It’s dangerous to make sweeping conclusions about a team after just one game. A one-game sample size isn’t enough data to really know much about a team and there’s so much that can happen over the course of a season.
So, while No. 1 Georgia put up a dominating final score of 34-3 against No. 14 Clemson, let’s not crown them as national champions just yet. Although…the Bulldogs are definitely in that conversation.
There’s plenty to like about the Bulldogs’ season-opening win, especially freshman Nate Frazier’s day running the ball, but some old habits may not be kicked.
Let’s take a look at what went right and what wrong for Georgia in its 34-3 win over Clemson.
GEORGIA OFFENSE
What went right?
It wasn’t perfect, but the Bulldogs had to be pleased with quarterback Carson Beck’s performance. He finished 23-of-33 for 278 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions.
In the first half when Georgia’s run game wasn’t doing much, Beck was at least able to move the ball into field goal range.
The Georgia receivers also go to show off with London Humphreys, Arian Smith and Lawson Luckie all having at least one catch for 30 yards or more.
Lastly, the Bulldogs got their run game going in the second half and freshman Nate Frazier made a big splash leading the team with 83 yards on 11 runs and a touchdown. He might’ve earned himself more playing time even with Trevor Etienne set to return next week.
What went wrong?
Georgia fans can’t be faulted for having a déjà vu feeling. One of the biggest criticisms of last season’s team was its slow starts and that repeated itself Saturday against Clemson. The Bulldogs led 6-0 at halftime and struggled to run the ball.
Those struggles could be attributed to projected starter Trevor Etienne serving a one-game suspension from a DUI arrest in the offseason and the slow first half could be attributed to first game jitters. So, it’s too early to say last year’s first half struggles are back in 2024.
GEORGIA DEFENSE
What went right?
Georgia’s defense held Clemson to less than 200 total yards (46 rushing and 142 passing), didn’t allow a touchdown and allowed the Tigers into the redzone just twice. Can’t be too upset with that kind of dominant performance.
What went wrong?
Nothing really went wrong for Georgia’s defense. Perhaps you could say 13 first downs allowed is too many or they should’ve had more than two sacks. Maybe a more potent offense can capitalize on then first downs and extend their drives further and score points.
However, Georgia averaged 26 first downs per game last season (19 vs. Clemson). So, maybe 13 isn’t too many. Again, it’s hard to find anything that went wrong for Georgia’s defense.
GEORGIA SPECIAL TEAMS
What went right?
It’s hard to envision a better kicking day than the one the Bulldogs just had. Kicker Peyton Woodring made all four of his extra points and both field goals and punter Brett Thorson had four punts, three inside the 20, of which none were returned (something that hasn’t happened since the 2022 season).
What went wrong?
The only thing that could’ve been better was if there was a punt or kick returned for a touchdown. But that’d really be splitting hairs.
NEXT GAME
The nation’s top-ranked team won’t lose that status as Georgia prepares to host Tennessee Tech next Saturday at 1 p.m. on SEC Network+.
