Behind inspired play from a defense filled with NFL talent, No. 5 Georgia smothered No. 2 Clemson and won 10-3 in an early barometer for how the race for the College Football Playoff and national championship may unfold across the next four months.

The Bulldogs held Clemson to just 180 yards of offense, the Tigers' lowest output in a game since gaining 188 yards against Alabama in the 2018 Sugar Bowl. Only three times in the past three seasons had Clemson been held under 400 yards of offense. Georgia's defense allowed just two yards rushing on 23 attempts.

The Tigers also were held scoreless in the first half for the first time since North Carolina State did so in 2010, a span of 143 games. Including last year's loss to Ohio State in the national semifinals, Clemson has dropped two straight for the first time since 2011.

Saturday marked the debut of second-year player DJ Uiagalelei as the Tigers' full-time starting quarterback, a role he inherited from three-year starter Trevor Lawrence, who was at the game. Uiagalelei finished with 18 completions in 37 attempts for 178 yards and an interception.

At no point did Clemson's offensive prove itself up to the challenge of handling Georgia's defense, which is strongest along the front seven and may very well be the nation's best.

Georgia's offense didn't fare much better. The Bulldogs finished with 256 yards on 4.2 yards per play, led by quarterback JT Daniels' 135 yards passing. The defense contributed the game's only touchdown: Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith returned an interception 74 yards with three minutes remaining in the first half, outracing Uiagalelei into the end zone.

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In an era when the best teams in college football have embraced a full turn toward wide-open offensive systems, Saturday's low-scoring affair reflected how both teams have defenses capable of throwing a wrench into even the best game plans.

However, the state of Georgia's offense will be a talking point in and out of the SEC, especially given how Alabama didn't miss a beat in its opener against Miami (Fla.) despite breaking in new contributors at quarterback, running back and receiver.

The 65th meeting between the Tigers and Bulldogs was a high-water point in a series that dates to 1897. Only five times before Saturday had the teams met with both ranked in the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, and never before had both Clemson and Georgia been ranked inside the top five.

From here, the question turns to how Saturday's result impacts the playoff race, and specifically how the selection committee might view this victory in late November and early December.

On one hand, a loss doesn't eliminate Clemson from the playoff picture; the Tigers' path into the top four only requires a clean run through conference play and an ACC championship. Clemson has reached the playoff in each of the past six seasons.

But for Georgia, this win makes a clear statement about the the Bulldogs' ability to slow down Alabama's potent offense and claim the national championship.

Follow colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia downs Clemson in matchup of College Football Playoff hopefuls