Aug 303 min read

Tigers Challenge Bulldogs in Epic AFLAC Kickoff Game

Week 1 of the college football season will have some heavyweights clash in early season contests. This year the AFLAC Kickoff Game has just that as the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs get set to battle the 14th-ranked Clemson Tigers at noon EST on Aug. 31. The two teams will face off against one another for the 66th time, and the Bulldogs hold the overall lead 43-18-4. Head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs won the last matchup 10-3 in 2021.

Last season, the Bulldogs missed the College Football Playoffs after losing in the Southeastern Conference championship game to Alabama. On the other side, Clemson and head coach Dabo Swinney had a relatively down year finishing at 9-4 overall and sixth in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 4-4.

With standout players from both teams now in the NFL, here are some key factors that could affect the outcome of the game.

Phil Mafah vs. Georgia RB

While the Bulldogs are stacked with talented playmakers, one position that has been a question mark recently is running back. With Roderick Robinson out for the game due to surgery on his toe, and questions surrounding the availability of Trevor Etienne, coach Smart and his staff will have some decisions to make. If Etienne can go, he will be a much-needed weapon for the Bulldogs' offense.

For the Tigers, Mafah returns as the lead running back after his running mate Will Shipley departed to the NFL. Mafah learned while working with Shipley and is focused on paying it forward and becoming the man in the backfield for the Tigers this year.

Advantage: Mafah. As of this writing, the Bulldogs are keeping information about who will start at running back close to the vest. Mafah is a known commodity and will be a matchup nightmare for the Bulldogs' defense.

Clemson Receivers vs. Bulldogs Secondary

One of the most intriguing matchups of the game could be the biggest key. For the Tigers, wideouts Antonio Williams, Adam Randall and Bryant Wesco have the skills and drive to succeed. The three of them are quick, agile and have the catch radius of a zip code. They all present terrific targets for quarterback Cade Klubnik who enters his second season running a pass-heavy offense.

For the Bulldogs, the secondary is a question mark. Yes, they have Malaki Starks at strong safety, but who will step up? The Tigers will pose a strong test for the Georgia defensive backfield early in the season.

Advantage: Clemson receivers. They are talented, driven and dynamic—potent qualities for a receiver room. With both teams wanting to start strong, the Tigers have the edge in this positional matchup.

Tigers Offensive Line vs. Bulldogs Defensive Line

The Tigers are strong on the offensive line, and the Bulldogs are stout along the defensive front. Clemson returns all offensive linemen but their former center, replaced by Ryan Linthicum. They play physically and match up well against the defensive line for the Bulldogs. They have solid hand usage and are fundamentally sound in establishing and protecting the pocket.

For the Bulldogs, Mykel Williams returns after finishing second on the team in sacks last season. The battle with Williams against Blake Miller, the presumptive starter at right tackle for the Tigers, will be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.

Advantage: Tigers offensive line. The proven experience of the skilled Tigers' offensive linemen earns them the nod in this critical in-game matchup.

Do the Bulldogs Grab the Tigers by the Tail?

In a game where both teams need the win, when the smoke clears who comes away with the signature win? Both teams need the win for different reasons and both will use every weapon at their disposal. Clemson needs the signature win and Georgia doesn't want to lose in their backyard. In a close game, Clemson escapes with a win against the top-ranked Bulldogs.