In Week 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, betting sportsbook sites have the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs as 13.5-point favorites over the No. 14 Clemson Tigers. Entering the college football season as a national championship favorite (+300) and starting quarterback Carson Beck (+800), an early front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, Kirby Smart comes into the game with something to prove.

For the first time since 2010, Clemson failed to reach double digits in the victory column, and Dabo Swinney’s team fell short of that goal in the previous campaign. The Dawgs haven’t lost their season opener since 2013. They’ve even defeated a top-ranked Clemson twice, which makes it easier to lay the points with them.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Clemson Tigers Odds By BetOnline

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Clemson	+13½ -110	49 -110	+425
Georgia	-13½ -110	49 -110	-575

Betting Clemson Tigers

The Tigers concluded the 2023 season with a respectable 9-4 overall record and a 4-4 run in Atlantic Coast play. Clemson came in seventh in the conference standings, just below North Carolina. On the plus side, the Tigers defeated Kentucky 38-35 in the Gator Bowl.
This will be head coach Dabo Swinney’s 16th full season (and 17th overall) in 2024. He will be missing several key players, including NFL-drafted players Nate Wiggins, Ruke Orhorhoro, Will Shipley, Xavier Thomas, Jeremiah Trotter, and Tyler Davis.

Why Clemson wins/covers: In its last five games, Clemson has triumphed in each one. Georgia has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against AP-ranked teams. In its last five games, Clemson has covered the spread four times. Also in three of its last four games against non-conference opponents, Clemson has won the opening quarter. In four of its last five games versus non-conference opponents, Clemson has won the first half.

According to the BettheSuperBowl website, Clemson has gone 4-1 ATS in their past five games. Clemson has gone 5-0 SU in their past five games. Clemson has gone 13-5 SU in their past 18 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.

The total has gone UNDER in four of Clemson’s last six games against an opponent in the East Division. The total has gone OVER in five of Clemson’s last seven games played in August. Clemson has gone 15-4 SU in their past 19 games played in week 1. Tigers are 4-2 ATS in their last six games played on a Saturday. Clemson is 4-2 ATS in their last six games played on a Saturday when playing at home.

Betting Georgia Bulldogs

There were undoubtedly ups and downs for the Georgians last year. They won the East division with an 8-0 SEC record and an overall record of 13-1. Georgia ultimately fell to Alabama 27–24 in a hard conference title game, but they crushed Florida State 63–3 in the Orange Bowl.

Going into his 9th season at the helm, Kirby Smart is looking to redeem himself. Despite the Bulldogs losing 48 players in the offseason—12 graduated, 12 declared for the draft, and 22 entered the transfer portal—hopes are high once again. Having 17 starters returning to the lineup is great news.

Why Georgia wins/covers: Georgia’s past 22 games versus non-conference opponents have all resulted in victories. The 14th-ranked club in the AP Poll has dropped its last three games. In its previous four games at neutral sites against Southeastern Conference opponents, Clemson has failed to cover the spread.

In five of its last six games at neutral sites versus non-conference opponents, Georgia has covered the spread. Also in four of its last five games played at neutral sites against non-conference opponents, Georgia has won the opening quarter. In its last eight games against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents, Georgia has won the first half in every one of those contests.

According to betting sites’ trends, the total has gone UNDER in four of Georgia’s last six games. Bulldogs are 19-1 SU in their last 20 games. Bulldogs are 4-2 ATS in their last six games against Clemson.
Georgia is 5-1 SU in their last six games against Clemson. Bulldogs are 8-0 SU in their last eight games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Georgia is 6-1 SU in their last seven games played in August.

The total has gone UNDER in six of Georgia’s last six games played in week 1. Georgia is 1-4 ATS in their last five games played on a Saturday when playing on the road.

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Clemson Tigers Pick

We are going to go with Georgia. This should be an entertaining matchup. With good reason, the Bulldogs are the overwhelming favorites going into the season according to the SEC preseason media poll.

Georgia should get off to a fast start with a strong returning core and a well-oiled machine under Smart. A strong offense is led by quarterback Carson Beck, running back Trevor Etienne, and wide receiver Dominic Lovett. Safety Malaki Starks is returning after contributing to limiting opponents to just 15.6 points per game the previous season.

Even with a renewed emphasis on explosive play from that unit, Clemson’s offense might find it difficult to move the ball in this situation. Although we believe the Tigers will occasionally have a breakthrough, Georgia should eventually be in charge of this first game.