Dabo Swinney Explains Clemson’s Decision to Face Georgia to Begin the 2024 Campaign The Georgia Bulldogs will present a hurdle right away for the Clemson Tigers.
Players on both sides should be excited about the match, even if neither team will be playing at their peak for the duration of the season. As the team will immediately be exposed to postseason football, Swinney sees benefits in playing them, according to Will Vanderbort of The Clemson Insider. According to Swinney, “the advantage is if you win it.” “Aside from that, I believe you are immediately exposed to postseason football.” It really is that simple. That’s the level of football. “As the season progresses, both teams improve, but there is unquestionably an advantage.”
In this scenario, Clemson’s only real risk is that they travel to Georgia and are unable to compete. When it comes time for selection, there may be a case made against Georgia if they win by four or more touchdowns. The ACC presents difficulties, but aside from their matchup with Florida State on October 5, it’s possible that Georgia will be their only opponent this season. They risk punishment if the committee decides their resume isn’t compelling enough. There is still a chance for them to qualify for the playoffs even if their losses were to Georgia and FSU. And that’s more amazing than defeating a random school in Week 1—win or lose—as long as they compete.
“The strength of schedule will be important in the end, just like in basketball when they are talking about the tournament because we have created a tournament, if you will,” he remarked. Clemson might use a significant victory to set the tone following the 2023–24 season. For Clemson supporters, seeing Cade Klubnik come out and embrace his identity would be a welcome sight.