Kirk Herbstreit details how Georgia can beat Clemson

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit spoke via teleconference Wednesday about the key things Georgia needs to do in order to beat Clemson when they play on Sep. 4. Herbstreit’s concerns include Georgia’s offensive line and the Bulldogs’ ability to stop the run against the Tigers.

Kirk Herbstreit on Georgia beating Clemson

During an ESPN teleconference on Wednesday, Herbstreit was asked about the difference Georgia quarterback JT Daniels makes for his team and how it would affect their defensive game plan.

“They went from averaging 29 points per game to 37 points per game,” Herbstreit explained. “So it was a significant jump when Daniels went into the game those last four games. And I think that gave an indicator of what’s to come in Todd Monken’s offense.”

Herbstreit believes the proof is already there about how Daniels increases their offensive output. But last year’s numbers aren’t the only thing he used to make his predictions about Georgia.

“I’ve heard Kirby [Smart] talk about it: how good are they around [Daniels] will tell you how good JT Daniels is going to be. But I really believe that having a second year in the system [under] Todd Monken and having a somewhat normal offseason is going to allow these guys to take a pretty good jump.”

Despite the reasons to be optimistic, Georgia still has a big question surrounding their offensive line as they prepare for Clemson on Saturday. Clemson’s defensive line is one of the best in the nation and Georgia has an offensive line currently dealing with injuries and personnel questions.

“I will say this,” Herbstreit explained. “How about a tough start? You’ve got an offensive line with some injuries, a (question at) center, and here comes Clemson and Clemson’s front four is back to being what Clemson’s front four normally is. That’ll be an interesting challenge to me, the line of scrimmage for Georgia’s offensive line against one of the best defensive lines in the country.

Georgia’s defensive focus

With an increased output on offense, the Bulldogs should have more room for error on the defensive end. But Herbstreit’s concerns fall on Georgia being able to stop Clemson from running the ball. By forcing the Tigers into passing situations, they open up the opportunity for turnovers and big plays.

“And as far as Georgia’s defense, they’ve got to be themselves, which is tough to run on,” Herbstreit continued. “[Georgia is] always one of the toughest to run on in the country. If that plays out in this game and you make Clemson one-dimensional, that’s a huge advantage for Georgia’s defense.

“Now the concern I have looking at this game without being able to study a lot of film is the corner play. There’s not a lot of depth in Georgia’s defense on the backend, they’re breaking in a lot of new people, especially at corner. Ironically, Derion Kendrick, who played a lot – wasn’t just on Clemson’s roster. He was a starter, played a ton. He’s starting at corner against his boys on the other side. I think that’s a game within the game at a position that looks like a concern for Georgia.”

Beating Clemson is not as simple as just stating your game plan, but Herbstreit’s blueprint is easy enough to follow. Trust your offense to score and force Clemson to pass. By doing the basics, Georgia will push themselves into a great position in national rankings after Saturday.

“So stop the run first, try to get [D.J.] Uiagalelei into passing downs and then mix up those coverages as much as you can to try and create hesitation and doubt, and hope you get turnovers. To me, that’s going to be the key to the game for Georgia.”