2014 College Football Week 1 Clemson vs. Georgia Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
ATHENS, GA (The Spread) – One of the more anticipated matchups on the Week 1 college football schedule will kick off at 5:30PM ET tonight when Georgia hosts Clemson.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, Georgia is a 7.5-point favorite over Clemson, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 54.5 points. The Bulldogs opened as a 9.5-point favorite but the line has moved down to 7.5, while the total opened at 63 and has fallen like a rock ever since.
The Tigers will be forced to break in a new quarterback, a new tailback and a pair of new receivers this season after losing dynamic wideout Sammy Watkins and experienced signal-caller Tajh Boyd this offseason. Led by quarterback Cole Stoudt, receivers Adam Humphries and Mike Williams, the skill positions are loaded with talent but are short on experience. There are also questions about the offensive line, as it too lacks front-line experience.
Of course, Clemson won’t be the only team today breaking in a new starter at quarterback. Hutson mason has an opportunity to step into the shoes of Aaron Murray, who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs back in May. The offense as a whole remains explosive and running back Todd Gurley is set to have a monster year. Defensively, the unit boasts the likes of Ramik Wilson, Amarlo Herrera, Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd. It’ll also be run by a new coordinator in Jeremy Pruitt, who guided Florida State’s defense to a national championship victory a season ago.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL FREE PICK: Take Clemson. According to latest college football trends, the Tigers are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall and 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six home games, 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall and 1-4 ATS in their last five non-conference games.
2014 COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 1 FREE PICK: CLEMSON TIGERS +7.5