Week 1 of college football has come and gone, and with it, so have any questions about Clemson’s supposedly revamped offense. Both teams entered Mercedes-Benz Stadium ranked in the top 15 in the nation, but only one acted like it.
This rivalry, however, runs much deeper than a single game or even a single season; its roots trace back to 1897. Separated by just 70 miles, the two southern powerhouses have produced some of the best teams in college football history, creating many memorable matchups along the way.
1981: Championship Catalyst
Rewinding to the 1981 season, Georgia was ranked fourth in the nation, fresh off an undefeated national championship season and holding on to a 15-game winning streak. In its way stood Clemson, unranked with nothing to lose, yet an opportunity to prove to the country it had arrived. The Tigers rose to the occasion, dominating Herschel Walker and Georgia’s explosive offense, forcing nine turnovers on their way to a 13-3 win, the highest-ranked team ever defeated in Death Valley’s history at the time.
With the win in 1981, Clemson sparked one of the most storied seasons of all time, finishing the year a perfect 12-0 while winning their first national championship.
1986: Redemption in Athens
Five years after standing alone at the top of the college football world, Clemson was eager to reclaim its dominance. Georgia had gotten the best of the Tigers each year since then and was favored once again. The two teams exchanged touchdowns, duking it out until late in the fourth quarter, with a 28-28 game on the line. In what looked like a game-clinching drive, Georgia was in the red zone with just a few minutes left before Clemson flipped the script.
The Tigers forced a critical fumble, stopping a seemingly inevitable Georgia score. Clemson then orchestrated a winning drive of its own, sealed by a 46-yard field goal from David Treadwell as time expired.
2013: Return to Glory
With the rivalry becoming intermittent following the 1987 season, the teams hadn’t seen each other as frequently in the last few decades; however, that didn’t take away from the legendary matchups, such as in 2013.
It was one of the season’s most eagerly awaited games: both teams’ season opener, a top 10 matchup and featured on ESPN’s College Gameday. While many felt Clemson stepped into the game as an underdog, the 80,000 fans roared as loud as ever under the lights of Death Valley.
The game lived up to the hype and more, staying tight throughout. As the third quarter came to a close, Clemson led 31-28, with Georgia poised to tie the game with a chip-shot field goal. A botched snap turned the tide, giving Tajh Boyd and the Tigers offense momentum to go up by 10. Clemson was able to carry its lead to the finish line, winning 38-35.
The win would be a defining moment for the Clemson program, propelling them over the hump and into the realm of premier college football teams, setting the tone for what would continue over the next few seasons and into today.
The games between Clemson and Georgia have always represented more than football; they battle for pride, honor and supremacy. The games have played a crucial role in shaping the legacy of Clemson football, and this year’s matchup was no exception.
