ATLANTA — Carson Beck threw for 278 yards, including two touchdowns, and league-leading Georgia opened a new season full of high expectations by beating 14th-ranked Clemson 34-3 on Saturday.

Leading only 6-0 at halftime, Georgia finally got its offense going in the third quarter with a pair of 75-yard touchdown drives, capped by Colbie Young’s 7-yard reception and Nate Frazier’s 1-yard run. Beck tackled a 40-yard TD pass to London Humphreys that sent the Clemson side of Mercedes-Benz Stadium to the exits.

Clemson was limited to 188 yards with Nolan Hauser hitting a 26-yard field goal.

The takeaway meal

Clemson: With a chance to re-establish themselves as one of the nation’s top programs, the Tigers showed they still have a lot of work to do after a four-loss season in 2023. The offense, in particular, was completely outclassed by the Bulldogs. Sure, Georgia always has one of the nation’s best defenses, but Clemson looked downright weak with the ball in their hands.

Georgia: The Bulldogs won impressively without their top two running backs, leaving the offense largely one-dimensional for much of the game. Florida transfer Trevor Etienne did not play while apparently serving a suspension stemming from a midseason arrest. Roderick Robinson was also sidelined after undergoing toe surgery.