Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are in a defensive battle against the top-ranked Bulldogs, with Georgia leading Clemson 6-0 at the end of the first half.
On offense, Cade Klubnik and the Tigers have looked less promising than the Bulldogs in this matchup. The Tigers haven’t been able to find their groove, and when they showed signs of potential, those signs were quickly stopped by two illegal formation calls.
Clemson totaled 77 yards of offense, with star running back Phil Mafah having just 6 carries for 24 yards. Klubnik and the passing game have not faired as well, with 53 yards on 12 attempts. Only two first downs in the first half for this offense.
It’s been all defense for Clemson, who has kept them in this game with strong play and winning the battle up front more often than not. Georgia totaled 160 yards in the first half, 34 on the ground but 126 through the air from starting quarterback Carson Beck.
Georgia kicker Peyton Woodring nailed a 30-yard field and a monster 55-yarder to give the Bulldogs their 6-0 lead. The Tigers’ defense has done an excellent job of keeping them out of the red zone.
Clemson’s offense will need to step up for the Tigers to walk away from Atlanta with an upset win over the No. 1 team in the country.