Some close losses can antagonize a coach or a player for a lifetime. But every once in a while, a loss is so thorough that all one can do is shake their head and move on. That’s the best way to think of the No. 14 ranked Clemson Tigers 3-34 loss to No. 1 ranked to open the 2024 college football season. In reflecting on the tough loss to the Bulldogs, Clemson head coach
It was the biggest loss to start the season in Swinney’s Clemson tenure as coach, which began in 2009. This loss marked only the fourth game in which Clemson did not score a touchdown under Swinney.
“They didn’t hand out a national championship trophy tonight. We didn’t lose the ACC tonight,” Swinney said. “We got our butts kicked in one game, and we got a long way to go. Let’s go play it out and see what happens.”
The Tigers finished 9-4 last year and hoped to average 2023’s good, but not great finish. This season, Georgia football seeks its third College Football Playoff National Championship in four years.Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated pointed out to Smart that he uses the transfer portal because Swinney does not participate in the process of adding new players.
“I would take that every day of the week if you gave me every child I sign, who stays in my program for four years and is not allowed to leave,” he declared. However, we must replace them if we are to lose children. It’s an imposed circumstance. It must be used by you.
The fact that Georgia lost should indicate to Swinney that there is a clear and substantial talent difference between Georgia football and Clemson football, and that the transfer portal is probably a major contributing factor. After a 4–4 start, the Tigers were able to save their 2023 campaign, however
Five allegedly poorly behaved players were arrested this offseason, another dismissed from the team, and another was suspended for the season opener. Holding the program accountable for that seems valid.
Georgia football continues its run toward a College Football Playoff national title in a home matchup against Tennessee Tech on Saturday, September 7, at 2:00 p.m. EST.