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Georgia football 34, Clemson 3, highlights from Week 1 game

derrian carter, greenville news
·6 min read
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ATLANTA — No. 1 Georgia routed No. 14 Clemson football 34-3 on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Bulldogs overwhelmed the Tigers in the second half, scoring the final 28 points — including the final 21 — after leading 6-0 at halftime. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck threw two touchdown passes to outperform Clemson's Cade Klubnik. It is the Tigers' second straight season-opening loss and their third season-opening defeat in the past four seasons.

Clemson will look to rebound Sept. 7 as it hosts Appalachian State (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network).

Watch Clemson football vs Georgia live on Fubo (free tria)

Clemson football vs Georgia score updates

Georgia 34, Clemson 3 | Final

The Bulldogs dominated the Tigers in the second half, outscoring them 28-0. It was a offensive showcase for Georgia, while Clemson has questions to answer regarding its passing game and defense.

Georgia 34, Clemson 3, 6:09 in 4th quarter | Bulldogs score second rushing touchdown

Georgia has scored on four of its five possessions in the second half. Bulldogs running back Cash Jones scored a 15-yard touchdown to cap a five-play, 78-yard drive.

Georgia 27, Clemson 3, 9:57 in 4th quarter | Bulldogs continue offensive barrage

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has his second passing touchdown of the game with a 40-yard score to wide receiver London Humphreys. Clemson's defense blew an assignment that allowed Humphreys an easy lane to the end zone.

Georgia 20, Clemson 3 | End of 3rd quarter

The Bulldogs are one quarter away from winning their season opener. Their defense has been dominant, and their offense finally complimented the unit in the 3rd quarter.

Clemson's defense finally broke, allowing two touchdowns in the quarter. Its offense continues to search for answers.

Georgia 20, Clemson 3, 3:15 in 3rd quarter | Bulldogs offense has come alive

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck led an eight-play, 75-yard drive to build on the Bulldogs' lead. He used his legs for a big gain and connected on two 20-plus-yard throws. Georgia's wide receivers made Clemson defenders miss in open space.

Georgia 13, Clemson 3, 6:34 in 3rd quarter | Freshman Nolan Hauser puts Tigers on the board

The Tigers' offense finally came alive in the second half. It drove into Georgia's territory, relying on tight end Jake Briningstool. Yet, Clemson's offense stalled in the red zone. Running back Phil Mafah couldn't break through, and quarterback Cade Klubnik missed wide receiver Antonio Williams in the end zone.

Nolan Hauser made a 26-yard field goal in his first collegiate game.

Georgia 13, Clemson 0, 12:01 in 3rd quarter | Bulldogs come out hot after halftime

The Bulldogs opened the half with plays over 27 and 32 yards to drive into Clemson territory. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck finished the drive by connecting with wide receiver Colbie Young on a 7-yard touchdown to score the game's first touchdown. Young was defended by Clemson cornerback Jeadyn Lukus.

Georgia 6, Clemson 0 | Halftime

Clemson punted five times in the first half and never crossed midfield. Quarterback Cade Klubnik is 7-for-12 with 54 yards. Wide receiver Antonio Williams is Clemson's leading receiver with four catches for 55 yards.

Georgia has outgained Clemson 160-76 in the first half and has recorded six more first downs. Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck is 15-for-19 for 126 passing yards.

Georgia 6, Clemson 0 | 4:16 in 2nd quarter

Georgia kicker Peyton Woodring is the game's MVP so far. He nailed his second kick of the game, making a 55-yard kick to extend the Bulldogs' lead.

Clemson's defense continued to bend not break, but it will need its offense to come on.

Georgia 3, Clemson 0 | 8:49 in 2nd quarter

Georgia put together a 12-play, 68-yard drive to score the game's first points by Peyton Woodring. Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck made decisive throws to put Georgia in field-goal range.

Georgia nearly scored on third-and-4 in the red zone, but Clemson's Peter Woods recorded the game's first sack to halt the Bulldogs.

Clemson 0, Georgia 0 | End of 1st quarter

This game is looking eerily similar to their last matchup in 2021. Offenses are taking a backseat to their respective defenses.

Both units have forced a punt on each drive as each offense struggles to get in field-goal range if they pass the 50-yard line.

8:56 in 1st quarter: Georgia forced to punt after Carson Beck's big third-down run

Beck, who entered 2024 as a Heisman candidate, rushed for 13 yards to cross midfield. Yet, Clemson's defense stalled Georgia's efforts with key stops to hold the game scoreless.

12:59 in 1st quarter: Clemson wins coin toss, elects to receive and punts on opening drive

Swinney wanted the ball to begin the game, but his decision reaped no rewards. Clemson had a penalty and two drops that derailed the opening drive.

Clemson vs Georgia time today

  • Date: Aug. 31

  • Time: Noon ET

  • Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

What channel is Clemson vs Georgia game on today?

  • TV channel: ABC

  • Streaming: Fubo (free trial)

  • Radio: The Roar — WCCP-FM and WAHT(AM)

Clemson vs. Georgia will be broadcast nationally on ABC. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will call the game from the booth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Clemson vs Georgia depth chart

Clemson vs Georgia history

  • Series record: Georgia leads, 43-18

  • Clemson's last win: Aug. 31, 2013, 38-35

  • Georgia's last win: Sept. 4, 2021, 10-3

Clemson vs Georgia predictions

Georgia 30, Clemson 20: With the consistency the Bulldogs have shown over the past three years and the venue giving them an expected home-field advantage, it is difficult to pick against Georgia. The Bulldogs have been the best team in college football since 2021 and will continue their dominance against Clemson in this highly anticipated matchup.

Clemson vs Georgia betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:

  • Spread: Clemson (+12.5)

  • Over/under: 48.5

  • Moneyline: Clemson (+375), Georgia (-500)

Clemson vs Georgia injury updates

Clemson:

CB Shelton Lewis and Jeadyn Lukus will dress Saturday after entering the game "day to day," according to coach Dabo Swinney.

OL Trent Howard and RB Jarvis Green are out.

Georgia:

RB Roderick Robinson II (toe) is out.

RB Trevor Etienne, who transferred from Florida and the younger brother of former Clemson star running back Travis Etienne, could be serving a one-game suspension during Saturday’s game, ESPN's Pete Thamel said on "College Football Live" this week. It stems from a DUI arrest in March, charges that were later reduced when Trevor Etienne pleaded no contest to reckless driving and guilty to failure to maintain lane, underage possession of alcohol and a window tint violation, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald.

Clemson football 2024 schedule

  • Aug. 31: at Georgia (Aflac Kickoff Game), noon ET (ABC)

  • Sept. 7: vs. Appalachian State, 8 p.m. (ACC)

  • Sept. 14: BYE

  • Sept. 21: vs. No. 22 NC State

  • Sept. 28: vs. Stanford

  • Oct. 5: at No. 10 Florida State

  • Oct. 12: at Wake Forest

  • Oct. 19: vs. Virginia

  • Oct. 26: BYE

  • Nov. 2: vs. Louisville

  • Nov. 9: at Virginia Tech

  • Nov. 16: at Pitt

  • Nov. 23: vs. The Citadel

  • Nov. 30: vs. South Carolina

Buy Clemson football tickets this season with Stubhub

Georgia football 2024 schedule

View Georgia football's schedule here.

Clemson football news

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This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football vs Georgia: Final score, highlights from Week 1 game