Clemson vs. Georgia: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The 2024 College Football season truly begins with a marquee matchup between two of the sport’s most storied programs: the No. 14 Clemson Tigers and the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs.

This neutral-site game in Atlanta will be the first clash between ranked teams this season, setting the stage for an exciting year.

Both programs have won two National Championships in the past decade, with Clemson taking titles in 2016 and 2018, and Georgia securing back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. With head coaches Dabo Swinney and Kirby Smart still at the helm, this game is not just a battle of talent but also a contest of coaching prowess.

Georgia enters the season as the top-ranked team, hungry to reclaim the title after a disappointing SEC Championship loss to Alabama last year.

Clemson, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from a rocky start to the NIL and transfer portal era, finishing 2023 strong with five straight wins including a Gator Bowl victory over Kentucky.

For Clemson to upset Georgia, they’ll need to carry that momentum and play a near-perfect game against a deep and balanced Bulldogs roster led by quarterback Carson Beck.

Clemson vs. Georgia betting picks and predictions

Georgia -13.5 (-115)

Georgia comes into this matchup as a 13.5-point favorite. The Bulldogs return 16 starters from last season’s 13-1 team, and while Clemson has made strides on both sides of the ball, Georgia’s talent and depth make them a formidable opponent.

Kirby Smart’s squad boasts an elite defense that, despite taking a slight step back last year, remains one of the most feared units in the country. Free safety Malaki Starks and outside linebacker Mykel Williams lead a defense that should improve on last year’s 26th ranking in estimated points added (EPA) per play and 30th in success rate.

Clemson’s offense, which struggled to make big plays last year, will face a stiff challenge in moving the ball consistently against this Georgia defense.

On the offensive side, Carson Beck enters year two as the starting quarterback for Georgia, surrounded by several returning starters. While there are questions about who will emerge as Beck’s top target after the departure of tight end Brock Bowers, the Bulldogs’ elite offensive line should give him plenty of time to find his rhythm.

Even with some uncertainty in the running back room due to injuries and off-field issues, Georgia’s depth and young talent at the position, combined with that powerful O-line, should allow them to control the game on the ground.

Clemson’s defense is no slouch, finishing ninth in EPA per play and fourth in success rate last season, but they’ll need to be nearly flawless to contain Georgia’s balanced attack.

The Tigers’ offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, has potential but lacks the explosiveness needed to keep pace with Georgia. Klubnik averaged just 6.3 yards per attempt last year, and while Clemson’s offensive line is solid, they’ll struggle to consistently move the ball against a Georgia defense that will force them to make plays downfield.

In a game that’s likely to be close early on, Georgia’s talent and depth should allow them to pull away late. Expect the Bulldogs to cover the 13.5-point spread as they assert their dominance in the second half, winning comfortably by at least two touchdowns.

Under 48.5 Total Points (-110)

While Georgia is favored to win, this game has the potential to be a low-scoring affair. Both teams are built around strong defenses, and neither offense is likely to take unnecessary risks in Week 1.

Georgia’s defense, while not as dominant as in years past, is still one of the best in the country. Clemson’s unit remains elite, particularly against the pass.

Last season, Clemson led the nation in EPA per pass, and while they lost key players like Nate Wiggins, the secondary should still be tough to throw on.

Clemson’s offensive strategy under Garrett Riley is likely to focus on establishing the run with running back Phil Mafah, aiming to exploit a Georgia defense that ranked 88th in EPA per rush and 91st in rushing success rate last year.

However, even if Clemson finds some success on the ground, they’ll struggle to generate big plays, which will keep the clock running and limit scoring opportunities.

On the other side, Georgia’s offense will look to grind down Clemson’s defense with a balanced attack, but the Bulldogs may take a cautious approach as they adjust to new personnel, particularly in the passing game.

Given these factors, Under 48.5 total points is an appealing bet. Georgia’s defense should be able to contain Clemson’s offense, while the Bulldogs’ methodical approach with the ball will keep the score lower than expected.

A final score in the range of 31-14 in favor of Georgia seems likely, comfortably staying under the 48.5-point total.

Clemson vs. Georgia odds

Clemson	+450 ML
Georgia	-600 ML
Spread	Georgia -13.5
Total Points	O/U 48.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.