Clemson Football: Game day news and notes as Tigers take on Tech

Clemson football finally kicks off the 2022 season this evening in Atlanta while taking on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Here’s the latest on the game.

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Watch: ESPN

Guide: A to Z Guide to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Policies

When: 8 p.m., Monday, September 5

Odds: Clemson -23 | Over/Under 51.0

Implied Score: Clemson 37 Georgia Tech 14

Picks: RubbingtheRock.com staff picks

Georgia Tech Preview: via Casey Cregan

Game Notes: via Clemsontigers.com

Rubbing the Rock Notes

Clemson and Georgia Tech conclude week 1 of the college football season at 8 p.m. EST in Atlanta with the Tigers being a heavy favorite over the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech’s head coach Geoff Collins is trying to save his job and avoid another three (or less) win season with an upset of 23 point favorite Clemson in Atlanta.

The storyline of the game, though, is Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei and how he performs under the microscope of a national television audience in an island game after last season’s offensive struggle.

The Tigers rebuilt offensive line, include a new coach in Thomas Austin, a center with 0 experience at the position and a true freshman right tackle in Blake Miller.

The backfield of Will Shipley, Kobe Pace and Phil Mafah are all healthy, as is the tight ends and wide receivers, with the exception of true freshman Adam Randle.

The Tigers defense is expected to be one of the most elite groups in the nation and they begin the season mostly healthy with the exception of defensive end Xavier Thomas.

A deep and talented front four is backed by a linebacking crew that is expected to be faster and more athletic than previous versions.

The backend lost a couple of players to the NFL, but is also deep and talented, though lacking the experience of some of the other groups.

Clemson football and Georgia Tech conclude week 1 of the college football season at 8 p.m. EST in Atlanta

Veteran kicker B.T. Potter will handle the place kicks and kick offs and Aidan Swanson has been tapped as the punter.

It’s believed that true freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik will see playing time for Clemson, pending game situation, as the Tigers prepare Klubnik for the backup role to Uiagalelei.

I expect a simplistic game plan from the Tigers who have a quick turnaround to their second game on Saturday against Furman.  Look for heavy doses or the running game and short passes to help Uiagalelei’s confidence early.