Georgia Tech vs. Clemson Prediction
Is No. 1 Clemson giving up too many points when the Tigers play host to Georgia Tech in tonight’s season opener at 8PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
135 Georgia Tech vs. 136 Clemson
Thursday, August 29, 2019
8PM ET – Memorial Stadium
TV: ACC Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Clemson is the overwhelming favorite in this game, as the Tigers are getting odds of -37 points against Georgia Tech. The over/under total is currently listed at 60.5 points. The public betting currently has 51 percent going on Clemson as the heavy favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Tigers begin title defense
Clemson is coming off a national championship last season after going 15-0 overall and 8-0 in ACC play. The Tigers enter the 12th year of Dabo Swinney as head coach. He saw his Tigers go 9-6 against the spread last season while putting up an 8-7 mark with the under.
The Tigers were pretty impressive on both sides of the ball last season. The offense averaged 44.3 points and 527.2 yards per game while giving up 13.1 points and 285.9 yards per game. Clemson has 12 starters back this year, led by sophomore quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He threw for 3,280 yards and 30 touchdowns last year with just four interceptions. He has leading receiver Justyn Ross back. Ross had 1,000 yards last year. Also back is stud running back Travis Etienne, who rushed for 1,658 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2018.
Collins-era begins at Tech
Georgia Tech had a competitive 2018 season, posting a 7-6 record overall and a 5-3 record in the ACC in the final year of Paul Johnson. The Yellow Jackets were 5-8 against the spread and 7-5-1 with the over. This season, they are in their first year with new coach Geoff Collins.
The Yellow Jackets are going away from the triple option that they ran under Johnson and now working with a spread offense under Collins. That’s a big change for the nation’s top rushing attack at 325 yards per game. Lucas Johnson is expected to lead this new offense after missing last season with an injury. He works with some returning receivers, but Tech’s leading receiver last year had just 15 receptions. Defensively, Georgia Tech gave 29.3 points and 369.6 yards per game last season. The defense has just four starters returning.
College Football Betting Trends
Clemson
The Tigers are 6-1 against the spread in their last seven conference games and 5-2 in their last seven games on grass.
Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets are 4-9 against the spread in their last 13 games on grass and 2-5 ATS in their last seven Thursday games.
Prediction:
Clemson is being asked to cover a lot tonight, but I think the Tigers will be able to do it. They are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four against Tech as is and Georgia Tech is working in a completely new offense today. That’s a lot to ask against one of the best defensive teams in the country in a hostile environment. Clemson’s offense should be able to take right off behind Lawrence and Etienne. I think the Tigers will be hitting big plays right from the opening kick and never give the Jackets a chance to get in the game.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Clemson -37
