Georgia Bulldogs vs. Clemson Tigers preview

Hello, football! The Georgia Bulldogs have one of the more prominent stages in the country for their season opener on Saturday evening, as they host the Clemson Tigers between the hedges. There has been a great deal of speculation as to what will happen on the field on Saturday (especially after Clemson prevailed in the 2013 match-up), but for a deeper look, let’s profile the match-ups between the two teams.

Opponent: Clemson Tigers (#16 USA Today, #16 AP)

Time/TV: 5:30 pm, ESPN

Georgia Offense vs. Clemson Defense

As discussed in our full-length preview of the UGA offense, there are plenty of weapons at the disposal of Hutson Mason. The wide receiving corps is not fully healthy with Malcolm Mitchell and Justin Scott-Wesley on the shelf, but when you combine the other veteran options with the obvious threat of Todd Gurley (and Keith Marshall) on the ground, the Bulldogs are a threat to score on each and every play during the course of a game.

However, the Clemson defense is loaded with talent in the front seven, and they will pose a significant threat to Georgia’s offense line. Defensive end Vic Beasley is a consensus All-American, and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has also been receiving some real buzz in advance of the 2014 campaign, which should inject some fear in the hearts of both Mason and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.

On the positive side, the Clemson secondary is a weak spot on paper, as they were wretched against the pass at times during the 2013 season, and the Tigers graduated both starting cornerbacks. Having Todd Gurley at your disposal is always a blessing, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see Mason forced to win this game through the air to expose Clemson’s biggest defensive weakness.

Georgia Defense vs. Clemson Offense

Clemson QB Cole Stoudt has been the apprentice behind Tahj Boyd for three seasons, but all indications are that the senior could be explosive with the starting job this season. Much like Clemson, the UGA secondary is certainly the diagnosed weak spot on the defensive side of the ball, and it would certainly be beneficial to see some increased pressure from players like Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins in the early going.

On the ground, there is a stable of running backs, but none with a great deal of experience after Roderick McDowell exited via graduation. Senior RB D.J. Howard may get the first carry, but expect to see both Zac Brooks and C.J. Davidson throughout the day, with a possibility of redshirt freshman Wayne Gallman as a change of pace.

This may not be the same Clemson offense that excelled with Boyd, Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant and a veteran offensive line, but there always seems to be talent waiting in the wings, and Jeremy Pruitt has a tall task awaiting him in week one.

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As season openers go, this is a massive game for Mark Richt, Hutson Mason and company, but on the bright side, it is still a non-conference game, which provides some leeway should catastrophe strike. On paper, the Bulldogs are the better, more experienced team, and if nothing else, the offense should be able to accumulate yards and points, even against what is a talented group on the other side. The biggest question revolves around the secondary’s ability to slow Cole Stoudt and company, but in the end, it would be a disappointment if the Dawgs slipped up at home.

Stay tuned for post-game coverage, and a live game thread that will open on Saturday morning. Check it out!