5 reasons why Georgia could lose its season opener despite being ranked No. 1

The Georgia Bulldogs have an exciting season-opening matchup for 2024 on Saturday. The No. 1 Bulldogs face No. 14 Clemson on a neutral field at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Many have been quick to pick the Bulldogs, and for good reason. UGA has two national titles and only two losses in the last three seasons. But here are five reasons the Bulldogs could fall.

5 reasons why Georgia could lose its season opener against Clemson

Clemson QB Cade Klubnik could be key to an upset of Georgia. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1. Heavy is the head that wears the crown

Expectations can be a double-edged sword. It may not be coincidental that of the past three seasons, the only one in which Georgia didn't win the national title was the one where the Bulldogs were preseason No. 1. Georgia navigated expectations all through that season only to lose to Alabama in the SEC title game and fall out of the four-team playoff.

Of course, things are different now. A loss isn't fatal to playoff participation, certainly. UGA could definitely even afford two losses and possibly three, depending on the rest of the SEC. But one that that didn't change is the weight of expectations.

#2. The last season-opener with Clemson was a slog

Georgia opened the 2021 season with a game against a highly-ranked Clemson team. While UGA won the game, the 10-3 margin gives away the fact that it was something of a heavyweight battle. Clemson held Georgia to 15 first downs and 256 total yards that day. The only touchdown of the game came from the Dawgs' defense on a pick-six.

#3. Clemson isn't exactly a weak opponent.

Georgia tends to open seasons well, but many are sleeping on Clemson. Cabe Klubnik has a full season of starting under his belt, Phil Mafah is a dangerous power back and the Tigers' slate of linebackers and defensive backs can slow even the potent Bulldogs offense (although 15 first downs and 256 yards again might not be realistic). Clemson will give Georgia a battle.

#4. Georgia doesn't play many games against competitive teams.

Clemson is a 12-point underdog against Georgia. That sounds like the Bulldogs are highly favored, but in truth, that's one of the closer point spreads they have seen in recent years. Over even the last three powerful seasons, in games where Georgia is favored by as little as 12 points, the team is just 7-2, with two of the wins being one-score victories.

Admittedly, the back end of 7-2 doesn't sound like much hope, but of course, Georgia was 35-0 in its other games during that period.

#5. Georgia's receivers could be a weakness

It's often difficult to look through Georgia's roster and find a point of weakness. This season is no exception. Coach Kirby Smart has piled NFL talent high and deep. But maybe the wide receivers are a bit underwhelming.

Three of Georgia's top four receivers from last season are gone, and Dominic Lovett is really the sole productive returning standout. Rara Thomas and Colbie Young might be ready, but they also might struggle just enough to cost UGA early, particularly in light of Clemson's excellent secondary.

What do you think about the Bulldogs? Is there any shot at a 0-1 start? Weigh in below in our comments section!