Dan Scott: Clemson - Georgia Prediction |
Clemson (0-0) at No. 8 Georgia (0-0)
Sanford Stadium OFFENSE Clemson's offense is both blessed and saddled with potential. If junior quarterback Willie Simmons is on target from the beginning of his first career start, if the rebuilt offensive line can perform up to standard, and if injuries to key skill personnel don't limit the Tigers' options, then perhaps we'll have a shootout on our hands. But none of that can be considered anything but speculation at this point. Meanwhile, Georgia has a healthy Musa Smith at running back, redshirt sophomore David Greene back at quarterback and a senior-laden offensive line. In this case, you have to take the known rather than the unknown. ADVANTAGE - Georgia DEFENSE Though untested in game conditions, there's a wave of optimism running through the Clemson defense that's hard to ignore. Just how that optimism translates into performance remains to be seen. The key matchup here is how well the Tigers' front four does against Georgia's veteran offensive line. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have some worry spots on the defensive line and in the secondary, but their run-stopping linebackers should be a strong unit. ADVANTAGE - Even SPECIAL TEAMS Clemson's punting is already suspect and the first game hasn't even been played. Senior Wynn Kopp, who played his first two years at Georgia, has been terribly inconsistent during prefall camp. The return game will drop a notch or two if Derrick Hamilton's ankle keeps him from being at top speed. Only kicker Aaron Hunt appears solid at this point. Georgia punter Jonathan Kilgo was third in the nation last season with a net average of 40.5 yards per kick. ADVANTAGE - Georgia COACHING A seemingly more serious-minded Tommy Bowden vs. another one of his father's assistants-turned-head coach. Experience wins this one. ADVANTAGE - Clemson THE LOWDOWN What we have here is a Clemson team that isn't as good right now as it will be later this season. With so many unknowns, and a few injuries to boot, 3-22 at Sanford Stadium just isn't in the cards barring a Bulldog implosion. THE PICK Georgia 27, Clemson 17 Dan Scott covers Clemson University for the Florence Morning News. He also hosts SportsTalk from 10 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Friday, on WCCP-Fm, 104.9. Click here for Dan Scott's SportsTalk discussion board.
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