominant during the past three seasons, posting a 42-2 record and winning two national championships.

Still, the Tigers are confident they can upset the Bulldogs. They are optimistic their offense will improve in Year 2 under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and quarterback Cade Klubnik . Defensively, Clemson still boasts a talented unit that is coming off being ranked No. 8 in total defense last year.

The Bulldogs defeated the Tigers 10-3 in their most recent matchup in 2021 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Swinney says his team needs to be "playoff ready" to take down Georgia.

“We’re not the underdog,” tight end Jake Briningstool said. “We’re just laying low right now. We'll be ready."

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why double-digit underdog Clemson football believes it can beat the odds, No. 1 Georgia