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Clemson football gets nice warm-up to start 2019 vs. Georgia Tech

By Shelbie Warr

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers passes against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers passes against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football is back and the reigning national champ is opening the season within the ACC, hosting Georgia Tech. Here’s all you need to know.

The Clemson Tigers are back and ready to defend their national title in 2019.

For them, it all starts with hosting Georgia Tech as they begin the trek back to the College Football Playoff. This will be the first game on the ACC Network and what a way to start than with these two teams.

Clemson is rebuilding its defense and the Yellow Jackets are simply trying to figure out what kind of team they will be this season. They finished 7-6 in 2018 and were up and down all year, unable to settle down and put together a fully successful season.

On the flip side, Clemson went undefeated and handed Alabama an unexpected blowout loss for the national title.

So, with all that being said, it seems like this should be an easy win for Clemson, right? Here’s how you can catch the matchup.

Date: Thursday, Aug. 29
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Clemson, SC
Venue: Memorial Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of Bovada

Line: Clemson -36
Over/Under: 59

Keys to Victory

For Clemson, it starts with Trevor Lawrence. If he can get himself going, he buys his new defensive front time to adjust and be ready to fill the shoes of some of the best athletes Clemson has ever seen. Of course, it won’t surprise anyone that he will quickly get going and be able to put everything together to help his team to victory.

It will come down to their defense though. As Georgia Tech is figuring out their offensive identity, the Clemson unit has to be on their game to make sure that they aren’t taken off guard in any way. Don’t get overconfident, y’all — a five-touchdown win isn’t necessary here. Everyone knows you’re good, you just have to come out and execute.

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Prediction

This will be a win for Clemson and it really isn’t even a question. Yes, Georgia Tech has ACC level talent and all of that, but it just can’t compete with the defending national champions. This will be an extremely complete game in all aspects for the Tigers as they begin their surge toward the 2020 National Championship.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 7, Clemson 41

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