Clemson opens 2024 season with 31 point blowout loss to Georgia

Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers started the season ranked 14th in the preseason AP Poll. Week 1 of College Football has come and gone, and the Tigers joined Florida State with an 0-1 start.

The Tigers came into Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and in front of over 78,000 fans scored just three points. Georgia used 28 second-half points to break open a 6-0 halftime lead.

Cade Klubnik was 18 of 29 passing, but there was very little or ability to get downfield. The signal-caller tossed for 142 yards, and an interception in the game.

His top target was Antonio Williams, who caught six passes for 76 yards in the game. Phil Mafah was contained by the Georgia defense with just 59 yards on 16 carries for the Tigers. One of the best moments for Klubnik was this deep downfield toss to Williams.

On the defensive end, the Tigers allowed 278 passing yards to Carson Beck. The Tigers also struggled to slow down Nate Frazier. The top running back for the Bulldogs averaged 7.5 yards per game and finished with 83 yards and a touchdown.

Clemson will turn around and head home and take on Appalachian State on Saturday. After that, Coach Swinney’s Tigers will take their bye week before ending the month of September against NC State and Stanford.