The Battle for the Old South’s College Football Supremacy
Clemson Tigers vs. Georgia Bulldogs
September 9, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
ESPN, 8:00 PM ET
The 2017 college football season will witness a renewal of one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in the sport: Clemson vs. Georgia. The two SEC powers will square off in a primetime showdown at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, September 9th.
A Rivalry Built on History and Tradition
The Clemson-Georgia rivalry dates back to 1897, with the first game played in Athens, Georgia. The two schools have met 62 times overall, with Georgia holding a slight 32-28-2 advantage. However, Clemson has won the last two meetings, including a 38-35 victory in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
The rivalry is one of the most intense in the country, thanks to its long history, geographical proximity, and the fact that both schools are consistently ranked among the nation’s elite programs. The game is often referred to as the “Battle for the Old South’s College Football Supremacy,” and it is sure to generate a great deal of excitement and passion from both fan bases.
Key Players to Watch
Clemson
- QB Deshaun Watson: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Watson is one of the most dynamic and dangerous players in college football. He passed for 4,593 yards and 41 touchdowns last season, leading the Tigers to the national championship.
- RB Wayne Gallman: A bruising and powerful running back, Gallman rushed for 1,527 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He will be a key part of Clemson’s offense in 2017.
- DL Christian Wilkins: A versatile and disruptive defensive lineman, Wilkins had 13 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last season. He will be a major challenge for the Georgia offensive line.
Georgia
- QB Jacob Eason: A highly-touted recruit, Eason is expected to take over as Georgia’s starting quarterback in 2017. He has a strong arm and good accuracy, and he will be looking to prove himself on a big stage against Clemson.
- RB Nick Chubb: A dynamic and explosive runner, Chubb rushed for 1,547 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He is one of the best running backs in the country, and he will be a major threat to the Clemson defense.
- LB Roquan Smith: A talented and athletic linebacker, Smith had 11 tackles for loss and 6 sacks last season. He will be a key part of Georgia’s defense in 2017.
Game Preview
The 2017 Clemson-Georgia game is expected to be a close and competitive matchup. Both teams have a lot of talent and experience, and they are both capable of winning the national championship.
Clemson will be looking to continue its recent dominance over Georgia, while Georgia will be looking to avenge its loss in the national championship game last season. The game is sure to be a memorable one, and it is one that college football fans will not want to miss.
Expert Predictions
- ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit: Clemson 31, Georgia 24
- CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm: Clemson 35, Georgia 31
- Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Clemson 38, Georgia 34
Conclusion
The 2017 Clemson-Georgia game is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the college football season. With both teams ranked among the top 5 in the nation, the game has the potential to be a classic. The rivalry is one of the most storied in the sport, and the game is sure to generate a great deal of excitement and passion from both fan bases.