Huge game with take place in Death Valley as the Clemson Tigers host the Georgia Bulldogs on ABC. The start time for this game is 8:00 pm (Eastern). Current Odds have Georgia listed as 1.5 point favorites, while the total sits at 71.
Analysis: In 2012, Georgia had a fine 12-2 year, but they feel there is unfinished business after losing to Alabama in the SEC title game. This year with 9 starters back on offense and a re-loaded defense, Mark Richt is looking for bigger things this, but he must get past Clemson in this opening game. The Dawgs put up 37.8 ppg and this year with Aaron Murray back and a plethora of outstanding skill players, Georgia has a chance to be even better this year. Murray had an amazing junior year, in which he threw for 3893 yards, with 39 TD's to just 10 INTs. Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who combined for 2,144 rushing yards and 26 total touchdowns last year, lead a deep and talented RB's corps, that is rated tops in the nation, while the WR corps is rated 5th. The defense lost 8 starters from a group that allowed just 19.6 ppg and 358 ypg and the talent lost will not be easy to replace right away. Linebacker is the strength of the defense, but Phil Steele still has it rated just 30th in the nation. The offense will have to carry this team in the early going till the defense catches up.
Clemson is off an impressive 11-2, while culminated with a 1 point bowl victory over LSU. Clemson is primed for a huge year this year. Their offense will be one of the best in the nation and probably THE best in the ACC, led by Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins and one of the best OL's in the ACC. Tajh Boyd put it all together last season, earning First-Team All-ACC honors, as well as All-America accolades, completing 67.2 percent of his passes, for 3,896 yards and 36 touchdowns, while Sammy Watkins had 708 yards receiving and 3 Tds. The team will have to replace standout tailback Andre Ellington (1,081 yards, 8 TDs) and the hope is that senior Roderick McDowell (5-9, 195) can help with that. Only six starters return to the Clemson defense, with the hardest hit area being the secondary, but the the linebacking corps is a bit more stable with the return of senior Spencer Shuey (93 tackles) and junior Stephone Anthony (77 tackles). The defensive line is strong inside with juniors Grady Jarrett (6-1, 290) and Josh Watson (6-4. 285). This will be a much improved defense over last years group.
Pick: I am looking at the Under in this game. I know how strong both offenses are, but I feel the defenses will make just enough stops to keep the scoring down just enough. Clemson's defense is going to be much improved this year and even though the Bulldogs lost a ton from their defense, they will just reload as always on that side of the ball. This will be a close game through out and that means that both teams could have to score 35 points and I don't expect either team to reach that mark. I look for a 31-30 type of game.
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