Who will come out on top in this marquee Week 1 showdown? We’ve got you covered with the latest odds and a Clemson vs. Georgia prediction.
The 2024 college football season’s first marquee matchup is just around the corner. The No. 14 Clemson Tigers will head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. This early-season clash is one of the year’s most anticipated games, setting the tone for both teams.
Clemson vs. Georgia Betting Lines & Info
All Clemson vs. Georgia odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of (Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024).
- Moneyline
Georgia -600 / Clemson +432
- Location
Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia
- Predicted Weather at Kick
85* (Inside a Dome)
The official betting odds for the Clemson vs. Georgia matchup were released on May 14, with Georgia initially favored by 13.5 points. This line held steady until early August when it briefly moved to Georgia -14 before settling back to its opening number of -13.5, which seems likely to hold until kickoff. Currently, 58% of the bets and 73% of the money are backing the Bulldogs at -13.5.
The moneyline for this game has seen more fluctuation. Georgia opened at -520, was bet up to -640, and has since settled at -600.
As for the total, the line initially opened at 48.5. It was bet down to 46.5 in July but has since returned to 48.5, indicating where the market feels most comfortable heading into the game.
Prediction and Best Bets Clemson vs. Georgia
This matchup presents a daunting challenge for Clemson on multiple fronts. First, they’re heading into Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the atmosphere will be electric. Georgia fans will pack the stands and create a playoff-like environment.
Second, the Tigers face one of the most reliable quarterbacks in college football. Clemson has some defensive questions, particularly with a young but talented defensive line. Unfortunately for them, their first test comes against what might be the best offensive line in the nation.
The battle in the trenches between Georgia’s interior offensive line and Clemson’s defensive front, led by Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart, is shaping up to be a fierce contest.
Looking at the trends, Georgia’s games have gone under the total in four of their last six outings. Since January 2022, Georgia has been favored by 17 points or fewer in 14 games and has covered the spread in 10 matchups. The Bulldogs are 4-2 against the spread in their last six games against Clemson and have an 8-0 overall record in their previous eight games against ACC opponents.
The key factor could be Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik’s inconsistency in high-pressure situations. He struggled mightily in last season’s opener, a surprising 28-7 loss.
While Clemson’s defense, mainly its secondary, might keep the game close early, Georgia’s overall talent and depth will likely prove overwhelming. The Bulldogs are ranked No. 1 for a reason, and they’re set to show why on Saturday.
Prediction: Georgia 34, Clemson 14
Best Bets: Georgia -13.5
For all college football Week 1 picks, predictions, and best bets, click here!
