Originally posted on 05/25/2013:

Georgia and Clemson should be the best game of the week.

Clemson didn't lose all that much to the draft this year, and did a good job of recruiting to compensate for those losses. Their biggest weakness last year was in pass defense and they pulled in nine defensive back in recruiting this year, including 5 star Mackensie Alexander. Of the other eight players, six of them stand at least 6'1", which is ultimately going to make Clemson a much tougher defensive team in 2013. Georgia lost a lot more in the draft, including several of their best defensive playmakers. They filled those empty spots with decent recruits, but they're not going to be as good this year on defense.

Clemson opened as a -2 favourite and the line has moved to -3.5. I think Clemson is the right side in this game, but the line will slide back down with SEC support taking Georgia +3.5. I'd be inclined to play Clemson at -2.5 or better. Clemson is just prime this year to be in the running for the NC, being a favourite to take the ACC, and a win against Georgia could set them up to be entering their final game against the Gamecocks with 10-11 wins and a top 8 ranking. Not to say Georgia won't be primed for this game as well, but the Bulldogs have more obstacles to face in replacing star players and the early season matchup presents a more difficult challenge for them than for the Tigers. Either way, this is probably going to be a game that features big offensive plays on both sides and a high score.