AFLAC Kickoff Game Recap: Clemson vs. Georgia Revives Historic Rivalry in Atlanta

The Tigers showed promise but not enough in the season kickoff against Georgia. Photo reposted from Clemson Football Instagram. 

The AFLAC Kickoff Game in Atlanta, GA, brought the renewal of a storied rivalry between Clemson University and the University of Georgia. Both teams entered the matchup ranked in the AP Top 25, with the Tigers at #14 and the Bulldogs unsurprisingly at #1. Georgia has maintained its dominance at the top of the rankings for years and entered the season on a redemption tour after a single loss last year ended their National Championship aspirations. Led by veteran quarterback Carson Beck, the Bulldogs are eyeing their third National Championship win in four years. Meanwhile, the Tigers, under the leadership of experienced QB Cade Klubnik, are determined to build on a strong finish to last season, which culminated in a 38-35 victory over Kentucky in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL.

Both teams faced challenges in the offseason beyond the usual roster changes. Georgia, the former National Champions, had 23 players facing legal issues related to drinking and driving, casting a shadow over their preparations. Clemson, on the other hand, had to revamp its offense after losing key wide receiver Beaux Collins to the Fighting Irish and standout cornerback Nate Wiggins to the NFL Draft. Both players were instrumental in Clemson’s offensive strategy, and their departures forced the Tigers to refocus their game plan.

Despite these hurdles, both teams remained formidable on the defensive side of the ball, which was evident as the game kicked off at noon on ABC. The crowd was electric, and the defenses held strong in the early going, making key stops as both offenses struggled to find their rhythm. Beck and Klubnik showed flashes of brilliance with a few strong passes to their receivers, suggesting that, while not yet in full stride, their respective offenses had the potential to break the game open.

Final score in the AFLAC Kickoff Game in Atlanta, GA. Photo reposted from Georgia Football Instagram. 

The Bulldogs were the first to score, putting three points on the board after a 12-play, 68-yard drive. They added another field goal shortly after, closing the first half with a 6-0 lead. Both teams are known for their second-half surges, and the Bulldogs did not disappoint. Georgia came out swinging in the third quarter, while the Tigers continued to struggle to find their footing.

Phil Mafah, a returning star for Clemson, was a key figure in the Tigers' first scoring drive, with a series of powerful runs that moved the Tigers into the red zone. However, Clemson could not capitalize on the opportunity and settled for a field goal. Georgia responded immediately with a touchdown on the next possession, further extending their lead. The turning point for Clemson came when Georgia’s Malaki Starks intercepted a pass, a costly mistake that allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize and widen the gap even further. By the end of the game, Georgia had secured a decisive 34-3 victory, leaving the Tigers little time or opportunity to mount a comeback.

The Georgia players celebrated on the sidelines after touchdown to put them far ahead of the Tigers. Photo reposted from Georgia Football Instagram. 

The game’s statistics further highlighted Georgia’s dominance. The Bulldogs possessed the ball for 32:42 minutes, compared to Clemson’s 27:18. Georgia also outperformed Clemson in the air, with 278 total passing yards to Clemson's 137. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Clemson showed glimpses of potential and fought hard throughout the game. While the loss may be disappointing for the Tigers, there are positive takeaways, and with a few adjustments, they have the potential to mount a strong challenge against their ACC opponents this season.

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