Clemson football’s defensive X-Factor for Week 1 against Georgia

Clemson, led by Dabo Swinney, is gearing up to take on top-ranked Georgia this Saturday . The No. 14 Tigers aim to pull off an upset against Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs to kick off their 2024 campaign.

For the Tigers to upset a powerhouse like Georgia who is hungry after their snub from last season’s College Football Playoff, their defense will need to be lights out . Clemson’s defense projects to be one of the best in the country, and when you take on what projects to be one of the nation’s top offenses, you need to show up and play good football.

Arguably the biggest key for this Clemson defense is creating pressure on Georgia starting quarterback Carson Beck. The Bulldogs are down an expected starting running back and with Trevor Etienne’s legal issues, we still don’t know whether he is suiting up or not. Georgia may be forced to throw the ball more than usual, which makes Clemson’s pass rush essential.

For that reason, sophomore defensive lineman Peter Woods is our defensive X-Factor. Moving from defensive tackle to the edge this season, Woods’ performance can make or break for this defense even if he still gets reps inside.

Woods’ stats didn’t emulate his performance in 2023, but things are different on the edge. Stats can tell a lot more when you’re a primary pass rusher.

Clemson needs Woods to continue to prove that the hype surrounding him is real.