TCI takes a look at five questions that will be answered Saturday night when the Tigers travel to Athens to open the season against Georgia.

1 – Will Stoudt perform when it counts?

Cole Stoudt will get his first start for the Tigers Saturday afternoon when they play between the hedges.  Stoudt has performed well when given his opportunity, but this time it is not with the game out of hand.  One of the biggest questions that will be answered this week will be how Cole performs under pressure, on the road, against a top opponent.

If Cole performs well the Tigers will certainly have a chance to get the W.  If Cole doesn’t perform well the coaches won’t be able to quiet the DeShaun Watson talk.

2 – Is Clemson’s defense as good as advertised?  Can they stop Georgia’s rushing game?

With the Tigers returning the entire defensive line and one of the top linebackers in the nation, the Clemson defense received a lot of hype in the offseason.  Saturday night the Tigers will have to prove it on the field against one of the top running backs in the nation.  Will Gurley have his way with the Clemson defense or will the Tigers shutdown Gurley like they did Mike Davis last November.

Someone will make a statement Saturday night.  Will it be Clemson’s defense or Todd Gurley?  The answer may dictate the winner.

3 – Can the receivers get it done without Sammy and Martavis?

Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant are now playing on Sundays.  The Tigers will need Charone Peake, Adam Humphries and Mike Williams to take their games to the next level this year.  Hopper and a great crop of freshmen will also get their chance to shine Saturday night.

The Tigers have plenty of talent on the roster at WR.  The question that will be answered Saturday in Athens is can the current group of receivers carry on the tradition of Clemson having one of the top groups of receivers in the nation.

4 – Will a running back emerge from the pack?

DJ Howard will get the start Saturday afternoon against the Dawgs.  The big question is will he or another running back emerge from the pack.  Will the Tigers find the next great back or will it be running back by committee heading out of Athens.

With Zac Brooks lost for the season, CJ Davidson, Wayne Gallman and Adam Choice will also get their chance to emerge from the pack.

Last season Rod McDowell took the first start and showed he deserved to be “the back”.  Will Howard or another back take the job Saturday with an impressive performance?  The job is up for grabs.  It will be decided on the field when it counts.

5 – Is the secondary really improved?

There is no question that the secondary has more depth this season.  On paper the secondary looks to be improved in 2014.  Saturday night we find out if that is the case.

5-star MacKensie Alexander will get his first start after having to sit out last season.  Senior Robert Smith is a coach on the field.  Jayron Kearse and Jadar Johnson have both had strong camps.

If the secondary is improved this season and plays well there is little doubt that Clemson will have one of the top defenses in the nation.  Saturday night we will learn a lot about the “no fly zone”.