Clemson Football: 3 takeaways from Georgia defeat in Charlotte

1. Defense is not the issue for Clemson despite losing to Georgia

While Clemson left Bank of America Stadium with a loss, it is hard to blame their defense for the defeat. A unit that brought back more returning talent on defense than all but three FBS programs showed that they are as formidable as ever when Clemson’s opponents have the football.

Georgia might have walked away with the victory, but it was largely despite their offense rather than because of it. The first and only touchdown of the game came on Christopher Smith’s 74-yard interception return of D.J. Uiagalelei, as defense proved the defining characteristic of this contest. (A few hours after Penn State took down Wisconsin, it felt like the scenario was playing out all over again on an even bigger stage.)

Georgia managed the clock well, finishing the game with the advantage in time of possession. But the Bulldogs offense also finished with fewer than 300 total yards of offense and mustered only a field goal when they had the football. It was hardly the most inspiring performance to begin the season for JT Daniels and company.

Clemson will fall down the polls this week, but they shouldn’t fall too far thanks to the way their defense continued to prevent Georgia from running up the score further throughout Saturday night’s defeat.