CLEMSON — While one game alone doesn’t define a season, Clemson’s 2021 and 2024 clashes with Georgia frame a period of frustration for the team.
For senior Barrett Carter, these games encompass his entire collegiate career.
Carter, a preseason All-American, was a freshman linebacker participating in the kickoff of the 2021 season opener against Georgia. At that time, he had just joined a Clemson team that had recently enjoyed six consecutive playoff appearances and two national championships.
In that game, future first-round NFL draft picks Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith overwhelmed and sacked DJ Uiagalelei in a 10-3 victory. Georgia’s defense seemed to dismantle Clemson’s offense, which is still struggling to recover.
After seven losses over six CFP seasons, the Tigers experienced 10 defeats in just three seasons with no playoff appearances. In contrast, the Bulldogs have been securing back-to-back national championships and have lost only two games in three years.
Barrett Carter, hailing from Suwanee, Ga., has witnessed Clemson’s perceived decline and Georgia’s ascension. While he avoided giving his Bulldog friends any extra motivation, his response to questions about his 2024 aspirations highlighted the challenges of the past three years.
“I’m tired of the disrespect and all the negativity,” Carter said. “We just want to demonstrate what we know we’re capable of as a team. We’re ready to prove it.”
With the Aug. 31 season opener against the preseason No. 1 Bulldogs just around the corner, the No. 14 Tigers are on the verge of challenging the prevailing narrative.
Experts anticipate Georgia, with its impressive talent, to continue its dominance.
Meanwhile, there are doubts about whether Clemson, currently struggling, can regain its previous form.
This preseason, Clemson players have approached their upcoming matchup with Georgia in various ways. Some have emphasized that their preparation remains the same regardless of the opponent, while others have leaned into the familiar notion of competing against themselves.
Occasionally, there’s been a more assertive acknowledgment of their situation.
“We definitely have a chip on our shoulder, coming in as the underdog,” said redshirt sophomore tight end Josh Sapp. “That’s something we embrace here at Clemson.”
This sentiment harks back to when coach Dabo Swinney fondly referred to “little ole Clemson.” Despite his trophy-laden success and high-ranking recruiting classes, that underdog spirit remains a part of Clemson’s identity.
The performance over the past three seasons might overshadow the fact that this year’s senior class was part of Clemson’s 2021 recruiting class, which was ranked as the No. 5 class in the nation by 247Sports’ composite ranking.
Georgia had the No. 3 recruiting class that year.
“We’re not the underdog. We’re just keeping a low profile for now,” said tight end Jake Briningstool, who was the top prospect at his position in 2021, even ahead of future Georgia star Brock Bowers. “We’ll be ready.”
Clemson will indeed need to be prepared for a formidable defense led by junior safety Maliki Starks, one of the nation’s top defensive backs, and an offense spearheaded by junior quarterback Carson Beck, who is considered among the best in the country.
Bowers, who was selected No. 13 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, was one of eight Bulldogs drafted in 2024, including six in the first three rounds. Georgia also added Florida running back Trevor Etienne—the younger brother of Clemson alum Travis—and athletic Stanford tight end Ben Yurosek, alongside 6-foot-5, 245-pound junior Oscar Delp.
Despite Georgia’s high level of talent, Swinney isn’t concerned about Clemson being ranked No. 14 in the preseason Associated Press poll.
The last time Clemson started outside the top 10 was in 2015, when they reached the national title game.
“There’s nothing wrong with being a preseason top 15 team,” Swinney said. “But that doesn’t matter. You can look at the preseason top 25 every year and see several teams that don’t even make it by the end of the season.”
Swinney emphasizes focusing on what they can control and dismisses external perceptions.
He does acknowledge historical context, noting that a preseason No. 1 team hasn’t lost in an opener since 1990.
“We all know this is a significant opener,” Swinney said, “but winning this game won’t give us a national championship trophy.”
While one game doesn’t define a season, it is a crucial start to what promises to be a significant year for players like Carter.
A season that could help silence the criticisms that have mounted since that 2021 opener against Georgia.
“Just ready to put Clemson back on top,” Carter said. “We have to take it week by week, day by day. Can’t look too far ahead. But that’s the ultimate goal.
“To be back on top of the mountain.”
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