After a long offseason that has featured plenty of talk, the 2022 season is finally here. Unfortunately, for Clemson fans, you had to wait a little longer, as the Tigers don’t kick it off until Monday night.
Fourth-ranked Clemson will open on the road against ACC foe Georgia Tech, with the game being played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Tigers enter as huge betting favorites (-23).
On paper, this appears to be a mismatch, but so did last year’s affair, when Clemson needed a late defensive stop to hold on for a 14-8 win. Don’t expect a repeat. This team is heading to Atlanta with something to prove, with a chip on its shoulder.
On the defensive side of the ball, we all know what to expect. The Tigers are not only extremely talented, but they are experienced, and deep. Containing QB Jeff Simms will be key, and the Yellow Jackets offensive line isn’t all that experienced, outside of starting tackle Jordan Williams. Tech also lost its top running back Jahmyr Gibbs to Alabama. It’s hard to envision that offense having consistent success.
It’s the offensive side of the ball where all of the questions lie. Fortunately, with that defense, this offense doesn’t have to put 40 on the board to come away with a win.
Tech has decent linebackers, and it’s fair to assume that the Yellow Jackets will try and force DJ Uiagalelei to beat them with his arm. However, it’s hard to imagine them shutting down that three-headed monster Clemson has at running back in Will Shipley, Kobe Pace and Phil Mafah. The running game will have some success.
Although, at a certain point, this offense is going to need Uiagalelei and its receivers to step up and convert some third downs to keep the chains moving. They will.
As suffocating as that defense is expected to be, though, the Tigers can afford to come out a little “conservative” on offense. Take their time, see what works, what doesn’t. It’s an opener, on the road, against an ACC opponent. The goal is to come away with a win, and that’s exactly what happens.
Clemson 31 Georgia Tech 6
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