ATLANTA — No. 1 Georgia demolished No. 14 Clemson football 34-3 on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

This marks the second straight season-opening blowout for the Tigers after they lost 28-7 to Duke last year. After a closely contested first half, the Bulldogs overwhelmed Clemson on both sides of the ball. Clemson's offense could not score a touchdown or compete at the line of scrimmage, and its defense fell apart in the second half to allow 28 points.

Here are three overreactions from Clemson's blowout loss:

Clemson football's offense, Cade Klubnik are still a work in progress

The Tigers were optimistic their offense would elevate in Year 2 with quarterback Cade Klubnik and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. There were few signs of change against the Bulldogs.

Clemson dealt with penalties that derailed its first two drives. Swinney expressed his frustration to ABC sideline reporter Molly McGrath about the team's composure that cost them "good plays."

The Tigers raved about their skill position players too, hoping to have "explosive chemistry" in 2024. Still, they hit on only one 20-yard-plus play. Klubnik also struggled, going 18-for-29 for 142 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. It was his third straight game without passing for a touchdown, dating back to last season.

The Tigers recorded 188 total yards Saturday. In comparison, they totaled 180 yards against Georgia when they played in 2021. This wasn't an encouraging sign against the No. 1 team in the country, but it showcased where Clemson is compared to the top of the country.

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Clemson football may not be among nation's top defenses again

The Tigers ranked eighth in total defense last season and hoped to continue that pace in 2024. Yet, they lost eight starters on defenses, and their inexperience showed against Georgia.

Despite holding Georgia to six points in the first half, Clemson's defense allowed a crushing 28 points in the final two quarters. Georgia's misdirection confused Tigers players and led to improper alignments and broken coverages. Clemson missed open-field tackles against the Bulldogs' shifty players, who broke open for big plays.

Clemson football's Antonio Williams will be Tigers top receiver target

Klubnik's favorite target Saturday was Williams. Klubnik targeted him seven times, especially in third-down situations. He recorded six catches for 76 yards.

Klubnik and Williams are still establishing their connection with the duo missing on a potential touchdown in the red zone in the third quarter. Still, Williams was responsible for more than half of Klubnik's passing yards, and he was the receiver on Clemson's only 20-yard-plus play.

Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@gannett.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football: Dabo Swinney, Cade Klubnik offense flops vs Georgia