ATLANTA- Georgia heads to the half with a 6-0 lead over Clemson in the AFLAC Kickoff Challenge in Atlanta.

The first quarter felt more like a feeling out period as neither team managed to do much. Both defenses turned in strong performances over the first 15 minutes of play.

However, on the Bulldogs’ third possession, they started to find some cracks in the Clemson defense, as Carson Beck led Georgia on a 12-play, 68-yard drive that resulted in a 30-yard field goal to put the Dawgs up 3-0. Credit to the Tigers’ defense for bowing up inside of the 10-yard line and forcing the field goal.

-Clemson’s offense has been downright stymied over the first half of play and they lost the field position battle. While the defense is doing its part, Wes Goodwin’s unit is going to need some help in the second half. The Tigers were held to just 77 total yards.

-Antonio Williams has been the lone bright spot on offense, reeling in four catches for 55 yards.

-The importance of a reliable of FG kicker was on full display in the second quarter when Peyton Woodring drilled a 55-yarder to put the Dawgs up 6-0.

-Neither team has been able to do much on the ground. Clemson rushed for just 23 yards over the first two quarters with Georgia totaling just 34.

-Demonte Capehart has been extremely disruptive on the interior. The Dawgs are having difficulty containing him at times and he has blown up multiple plays. It’s the kind of things that don’t always show up in the box score.

-Peter Woods third down sack of Beck early in the second quarter was critical. Georgia had the ball inside the Clemson 10 and looked to be driving for the games first touchdown, but instead had to settle for the field goal. Woods had another big TFL on a screen pass in the second quarter that helped keep Georgia out of the end zone.

-Clemson has had a couple of untimely penalties on the offensive side of the ball. An illegal motion penalty on Adam Randall on the games opening drive put the Tigers behind the sticks early.

-Cade Klubnik’s 36-yard strike to Antonio Williams in the first quarter gave fans a glimpse at an aspect that has been missing in the Tigers’ offense in recent seasons, but it was the only explosive play for Clemson in the first half. The Dawgs had three passing plays that went more than 15 yards and one running play that went longer than 10.

-Clemson is still looking to score its first touchdown against Georgia since the game between the two in 2014.

-Clemson and Georgia have combined to go 33 consecutive drives against one another without a touchdown.

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!