The Aflac Kickoff Game between the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs and the 14th-ranked Clemson Tigers has not disappointed. With questions on offense surrounding both teams, the defense for the Tigers and Bulldogs dominated the first half.
In a battle of attrition, both teams traded punts until the Bulldogs were able to convert two field goals from Peyton Woodring to take a 6-0 lead. For the Bulldogs, the linebacker Quintavious Johnson led the team in tackles. The linebacking group for head coach Kirby Smart is locked in for the trials of the season with a rare combination of size and agility the group led by Smael Mondon flies to the ball and closes quickly to minimize any gain.
Heading into the game an area of concern for the Bulldogs had been the secondary, however, outside of a 36-yard play the Tigers' offense was limited to 54 yards. Daylen Everette and Malaki Starks have elevated the secondary to an elite level.
While the game is far from over with a second half currently being played, the Bulldogs look like the machine that won back-to-back championships not too long ago.
Offensively, the Bulldogs have been unable to get going with only 34 yards on the ground. With the injury to Roderick Robinson and the suspension of Trevor Etienne, the offense focused on the passing attack led by quarterback Carson Beck who threw for 126 yards in the first half against the Tigers. Running back Branson Robinson struggled in the first half to gain yardage against the Tigers' defense with only five yards on five carries.
After dominant defensive showings by the Bulldogs and Tigers, whichever offense can get the opposing defense to blink first, could lead to the game to showing signs of life on the offense and the scoreboard.
