The No. 8 Clemson Tigers topped the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs in an exciting, close game that lived up to the two team's top-ten rankings. The Tigers won 38-35 at home, putting themselves in the early discussion for the national title hunt. It was Clemson's first victory over Georgia since 1990.
Georgia vs. Clemson 2013 final score: Tigers hold on for huge home win
Clemson came through with a huge win on Saturday night.
Three touchdowns were scored in a period of 31 seconds in the first quarter, starting with a four-yard touchdown run by Tajh Boyd with 9:29 left in the period. On the next play from scrimmage, Todd Gurley ran 75 yards for a Georgia touchdown. On the next play from scrimmage, Boyd found Sammy Watkins for a 77-yard score. A few minutes later, Keith Marshall ran four yards for a score, evening up the score at 14-14 after a wild first quarter.
The Bulldogs took their first lead in the second quarter on a one-yard run from Quayvon Hicks, but Clemson brought it right back later in the period with a two-yard Boyd run. The teams traded touchdowns again in the third quarter, but Clemson was able to connect on a field goal while Georgia was not, giving the Tigers a 31-28 lead heading into the fourth.
With around 12 minutes left in the game, Clemson drove twelve plays for 87 yards, and took advantage with a nine-yard touchdown to Stanton Seckinger to make it a two-possession game for the first time all night.
After the two teams traded punts, Aaron Murray was able to punch in a touchdown from one yard out with 1:19 left, cutting the lead to three. The ensuing onside kick was unsuccessful, sealing the Clemson victory.
Box Score Hero: Todd Gurley. The Georgia running back ran 12 times for 154 yards and two scores.
Rankings Ramifications: Clemson will almost certainly rise above Georgia, and may go up a few spots. The Bulldogs will likely fall out of the top ten, even though the loss was against a top-ten opponent on the road.
But Did They Cover? Clemson was a two-point underdog, so yes.
For More On This Game: For Georgia’s reaction, check out Dawg Sports. For the Clemson side of things, be sure to head to Shakin the Southland.
Next Week’s Schedule: Next week, Georgia faces South Carolina at home for their conference opener. Clemson takes on FCS opponent South Carolina State at home.
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