After a disappointing 2021, Dabo Swiney and the Clemson Tigers will try to rebound. They currently sit in a good position for a playoff spot as the preseason No. 4 team. First up is a bottom-tier Georgia Tech team they narrowly beat last year.
Can the Tigers cover the over three touchdown spread? We’ll break that down in our Clemson vs. Georgia Tech predictions and best bets for Week 1.
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech Predictions
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Clemson vs. Georgia Tech Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson | -23 | -2100 | O 51 (-110) |
| Georgia Tech | +23 | +1100 | U 51 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 4 p.m. on Sept. 2
Game Info
- Date: Monday, Sept. 5
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, GA
- TV: ESPN
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech Trends
Let’s take a look at some relevant betting trends for the Clemson vs. Georgia Tech:
- Clemson is 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games against Georgia Tech.
- The Under is 6-2 in the last Clemson vs. Georgia Tech matchups
- Clemson is 18-20-1 ATS in their last 39 games against ACC opponents.
- Georgia Tech is 23-17 ATS in their last 39 games against ACC opponents.
- The Under is 17-16-2 in Georgia Tech’s last two seasons
- DraftKings also reports that 54% of betting tickets and 67% of the handle have selected Under 39 total points.
- According to DraftKings (as of Thu afternoon), 81% of betting tickets and 84% of money is on Clemson ATS.
- 82% of tickets and 76% of the money is on the Over.
Pressure On DJ Uiagalelei and The Clemson Offense
Clemson struggled early last season before rattling off six straight wins to end the year. This has earned them the No. 4 spot in the AP preseason poll, but there are still some questions as they head into their first game.
While the defense is one of the best in the country last season by allowing the second-fewest points in the FBS, the offense hurt them throughout the season, including the game against Georgia Tech.
With 4 days left, y’all know we have to show 4 to 13 🏆 pic.twitter.com/whpXNYfgsM
— ClemsonSportsNetwork (@ClemsonSportNet) September 2, 2022
QB DJ Uiagalelei took the reins last season, and many thought after his two starts in 2020 while Trevor Lawrence was out with Covid, he would be fine. Unfortunately, he had a disappointing year finishing 2,246 yards with nine touchdowns and ten interceptions, and Clemson was never in the CFB Playoff hunt.
You must wonder how long the leash will be for DJU with Dabo Swiney. True freshman and No. 1 QB recruit Cade Kubiak is waiting in the wings, and Clemson fans have seen Dabo make this move before (true freshman Trevor Lawerence replaced Brian Kelly). He will not hesitate if Uiagalelei struggles.
Another Rough Year Ahead For Georgia Tech
Head coach Geoff Collins is on the hot seat after another rough season, going 3-9 overall and 2-6 in 2021. He is now 9-25 overall in three seasons.
Jeff Sims traded starts with Jordan Yates last year, but Yates transferred out, so Sims will get the start at least for this game. While he isn’t a strong passer, he does provide playmaking abilities with his legs.
Picture perfect 📸#4the404
h/t Georgia Tech Football pic.twitter.com/RlLLTCQqXU
— Jackets NIL Club 🐝 (@JacketsNILClub) September 1, 2022
The Yellow Jackets running back room took a serious hit in the offseason with leading rusher Jahymir Gibbs transferring to Alabama and Jordan Mason off to the NFL leaving, last year’s third-string back Dontae Smith moving up to the top spot.
Clemson vs. Georgia Tech Predictions
This was too close of a game for the Tigers last year as the offense could not score against a Yellow Jackets defense allowing 35 points per game. The Yellow Jackets are not any better on either side of the ball, and this should be a game that steamrolls through.
The Clemson defense will do its part, especially the front line against the GA Tech defense that will try to run the ball.
I don’t trust Clemson with two new coordinators in the first game of the season to predict the spread. I’m not expecting another 14-8 game, but the score will be low.
Pick: Under 51 total points | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook