Clemson vs Georgia picks - August 31

The 2024 college football season presents its first heavyweight showdown between two of the sport’s most dominant programs in recent years: the No. 14 Clemson Tigers and the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. This much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, at 12 PM ET at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both programs have a rich history, with a combined four national championships in the last decade, making this Week 1 matchup one of the most exciting of the season.

Clemson vs Georgia Predictions

Pick #1: Georgia -13.5 (-108)

Pick #2 Under 48.5 (-112)

Pick #3 WR Dominic Lovett (UGA) 60+ Receiving Yards (+125)

Clemson vs Georgia spread pick: Georgia -13.5 (-108)

Georgia enters the 2024 season as the top-ranked team. The Bulldogs return 16 starters from last year’s 13-1 squad, which fell just short of a College Football Playoff appearance after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship. This year, Georgia's defense, led by stars like safety Malaki Starks and outside linebacker Mykel Williams, is expected to be one of the best in the country. Williams, in particular, will be utilized as a versatile pass rusher and a key chess piece in Kirby Smart's defensive schemes. Clemson’s offense, which struggled with explosive plays last season, ranking 121st in the nation, will have its hands full against this stout Bulldogs defense.

Georgia's offense, meanwhile, is in the process of finding a new identity after the departure of key players like tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Quarterback Carson Beck, now in his second year as the starter, will be looking to establish new connections in the passing game. While Clemson boasts a formidable front seven, Georgia’s offensive line, one of the best in the nation, should provide ample protection and open up lanes for their running backs. Despite some uncertainty in the backfield due to injuries and a possible one-game suspension for Florida transfer Trevor Etienne, Georgia recruits so well at running back that even a pair of freshmen could find open field against Clemson’s tough defense.

Given Georgia’s depth, talent and the question marks surrounding Clemson’s offense, the Bulldogs should cover the 13.5-point spread with relative ease.

Clemson vs Georgia game total (over/under) prediction: Under 48.5 (-112)

This game has all the makings of a low-scoring defensive battle. Both Georgia and Clemson are built around their defenses, and neither offense is likely to take significant risks in the first game of the season. Georgia’s defense, while not as dominant as in recent years, still ranks among the best in the nation, particularly on the edges of the defensive line and at linebacker. Clemson’s offense, led by quarterback Cade Klubnik, has shown potential but struggled mightily with finishing drives last season, ranking 115th in the nation with just 3.9 points per red zone possession.

On the other side, Clemson’s defense, which finished ninth in EPA per play and fourth in success rate last year, will aim to slow down Georgia’s balanced attack. However, the Tigers will need to be flawless, especially with potential issues in the secondary due to injuries. If Clemson gets behind and is forced to pass, Georgia’s secondary, which is capable of creating turnovers, could put the final nail in the coffin for Clemson's chances.

With both teams expected to lean on their defenses and play conservatively, the under 48.5 total points is a strong bet. A final score in the range of 31-14 in favor of Georgia would keep the game comfortably under the total.

Clemson vs Georgia player prop best bet: WR Dominic Lovett (UGA) 60+ Receiving Yards (+125)

Dominic Lovett is poised to be a key player for Georgia this season, particularly in the absence of Brock Bowers. Last year, Lovett stepped up in games when Bowers was unavailable, posting solid numbers that included 9 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown against Vanderbilt, 4 catches for 83 yards against Florida, and 5 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown against Georgia Tech. As the top returning target for Carson Beck, Lovett will likely see a significant share of targets, especially in a game where Georgia may be looking to establish new offensive weapons.

Clemson’s defense is formidable, but with potential vulnerabilities in the secondary due to injuries, Lovett has a good chance to surpass the 60-yard mark. Given his role in Georgia’s offense, and the +125 odds, betting on Lovett to have 60+ receiving yards is a solid play.