The Clemson Tigers had a difficult time finding rhythm on the offensive side of the football in their 10-3 loss to the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs Saturday. It was both programs first game of the season.
Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart knew his team was very talented, but even he did not realize that they would be that good. “We frustrated and confused them,” Smart said. “I knew we were would be pretty good and pretty deep on defense,” Smart said. “But we’re more athletic than when we were in the past.”
Defensive back Christopher Smith returned a 74 yard interception for a touchdown. The Bulldogs totally neutralized Clemson’s running game, holding them to a grand total of two yards rushing. The passing game was not much better. They were only able to muster 180 yards of total offense. The Tigers offensive line got overwhelmed and outplayed by the Bulldogs’ pass rush. Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei was sacked seven times and the No. 3 Tigers failed to register a touchdown against a powerful Georgia defense.
Clemson’s head coach Dabo Swinney was very candid during his postgame interview with the media about Uiagalelei’s lack of production. Swinney stated that he did not come with the energy required until mid-way through the second quarter.
“He’s a young player and a great player, and I promise you that guy right there will respond,” Swinney explained. “He’s disappointed. He took some sacks he just can’t take.
“You want to see a guy respond to the success and adversity. But he got better; he didn’t get worse. And that’s what you want to see in a young quarterback. I’m proud of him. There is nobody that cares more. This is an incredibly talented player and that will prove to be the case as he goes through his career. This will grow him up even quicker for sure”.
Clemson also struggled to establish their running attack from the outset of the contest. Running backs Lyn-J Dixon, Will Shipley and Kobe Pace combined for nine carries and totaled 24 yards. The passing game was not much better. The Tigers were only able to muster 180 yards of total offense.
Coach Swinney went on to say, “Disappointed we didn’t play better, but again UGA is a great front,” Swinney said of not getting the running game going. “There is no question we have to do a better job. Tough challenge out of the gate- we started a true freshman at left guard. There is going to be some good and bad on tape. We have to do a better job as coaches of putting them in a better position to succeed as well.” I’m not going to put my head down and write the season off because we lost to a top-5 team. These were two really good teams and that’s going to play out as the season goes on. We have to grow up from it.”
Clemson did not score a point until nine minutes were left in the second half. A 44-yard catch by wide receiver Joseph Ngata and a pass interference penalty, led to a 22-yard field goal by placekicker B.T. Potter. With the field goal, the Tigers avoided their first shut-out in 18 seasons.
Clemson is still a heavy favorite to win all the games remaining on their schedule, but they are going to need some help if they want to win the ACC Championship and make it to the College Football Playoffs.
ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit says to pump the breaks. “They might be heavily favored (to win the ACC) but I don’t think it’s just ‘throw your helmet out on the field’ kind of year for Clemson with this offense,” Herbstreit said. “I think there’s going to be some games, especially when they go on the road where this offensive line with this young quarterback, who’s got a tremendous upside, still trying to find a running back … could be anywhere. This offensive line right now with this offense? I know Georgia’s great, but I don’t know man.”
Clemson will host South Carolina State University on Saturday, September 11.
