CHARLOTTE, NC. — The contest was kept tight through the game until the Bulldogs found a spark in the second half to defeat the Clemson Tigers and win the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium.

In the first half, both teams came out playing physical on the defensive side of the ball, making it tough for either team to generate a steady offense rhythm early. With the game deadlocked at zero by the end of the first period, Georgia came into the second quarter increasing their defensive intensity to generate sacks and turnovers. The Bulldogs tacked on their first score of the game following a huge defensive play from UGA’s defensive back Christopher Smith, who returned a 74-yard interception for the well-needed score in the second quarter. UGA closed out the first half with a 7-0 lead and a number of sacks on Clemson’s quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei.

Following the halftime break, Georgia’s defense continued to swarm the Tigers, earning a fifth sack and forcing a punt situation against Clemson. The quick three-and-out led to an assertive explosion for the Bulldogs on offense, running a combination of run and short-yardage pass plays to open up the field on the Tigers. With huge runs from UGA’s running back Zamir White, the Bulldogs were able to drive down the field and knock down a field goal from kicker Jack Podlesny.

In the fourth quarter, the Tigers were able to put together a combination of plays to work up a field goal following a costly pass interference penalty called on the Bulldogs. Clemson forced a three-and-out situation on Georgia as the Tigers took over on their own 39-yard line. The Tigers were sitting at 3rd and 5 when Uiagalelei attempted to dart a pass to Braden Galloway, but the play was broken up by Georgia’s safety Lewis Cine. Tigers’ head coach Dabo Swinney was forced to go for it on fourth down as the Bulldogs forced a turnover on down following an incomplete pass from Clemson, caused by the pressure from UGA’s defense. With explosive power running from Georgia’s RB White, the Bulldogs were able to secure the victory over the Clemson Tigers to kick off Week 1 in college football.

Georgia’s quarterback JT Daniels was solid for most of the day against the Tigers, generating 135 yards through the air and completing 22 of 30 passes for the day. White ended the game with 13 carries for 77 yards. UGA’s offense totaled 256 yards to Clemson’s 180 for the day. The Bulldogs defensive was more than furious throughout the contest, earning seven sacks and an interception for the game. Clemson’s offense was held to only 2 yards rushing on 23 carries for the night.

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