CLEMSON — Clemson football has a rare opportunity Saturday when it faces No. 1 Georgia (noon ET, ABC) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If the No. 14-ranked Tigers upset the Bulldogs, it would mark the sixth time in the AP Poll's history that a team has defeated the preseason AP No. 1 in the top-ranked team's season opener. In order for Clemson to achieve this feat, it must overcome Georgia on and off the field.

Here's why Clemson can — and can't — win its season opener in Atlanta:

Can: Cade Klubnik, Phil Mafah elevate Clemson football's offense

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has been optimistic by how his offense looks in Year 2 with quarterback Cade Klubnik and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. Those encouraging signs must show up Saturday for Clemson to pull off the upset. Klubnik must connect on explosive 20-plus-yard plays, and running back Phil Mafah has to punish Georgia defenders.

Georgia's two losses in the past three seasons came from Alabama in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In both games, Alabama quarterbacks averaged more than eight yards per passing attempt, and the team rushed for more than 100 yards.

Can: Clemson football's defense can stifle Georgia again

The Bulldogs won 10-3 in their last encounter vs. the Tigers that began Georgia's three-year dominance and Clemson's decline. In that game, the Tigers generated two turnovers.

Clemson's defense can do it again with its loaded defensive line, linebackers and secondary. Despite Georgia having a Heisman candidate quarterback in Carson Beck, it will be the first time he is throwing to some of his skill position players in game action. That unfamiliarity can lead to Clemson forcing mistakes and putting itself in position for the upset.

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Can't: Georgia has only lost two games in past three seasons

The Bulldogs are the No. 1 team in the country because they have been a juggernaut since 2021. They have a 42-2 record with two national championships and have finished in the top five of the final CFP poll in each season. Other than conference foe Alabama, no team has taken down Georgia.

It stems from Georgia coach Kirby Smart, who has built a stout program that excels in high school and transfer portal recruiting and matched with on-the-field dominance.

Can't: Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is a Heisman candidate

Beck took over for two-time national champion Stetson Bennett last year to post 3,941 passing yards with 28 total touchdowns and six interceptions. The fifth-year player will have a chorus of talented skill position players to throw, including tight end Oscar Delp and wide receivers Dominic Lovett and Dillon Bell.

The last time Beck played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was at last year's SEC championship when he threw for 243 yards with zero touchdowns. He will be motivated to improve his performance in that venue Saturday to put on an early season Heisman moment.

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: Why No. 14 Clemson football will — and won't — beat No. 1 Georgia