If the Dawgs want to ring in the new college football season undefeated, the Georgia defense will have to outperform the Tigers in three key defensive statistics areas.
A lot of people continue to push Georgia aside, and it’s slightly disrespectful. The Bulldogs’ defense is stout and just as tough as the Tigers. While Clemson’s defensive front is lethal, they’re similar when you look at them as a whole.
Both defenses are two of the countries top units in most defensive categories. The Tigers are more productive in some areas, but Georgia has guys that can make plays too.
In 2020, the two teams ranked nationally in the four main defensive stat categories and their respected conferences.
Total Defense:
National: Georgia No. 12 & Clemson No. 15
Conference: Georgia No. 2 & Clemson No. 1
Rush Defense:
National: Georgia No. 1 & Clemson No. 15
Conference: Georgia No. 1 & Clemson No. 2
Pass Defense:
National: Georgia No. 81 & Clemson No. 41
Conference: Georgia No. 6 & Clemson No. 2
Scoring Defense:
National: Georgia No.16 & Clemson No. 18
Conference: Georgia No. 2 & Clemson No. 2
While they were pretty equal among the four main stat categories, the Tigers led in two of the most havoc-type stats.
The Tigers recorded 46 total sacks on the season and ranked No. 1 nationally in that category. Georgia ranks No. 12 with 32 sacks, but having 14 more sacks is massive.
Clemson also had the No. 2 most tackles for loss last season, with 109 total, averaging 9.09 per game. The Dawgs tallied just 62 total and averaged 6.10 a game. This stat is another one that shows how talented Clemson’s defensive front is and how deadly they can be.
Georgia returns just four defensive starters while Clemson returns all 11, and that is probably why so many people want to push the Dawgs to the side, and it’s understandable.
It can be scary when a defense that produces 46 sacks and 109 tackles for loss has all its starters’ return, but Georgia’s group can match their tenacity and aggressiveness.
Even though Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, Nakobe Dean, and Lewis Cine are the four guys back, there are so many guys who have been backups the last couple of years ready to take over the duties.
It hurts to lose guys like Monty Rice and Azeez Ojulari, but their backups are just as impressive.
Clemson’s offense is just as hostile as their defense, which is why they’ve recently won two national titles in 2016 and 2018. Dabo Swinney continues to replace the stars, but so does Smart.
Georgia can win this game, but the defense is going to have to make a massive statement. Here are three things the Bulldogs’ defense needs to lead in statistically on Saturday, and if they do, Georgia will leave Charlotte 1-0.