Clemson football vs. Georgia Tech in season opener: Score prediction, scouting report

Although Clemson football has dominated its series against Georgia Tech in recent years, the Tigers know better than to take the Yellow Jackets lightly.

Clemson is a 21-point favorite in the game, but that doesn’t mean much. Last year’s 14-8 Clemson victory went down to the wire, with the Tigers stopping Tech on a fourth-and-2 attempt with 15 seconds remaining at Memorial Stadium.

Still, Clemson is expected to post its eighth consecutive win in the series.

Here’s what to know about the matchup and a score prediction:

A tough start for Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech has one of the toughest schedules in the nation. After opening with Monday night’s game against No. 4 Clemson, the Yellow Jackets face Ole Miss, UCF and Pitt in three of their next four games.

Georgia Tech is one of only five Power Five teams that will face two ranked nonconference opponents – Ole Miss and Georgia. That’s not exactly a recipe for success for Tech coach Geoff Collins, who is squarely on the hot seat after a total of nine wins in his first three seasons.

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Clemson looks to click on offense

The game represents the initial proving ground for Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, who struggled to regain his freshman form last season as a sophomore. With highly regarded freshman Cade Klubnik looking over his shoulder, Uiagalelei must be more productive after completing only 55.6% of his passes and throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (9) in 2021.

If the passing game is stuck in neutral, expect another big outing from sophomore running back Will Shipley, who scored both Clemson touchdowns last season in the win against the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech has eight new coaches

There are plenty of unknowns going into a season-opening game, and particularly in this case. Georgia Tech has eight new coaches – three were let go by coach Geoff Collins and five left for greener pastures.

The Yellow Jackets also saw 12 players enter the transfer portal, including running back Jahmyr Gibbs, their best player who departed for Alabama.

Tech’s Jeff Sims is a playmaker

One known quantity Clemson must deal with is Tech’s Jeff Sims. In his third year as a starter, he’s a dual-threat quarterback who is expected to have his most productive season.

“The second you think you have him, you probably don’t,” said K.J. Henry, Clemson’s fifth-year defensive end.

But facing a Clemson defense that is loaded with NFL talent, Sims would need the game of his career and plenty of help from his friends to keep the Yellow Jackets close.

Score prediction for Clemson vs. Georgia Tech

Clemson 31, Georgia Tech 7: Georgia Tech Athletic Director Todd Stansbury and Buzz – the Yellow Jackets’ mascot – were on hand Thursday to help ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The football team will get its bell rung Monday night.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson football vs. Georgia Tech: Score prediction, scouting report