Lots has changed since three years ago, when the Georgia Bulldogs opened their season as 3-point underdogs against the Clemson Tigers at a neutral site. The Bulldogs are now 13.5-point favorites, again at a neutral site, in what should be a tense clash of strong defenses.
Our Clemson vs. Georgia predictions are counting on those defenses making an early impact, as our college football picks set the stage for Saturday’s 12 p.m. ET kickoff.
Clemson vs Georgia prediction
My best bet
First half Under 24.5 (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
This may be a top-tier matchup, despite the two-touchdown spread, but it should still provide us all a gradual on-ramp to the season. Neither Kirby Smart nor Dabo Swinney is known for necessarily opening things up out of the gates.
Both offenses should have those intentions as the season progresses; Georgia quarterback Carson Beck is a strong Heisman odds contender with a better deep ball than he is given credit for, while Clemson hopes to double down on Garrett Riley’s high-octane offense in his second season.
But both offenses’ most proven assets are their run games, returning four starting offensive linemen apiece. Both Smart and Swinney may spend the first half of this game seeing what they have on the interior before looking to the perimeter.
They will be using in-helmet communications for the first time on a Saturday. They will be facing stout defenses, each in the Top 15 of ESPN.com’s SP+ ratings. There will be reason for offensive caution.
Oh, and Georgia’s most dynamic player, Florida transfer running back Trevor Etienne — yes, the younger brother of former Clemson star Travis — appears to be quietly suspended for this opener following a reckless driving charge in March.
In this week's College Football 134, @Covers_Caley went in on the 1H total of Georgia-Clemson.
— Douglas Farmer (@D_Farmer) August 28, 2024
More I think about it, in talking with @chapelfowler this a.m., I'm with Andrew.
These two coaches may open up conservatively, see what they have working.
Plus, looks like no Etienne. pic.twitter.com/WXElD9O0YY
When these two met to kickstart the 2021 season, the only touchdown came on a 74-yard interception return, providing Georgia enough scoring for its all-time defense in that 10-3 win. This should not be that extremely low-scoring, but it should start with hesitant offenses and aggressive defenses.
Such a combination should not produce four scores in the first half.
Clemson vs Georgia same-game parlay (SGP)
First half Under 24.5
Clemson +14.5
Over 48.5
This counterintuitive same-game parlay can be enjoyed north of +900 at some books, including the alternate spread of Clemson +14.5. Alternate spreads in college football rarely provide value; never bet them straight. But folding this one into this particular same-game parlay makes some sense.
These offenses have pieces to put up points if they feel that pressure. A low-scoring first half should encourage some subsequent aggression.
Most likely, Beck and Georgia enjoy more success, quite possibly going up three touchdowns. At that point, the possibility of a backdoor cover on the alternate spread could also serve to push this game Over its modest total.
This SGP may appear counterintuitive, but there is correlation in the effect a late Tigers touchdown would have, and thus getting it at +900, or even at +650 at BetMGM, is worth pursuing.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Clemson vs Georgia odds
Clemson vs Georgia live odds
Clemson vs Georgia opening odds
- Spread: Clemson +12.5 (-105) | Georgia -12.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Clemson +385 | Georgia -520
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
Clemson vs Georgia spread and Over/Under analysis
- This spread did not move all summer, simply sitting at -13.5. Consider that a nod to how well understood these rosters both are, by bookmakers, bettors, and college football analysts alike.
- Clemson ended last regular season on a four-game winning streak both outright and against the spread, after struggling to a 4-4 outright start and 2-6 ATS. That four-game streak to end the year highlighted both a market overreaction and Riley finding a rhythm with quarterback Cade Klubnik.
- This total dipped in July, down to 45.5, before rising back to 47.5 and then 48.5 well into August. It then jumped further to 50.5 and sat there for a weekend before gradually falling to 48.5.
Clemson vs Georgia betting trend to know
Swinney has been Clemson’s head coach since 2009. This is just the second time he has been a double-digit underdog, the first coming at Florida State in September of 2012, covering the +14.5 in a 49-37 loss. Suffice it to say, this is unfamiliar territory, even for “Little Ole Clemson.” Find more college football betting trends for Clemson vs Georgia.
Clemson vs Georgia game info
| Location: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Saturday, 8-31, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ABC |
Clemson vs Georgia latest injuries
Clemson vs Georgia weather
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