Live updates from Charlotte: Georgia beats Clemson
It’s game day for Clemson and Georgia at Bank of America Stadium. The game is on ABC and kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Below are score and news updates
What’s the Clemson Georgia score right now?
So far, not great for Clemson
In the strangest of ways, Georgia broke through to take a 7-0 lead at the half.
Georgia had yet another strong defensive stand and put loads of pressure on DJ Uiagalelei late in the second quarter, but then a fumble due to a punt touching Kendall Milton’s leg gave Clemson life. It felt as if momentum might swing drastically, but the Bulldogs’ defense got on the board.
Safety Christopher Smith snagged an interception off of a shaky Uiagalelei and sprinted 74 yards for a touchdown. That’s all the scoring through 30 minutes of play and none of it has come from the offense.
Georgia’s game plan, aside from some chunk plays on the first drive, has been predicated around the short-and-intermediate passes. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has opted to play safer and not take any shots, and it hasn’t given the Bulldogs much success. Georgia has 105 yards, and only 34 came in the second quarter. Daniels is an efficient 13-for-16, but only for 62 yards.
Clemson, on the other hand, can’t budge against Georgia’s stifling defense. Along with Uiagalelei’s interception, the Tigers have one rushing yard. Clemson has yet to get inside the 30-yard-line.
Trevor Lawrence at Clemson vs UGA game
Clemson had more than a few familiar faces at the game on Saturday night.
Former Tigers — now NFL players — Trevor Lawrence, Tee Higgins, Cornell Powell, Dorian O’Daniel and Amari Rodgers as well as Cannon Smith, DJ Greenlee and Diondre Overton were all present for the Tigers’ season opener against Georgia.
First quarter update: UGA vs Clemson
Despite not scoring through a quarter, Georgia has a clear advantage over Clemson — especially on the defensive end.
The Bulldogs have put loads of pressure on DJ Uiagalelei. Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean had third-down sacks on consecutive possessions to stall Tiger drives. Early pressure has flustered the Tigers’ young signal caller and has given Georgia significant field possession on each of its drives.
Some personnel notes: Latavious Brini started at the nickelback position while fifth-year senior Ameer Speed started at cornerback opposite Derion Kendrick.
Georgia’s offense tells a different story than its defense. The Bulldogs have been able to move with more consistency than Clemson, but this is setting up for a defensive slugfest. Georgia received possession around midfield each time, had to punt twice and ended the first quarter nearing the red zone.
JT Daniels has found a favorite target in freshman tight end Brock Bowers, who has three receptions on four targets.
Each of Jake Camarda’s punts were pinned inside the 10-yard-line, which set Clemson at an offensive disadvantage.
Clemson pregame report
Clemson starting defensive tackle Tyler Davis won’t play. Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Mason Trotter, who was working for the starting center position, is also out.
On Thursday, Tigers wide receiver Brannon Spector, brother of linebacker Baylon Spector, announced he would be out indefinitely while dealing with lingering breathing issues associated with contracting COVID-19 in the spring.
Georgia Bulldogs pregame info
A few players and a line of coaches decked out in red pullover jackets are pacing the sidelines. The Bulldogs are in their classic white road uniforms and silver britches while Clemson sports an all orange look.
Injured tight end Darnell Washington and defensive back Tykee Smith made the trip, but the players were spotted in walking boots. Washington and Smith are listed on the team’s flipchart, but their playing status seems doubtful.
Georgia strength and conditioning coach Scott Sinclair did some work with Dominick Blaylock, who has been recovering from a torn ACL suffered before the 2020 season. Head coach Kirby Smart said Blaylock is “close,” but didn’t seem as if he would be available to play against Clemson. He traveled, but there’s no limit to team rosters for non-conference games.
According to the flipchart, Georgia’s starting offensive line is listed as Jamaree Salyer at left tackle, Justin Shaffer at left guard, Sedrick Van Pran OR Warren Ericson at center, freshman Tate Ratledge at right guard and Warren McClendon at right tackle.
Georgia will have a lot of youth at the wide receiver position. Sophomore Jermaine Burton starts at the X receiver position, and the Y receiver spot is three-deep with freshmen — starter Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Adonai Mitchell and Jackson Meeks.
Place-kicker Jack Podlesny continues his career after his statement-making 53-yard field goal to cement the Peach Bowl win over Cincinnati. Along with Podlesny, backup kicker Jared Zirkel and punter Jake Camarda were taking reps.
When, where is the Clemson, Georgia game?
Who: No. 3 Clemson (0-0) vs. No. 5 Georgia (0-0)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte (full capacity is 74,867)
Watch/TV: ABC
Watch/Stream: ESPN app
This story was originally published September 4, 2021 at 7:04 PM.