College Football is back and Saturday’s just got a whole lot better for fans all throughout the country. While today’s schedule features a full slate of games, there are understandably some matchups that will command more attention than others.
One of the highlighted games on Saturday’s Week 1 kickoff will see the Clemson Tigers take on the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in a battle of two teams hopeful to reach this season’s College Football Playoff. Kickoff comes in just a few hours, so before the teams take the field let’s make a Clemson vs. Georgia ATS pick in this CFB Week 1 betting guide.
Clemson vs. Georgia Odds: College Football Week 1 Kickoff
The (#14) Clemson Tigers will take on the (#1) Georgia Bulldogs in a high-profile matchup at noon ET. Georgia enters as the prohibitive favorite as the Bulldogs have their sights set on another College Football Championship.
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson (#14) | +11.5 (-110) | Over 48.5 (-108) | +370 |
| Georgia (#1) | -11.5 (-110) | Under 48.5 (-112) | -485 |
Do note that the College Football Week 1 odds on this page are provided courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook. First-time users can register with the DraftKings promo code to score $250 in bonus bets instantly and one month of NFL+ Premium.
Clemson vs. Georgia ATS pick: CFB Week 1 betting preview
Although this game is technically hosted at a “neutral site” it will essentially be a home game for the Bulldogs, as it’s being played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
A stacked Georgia team returns
After just missing out on last season’s College Football Playoff, the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs return 16 starters this season, including quarterback and Heisman-hopeful, Carson Beck. Last season, Beck threw for over 3,900 yards, 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions, and posted a 72.4% completion percentage.
On defense, Georgia is once again loaded with future NFL talent including preseason All-American Malaki Starks at Safety. Last year the Bulldogs allowed less than 17 points per game, and figure to have one of the top defensive units in the nation once again this season.
Clemson is good, but...
For the Tigers, the (+11.5) point spread represents the biggest betting underdog Clemson has been since 2012 vs. Florida State. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik struggled last season in his first year as the starter, posting 13 turnovers (9 interceptions, 4 fumbles) in his 13 games.
Klubnik threw for over 300 yards in a game just twice last season, with one of those coming against Charleston Southern. The Tigers did not add a single player via the transfer portal, and will now have to rely on internal improvement to replace the likes of last year’s second-leading rusher Will Shipley, and leading tackler Jeremiah Trotter Jr. who were both selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With a large talent advantage, the quarterback advantage, and what is essentially a home-field advantage, it’s too hard to go against the top-ranked Bulldogs in this one. I’ll take Georgia -11.5 to get their season started with a big win in Atlanta.
Georgia vs. Clemson ATS pick: Georgia -11.5 (-110)
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