020928 - ATHENS, GA -- UGA fan Mike Woods from Colbert, GA cheers on the Dawgs against New Mexico State Saturday, September 28, 2002 in Athens, GA. (BRANT SANDERLIN/AJC staff)
Granted, it was never going to be easy going up against No. 1 ranked national title favorite Georgia, but Clemson failed to muster almost any momentum in an ugly 34-3 loss in Saturday’s opener that has critics loud and legion around Dabo Swinney and his stance on the transfer portal.
Carson Beck was efficient against Clemson’s defense, going 23 of 33 passing for 278 yards and two touchdowns while Georgia’s backs posted a 6.3 yard per carry average and scored two more times. And that was without lead rusher Trevor Etienne, who was suspended for the game.
Cade Klubnik went 18 of 29 with no touchdowns and an interception as Clemson’s ground game had just 46 total yards against the Bulldogs’ suffocating front seven alignment, once again calling the state of the Tigers’ offense into question.
What is everyone saying about Clemson and Georgia after the big Week 1 game?
Georgia running back Trevor Etienne was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with a DUI and three other offenses, online records show.
Etienne, who is the younger brother of Jaguars star and former first-round NFL draft pick Travis Etienne, was booked at 4:35 a.m. and later released on nearly $1,900 bail, per the Athens-Clarke County jail.
He was also charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain lane/improper driving on the road, and affixing materials that reduce visibility of windows/windshield.
Georgia’s athletic policy reportedly dictates that student-athletes convicted of a DUI will be suspended for at least one game.
In the younger Etienne’s case, that would delay his Georgia debut because he transferred in December from SEC rival Florida, where he accounted for 2,421 yards and 15 touchdowns following in his older brother’s footsteps.
Etienne’s DUI charge was noted as “less safe,” which means he can be convicted even if his blood alcohol level is less than .08 under Georgia state law, per ESPN.
“We are aware of the charges and are currently in the process of gathering additional information,” Steven Drummond, Georgia executive associate athletic director for strategic communications, said in a statement to reporters. “This is a pending legal matter and we will not have further comment at this time.”
