Clemson might be facing its toughest foe following a loss to Georgia since 1994. The Tigers host Appalachian State Saturday (8 p.m., ACCN) in their home opener at Memorial Stadium.

After suffering a 26-point loss to the Bulldogs in 1994, Clemson got knocked off, 19-13, by Duke the following week. That happens to be the last time they lost following a loss to Georgia.

However, the last three opponents following a loss to the Bulldogs were Furman and S.C. State (twice). No disrespect to Furman and S.C. State. They are great FCS programs. However, App, State is not an FCS program.

From 1978-1994, Clemson was 2-3-2 following a Georgia loss.

In those seven games, the Tigers’ wins came from FCS foes Villanova and Western Carolina, while the losses came from Georgia Tech (twice) and Duke. They also tied Boston College and Virginia.

When facing an FBS school following a loss to the Bulldogs, Clemson is 2-3-2.

Why am I bringing up the past? History tells us Clemson usually has a hangover following a Georgia defeat. In 2014, the Tigers struggled early in the season and were 1-2 after the first three games of the year.

In 2021, Clemson was 4-3 before it finally got on track and won its last six games.

In 1980, the Tigers never found their footing after a heartbreaking loss to the Bulldogs and went 5-4 the rest of the season. In 1984, they were 5-3 following the Georgia loss and 5-5 in 1985. They were 3-3 in 1994.

In 1982 and 1991, Clemson suffered ties, though they did go on to have nine-win seasons.

The glass is not always half empty. Clemson currently owns a five-game win streak following a Georgia loss. During that stretch, the Tigers went on to finish the year with at least eight wins in four instances, including a 10-3 year in 2021.

Clemson also went 10-3 in 2014, 9-4 in 2003 and 8-4 in 1995. They only season during this stretch when the Tigers did not win at least eight games came in 2002, when Tommy Bowden’s team went 7-6.

The good news for Clemson heading into Saturday’s game against App. State is the fact it has won 20 straight home openers. Of course, its last defeat in a home opener came to… you guessed it, Georgia in 2003.

Clemson is 5-0 all-time against App. State, including a 3-0 mark in home openers. The Tigers are also 11-0 all-time against Sun Belt Conference opponents.

Oh yeah, the Tigers are 34-9 under Dabo Swinney following any loss.